In June 2024, the Erasmus+ project “Green Playgrounds: Promoting Inclusion and Environmental Awareness through Sports” brought together youth workers from different parts of Europe for an enriching training in Paola, Italy. The program focused on how sports can be used as a powerful tool to promote both inclusion and environmental responsibility among young people. It connected physical activity with European values like respect, teamwork, equality, and environmental care. By doing so, it opened new pathways for creating more inclusive, healthy, and engaged communities. The Austrian NGO “be up – build empowerment, unify people” participated with the hope of gaining fresh ideas to support youth from diverse backgrounds and address environmental challenges in their local context.
Before this training, Austria had been facing social and environmental issues that affected young people across regions. In urban areas, some youth from migrant families or low-income backgrounds often felt excluded from public activities, especially in sports. They lacked access to affordable programs, and cultural differences sometimes created invisible barriers. On the environmental side, while Austria is known for its nature and cleanliness, awareness about sustainability was not equally spread among all youth. In neighborhoods with fewer resources, there were fewer initiatives focused on eco-education or green activities. Youth workers at “be up” had already been exploring how to combine inclusion and sustainability, but they needed new methods and inspiration. The Erasmus+ project seemed like the perfect opportunity to grow both knowledge and motivation.
The week in Paola was full of discoveries. From the first day, it became clear that this was not just about physical sports or fitness. The activities were designed to combine movement with important values and messages. One session invited participants to create inclusive sports games that did not focus on competition, but on cooperation. This helped break stereotypes about who can or cannot be “good” at sports. Another highlight was learning how to integrate environmental themes into physical activities. For example, games were developed where participants had to “rescue” recyclable items while running relay races, or answer eco-questions while completing physical challenges. These playful approaches showed that learning can be active and fun.
The international group added even more value. Youth workers from Spain shared how they use football in parks to bring together newcomers and local youth. A team from Finland showed their model of using forest walks and outdoor games to teach about climate change and biodiversity. Each story brought a new perspective. What made the training even more powerful was the space it gave to reflect on values like equality, solidarity, and active citizenship. Through workshops and group discussions, participants explored how these values could be turned into real actions in their local communities. The hosting team also shared best practices from Italian youth programs, including how small towns organized inclusive eco-sport festivals using very limited resources.
Returning to Austria, the team from “be up” was full of energy and ideas. They decided to start a new local project called “Sport & Earth: Play with Purpose.” The idea was simple but strong: create weekly sports sessions in public parks where inclusion and environmental learning go hand in hand. The team chose two areas in Vienna where many young people from diverse backgrounds lived. They reached out to local schools, community centers, and families to invite participants. Every session was built around a theme. One week, they focused on respect and created mixed teams with different cultural backgrounds. Another week, the topic was waste reduction, and games included tasks where participants learned about sorting and recycling.
The sports were designed to be inclusive. There was no need for special skills or equipment. Everyone could join, no matter their age, ability, or fitness level. This was a direct reflection of what was learned in Paola: inclusion means removing barriers and adapting the space for everyone. Environmental messages were shared in creative ways. After each game, there was a small reflection circle where participants talked about what they learned and how it connects to their everyday lives. Sometimes local environmental activists were invited to speak, or young people were encouraged to share their ideas for community improvement.
The impact was visible in many ways. Young people who had never played together before began forming friendships. Some of them started bringing their siblings or friends. They felt seen, respected, and safe. Their awareness about environmental issues also grew. They began suggesting clean-up events and even started using public transport more instead of cars. Some of the youth involved asked to help run the sessions, slowly growing into leadership roles. Teachers and social workers in the area noticed a positive change in attitudes, especially in cooperation and participation.
Beyond the youth, local community members started noticing the sessions too. Parents and neighbors began to show interest, and soon the project created an intergenerational event where everyone could join. This helped reduce stereotypes and build trust among different groups in the community. Local schools invited “be up” to give workshops on using sports as a tool for civic education and sustainability. These small waves turned into a local movement. Through visibility on social media and local news, more organizations began contacting “be up” to learn how they could adopt similar models.
The Erasmus+ training in Paola gave more than new tools—it changed the mindset of the youth workers involved. It showed that sports are not only games. They are platforms for learning, inclusion, creativity, and environmental action. It also showed that Europe is full of people who care and are willing to work together for a better future. This gave strength to continue even when challenges came.
Now, “be up” plans to continue “Sport & Earth” throughout the year and develop a toolkit based on their experiences. They are also planning to apply for a follow-up Erasmus+ project with some of the organizations they met in Italy. The long-term dream is to build a network of youth leaders across Europe who use sports not only to compete, but to connect, educate, and empower.
Looking ahead, there is great hope. The youth of today are full of energy, ideas, and care for their world. They need spaces where they can express themselves, learn, and be part of something meaningful. When those spaces are built with care, like “Green Playgrounds” in Italy or “Sport & Earth” in Austria, they can create real change. Inclusion and sustainability are not separate topics. They are deeply connected. A strong, united, and aware community can care for both its people and its planet. Through teamwork, respect, and shared goals, a better future can be played into existence—one game, one action, one young person at a time.