Mapping of innovative practices in the EU to promote sport outside of traditional structures

Promoting sport outside traditional structures

The EC has published a new study, mapping innovative approaches to promote sport outside of traditional structures. People all over the EU are moving beyond traditional sporting environments like clubs and teams. The evolution in the adoption of sport is driven by the need for flexibility and other lifestyle motivations. The study mapped 27 initiatives (one for each EU Member State) that promote sport and physical activity, capturing a range of key innovations and presenting several successful projects.

Three key practices

Using a combination of interviews, literature reviews and desktop research, the study identified three key practices that drive innovation outside of traditional sporting structures including:

1. Providing novelty in active spaces and through the use of technology.
2. Overcoming barriers such as lack of motivation and infrastructure.
3. Creating added-value like social cohesion and activity tailoring.

Grassroots Initiatives

The report also provides policy recommendations to promote sport and physical activity even further. Sports bodies and public authorities seeking to promote non-traditional sports may find it useful to adopt

• needs and barriers analysis, as a key element to successful initiatives
• robust partnerships, including cross-sectoral and international
• innovation in active spaces, based on the concept of reusability and flexibility
• new technologies to support and benefit sport practices

Well-defined strategy

Overall, the study finds that innovative sport practices emerge with the implementation of a novelty element to overcome barriers. Done within a well-defined strategy, this approach creates value beyond the benefits of being physically active. The report concludes that “One size does not fit all” and a mix of factors connected to the community promotes sport practice for everybody.

Learn more

DG EAC, the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture the European Commission commissioned Ecorys to undertake this mapping study as part of the 2020 Preparatory Action on Grassroots Sport Programmes and Infrastructure Innovation.

• Follow the link to download the report (PDF) from the EU Bookstore: Mapping of innovative practices in the EU to promote sport outside of traditional structures