A new project funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme has been launched to promote inclusion and diversity in youth sports and tackle discrimination in the field. The INCLUDE project is a comprehensive program that involves research, direct action, and the development of learning resources to educate and support coaches, executives, and staff of sports academies working with young athletes (12-18 years old).
The project partners met in Athens, Greece for the kick-off meeting of the project held on the 14th – 15th of December 2022. It was an occasion to meet all in person and agree on the timeline.
The project aims to elevate youth academies’ officials, coaches, and support staff’s knowledge and understanding of the issues of diversity, integration, human rights, and bullying, as well as the forms of violence. The project will present sports professionals, coaches, and stakeholders in the field of youth sport with tactics and approaches to identify and address misdemeanant behaviors and incidents of discrimination and violence by or towards their young athletes. It will also raise awareness of discrimination in sports and its adverse effects on children as well as the need for action to promote social inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities in the field.
The INCLUDE project will work towards combating violence and tackling racism, discrimination, and intolerance in sports and promote integrity and values in sports by helping improve good governance in sports and promoting the positive values of sports.
Find out more in our 1st Newsletter!