In June 2024, the Erasmus+ project “Green Playgrounds: Promoting Inclusion and Environmental Awareness through Sports” brought together youth workers from different parts of Europe to explore new ways of using sports as a tool for social change. Held in the welcoming town of Paola, Italy, this international training focused on how the universal language of sport can support young people in learning about inclusion, respect, and the environment. For a youth worker from Copernicus Berlin, this experience was more than just a training—it was the beginning of a powerful journey toward building stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities back in Germany.
Before attending the project, many communities in Germany were already facing social and environmental challenges. Although the country has strong policies for environmental protection and equality, many local neighborhoods still struggle with youth disengagement, rising pollution in public areas, and lack of inclusive sports programs. Young people from different cultural backgrounds or those with fewer opportunities often feel left out of community activities. In some districts, playgrounds and sports fields are not accessible to everyone. This situation makes it harder for youth to connect, feel included, or even be physically active in safe environments. Copernicus Berlin had already noticed these issues and wanted to explore new tools to reach young people, especially through active and participatory methods.
The experience in Paola opened a completely new perspective. From the first day, the training was filled with practical activities, energy, and exchange between people from many cultures. Instead of sitting in classrooms, participants were encouraged to learn by doing. One of the most eye-opening experiences was a group exercise that involved a team sports game with added environmental and social challenges. Each team had to cooperate to complete the activity, but they also had to face sudden “obstacles” representing pollution, exclusion, or unfair rules. This made everyone reflect on how youth from minority or underprivileged backgrounds often experience the same in real life. The lesson was powerful: sport can mirror society, but it can also help us change it.
Another highlight of the course was a local community visit where a youth sports club showed how they include people of all abilities and backgrounds in their weekend activities. This local club worked with children from migrant families and connected every training session with an environmental lesson, like waste sorting or tree planting. The simplicity of their approach and the happiness of the children participating left a deep impact on everyone. It became clear that environmental education does not have to be complex to be meaningful—it just needs to be connected with something young people love and understand.
Returning to Germany, the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin felt motivated to bring this learning to life. Together with colleagues and volunteers, a new program called “Sport for Earth & Everyone” was created. This initiative aimed to combine inclusive sports events with environmental education in Berlin's multicultural districts. The activities were designed for all young people, including those from refugee families, young people with disabilities, and others who usually face barriers in joining sports programs. One of the first steps was to organize small tournaments in local parks. The teams were formed randomly to mix different backgrounds and encourage teamwork. Each match was followed by a short group session where youth discussed a sustainability topic, like water conservation or reducing plastic use, often connected to what they saw in their own neighborhoods.
The program quickly gained attention. Local schools and community centers became interested in hosting the activities. Parents said their children were more excited to learn and more confident. One teacher reported that a quiet student, who usually stayed away from group work, became a leader during one of the eco-sports sessions. The inclusive and fun atmosphere gave space for young people to express themselves, feel valued, and grow.
Beyond education, the project had a positive environmental impact as well. During one event, youth participants cleaned a park while playing an adventure-based game. At the end of the day, the area was cleaner, and the players said they felt more responsible for their shared space. The young people also started sharing ideas with each other about reducing waste at school, using public transport more, and eating more sustainable food. Some participants even designed posters and flyers to promote green habits in their communities.
Through “Sport for Earth & Everyone,” Copernicus Berlin also began building partnerships with local authorities and organizations. These connections made it possible to access new sports spaces and funding to buy eco-friendly equipment. More importantly, these partnerships helped raise awareness among policymakers about the need for more inclusive and environmentally conscious programs in youth work. In meetings with city officials, the youth worker presented stories and data from the events, showing that combining sport and environmental learning is not only effective but also highly welcomed by the youth themselves.
The experience in Paola reminded everyone involved that change often begins with simple actions. A game on a sunny day, a group of young people planting a tree, or a conversation after playing together can lead to new ideas, stronger friendships, and better communities. When youth feel included, respected, and responsible for their environment, they grow into active citizens who want to make the world better. That is the core message that came back from the Erasmus+ training and now lives in every activity that Copernicus Berlin runs.
Looking to the future, the plan is to continue growing the “Sport for Earth & Everyone” initiative and to share the methodology with youth workers in other cities across Germany and Europe. The youth worker who once stood in a sports field in Paola now leads workshops to train others, passing on the tools, energy, and mindset learned during that important week. There is hope that through sport, even bigger bridges can be built—between cultures, between people and nature, and between today and a better tomorrow.
Youth have the potential to drive deep and lasting change. When they are given trust, guidance, and space to act, they show creativity, strength, and compassion. The Erasmus+ experience helped unlock that power. Today, in Berlin’s neighborhoods and parks, the laughter of children playing, learning, and growing together is a sign that the seeds planted in Paola continue to grow—and that the future is in good hands.