Elevate Youth through Youth Leadership and Inclusion: from ideas to actions!
Participants took part in interactive workshops, group discussions and collaborative activities designed to strengthen their understanding of youth participation and inclusion, and reinforce their role in shaping the future of sport. The activity also provided a space for exchanging experiences, learning from different European contexts and building connections with sport stakeholders.
Exploring meaningful youth participation
The programme opened with an introduction to ENGSO Youth, the objectives of the training course and participants’ expectations. Participants explored the work of the Council of Europe and the European Youth Foundation, focusing on youth participation and the human rights-based approach.
The first day concluded with the participation ladder of Roger Hart, where the participants were encouraged to reflect on what meaningful youth participation looks like in practice. Through this discussion, they examined how young people can move beyond simply being informed or consulted and become actively involved in decision-making processes within sport organisations and the society in general.
The sessions also explored the connection between youth participation, inclusion and human rights education through sport, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for young people to contribute to decisions that affect them.
Turning ideas into actions
A central element of the activity was the collaborative work on developing an elevator pitch and advocacy campaign focused on youth leadership and participation. Working in groups, participants explored how to reach and include young people from vulnerable backgrounds, identified relevant stakeholders and discussed how advocacy ideas could be translated into practical action.
Through brainstorming, campaign design and group work, participants developed ideas around support mechanisms for young leaders and ways to strengthen the involvement of young people in organisational processes. The programme also focused on the follow up activities, encouraging participants to consider how their ideas could be implemented beyond the activity itself, in their organisations and local realities.
Connecting inclusion, equality and sport governance
The activity addressed broader youth sport questions concerning equality and inclusion in sport. Participants joined sessions exploring women’s experiences in sport, how gender and age considerations might impact participation, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based youth participation in sport governance.
Further discussions focused on sport as a tool for unity, resilience and empowerment, as well as the contribution of inclusive volunteers to sporting communities. These sessions encouraged participants to consider the different barriers people may face when accessing and participating in sport, and the importance of involving diverse voices in developing solutions for youth participation and inclusion in sport across different processes.
By connecting youth participation with inclusion and sport governance, the programme highlighted the need for sport organisations to create environments where young people can contribute meaningfully, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
Learning, sharing and looking ahead
Beyond the formal sessions, the programme offered opportunities for informal learning, networking and intercultural exchange. Participants took part in active mobility sessions, a city walk and a cultural evening, creating space for intercultural learning.
The final day focused on learning through sharing and reflecting on participants’ youth leadership journeys.
By bringing together 30 young people from across Europe, “Elevate Youth through Youth Leadership and Inclusion” created an opportunity to strengthen young people’s knowledge, exchange ideas and develop practical approaches to more inclusive and participatory sport environments.
The activity reaffirmed the importance of giving young people meaningful opportunities to influence decisions, take leadership roles and contribute to the development of sport organisations and communities. Empowering young people is not only about preparing them to become future leaders; it is also about recognising their potential to shape sport today.