In June 2024, a group of youth workers from different countries gathered in Paola, Italy, to participate in the Erasmus+ project “Green Playgrounds: Promoting Inclusion and Environmental Awareness through Sports.” This international training offered a space where sports became much more than physical activity. It became a language for inclusion, respect, and change. The training explored how simple games could open minds, connect people, and teach values that are deeply needed in today’s world. The project combined environmental responsibility and social inclusion in an innovative way, connecting young people with European values such as diversity, solidarity, and community responsibility. A youth worker from Bulgaria, representing the NGO International Connection, was part of this inspiring experience.
In Bulgaria, the role of sports in youth work has traditionally focused on performance and competition. While local sports clubs and schools offer opportunities for young people to engage in physical activities, there is often little connection between sports and broader social or environmental issues. In some neighborhoods, especially those with more diverse populations or socio-economic challenges, inclusion remains a sensitive issue. Youth from minority backgrounds sometimes feel excluded, and environmental topics can feel distant from their everyday lives. Education about sustainability often stays within the walls of classrooms and rarely touches young people in ways that are practical or personal. Before the project in Paola, the team at International Connection had been searching for new ways to make learning about inclusion and the environment more alive and accessible to all youth, not only those who already felt part of society.
The training in Italy offered exactly that. From the first day, the sessions focused on using sports as a tool for breaking barriers. The youth worker from Bulgaria was surprised by how easily games could be adapted to create a safe and inclusive space. For example, one activity encouraged participants to design a team sport where no one could be left out. People had to think creatively, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or background, could participate and contribute. These activities helped highlight the connection between mutual respect, teamwork, and inclusion. It became clear that sports can reflect the kind of society we want to live in.
Another important part of the training was the focus on environmental awareness. Participants learned how to create sports sessions that carried messages about sustainability. Through physical movement, young people could explore topics like pollution, recycling, and protecting nature. One exercise involved running with different items to simulate the journey of waste across oceans and landfills. It was fun but also very educational. By using body movement and group interaction, even complex environmental challenges became easier to understand.
The international exchange of best practices brought even more ideas. Youth workers from Portugal and Finland shared how they used local football tournaments to talk about equality and climate action. Others talked about beach games that included cleaning the shore as part of the sport. The Bulgarian participant felt inspired by the simplicity and power of these activities. One key takeaway was that real learning happens when young people feel, move, and connect with others. That is when values are truly understood.
After returning home, the youth worker from International Connection initiated a project called “Step Forward Bulgaria.” The idea was to organize community sports events that combined inclusive games with environmental messages. The project started small, with weekly gatherings in a local park in Sofia. Each session included a warm-up game focused on teamwork and respect, followed by a main activity connected to an environmental theme. The sessions were open to all young people, and the organizers made sure to reach out to those who usually felt excluded, such as Roma youth, recent migrants, and children from low-income families.
What made the project special was the way it encouraged discussion after the games. Each session ended with a short circle where participants reflected on what they had learned or felt. This helped turn physical activities into moments of awareness and understanding. The youth leaders were trained to listen carefully and guide conversations without judgment. Slowly, the participants began to open up, share ideas, and think about their own roles in building a better community.
The impact of “Step Forward Bulgaria” was visible in many ways. First, the youth involved became more active in their neighborhoods. Some of them started small green actions, like organizing a local clean-up or planting flowers near their homes. Others became more confident in school or began to volunteer for youth-led activities. Teachers noticed positive changes in behavior and attitude. Families said that their children came home happier and more interested in helping others. The project also helped build bridges between different communities. Young people who had never spoken before became teammates. They laughed, played, and learned together, breaking down walls of fear and misunderstanding.
The project gained support from local authorities and schools, which helped it grow. The Sofia City Youth Department offered space and materials, and local teachers invited the organizers to run similar activities in schoolyards. A small online campaign was also launched, sharing photos and stories to inspire other youth workers across Bulgaria. The project showed that when inclusion and sustainability are approached with creativity and care, real change is possible.
The training in Paola had planted a seed. It reminded everyone that change can start with simple things—like a game, a smile, or a shared goal. The Bulgarian youth worker returned home not only with tools but also with new confidence and purpose. They now understood how much power young people have when they are given space to lead, express themselves, and connect their energy to important causes.
Looking ahead, International Connection plans to continue the “Step Forward Bulgaria” initiative and expand it to rural areas. They are also preparing a training manual in Bulgarian and English, so other youth organizations can use the same method. The long-term dream is to create a national network of inclusive sports leaders who use games to promote peace, care for the environment, and strengthen communities.
Young people today face many challenges, but they also hold incredible potential. When they move their bodies, speak their minds, and connect their hearts, they become powerful agents of change. Programs like “Green Playgrounds” and projects like “Step Forward Bulgaria” prove that inclusion and sustainability are not separate goals. They are deeply connected, and they grow stronger when supported by creativity, play, and collaboration. With the right tools and support, every playground can become a space for learning, healing, and growing together.