STAY! Good Practices and Recommendations are Out!
Introduction
The STAY! project is proud to announce the release of the highly anticipated Good Practices and Recommendations Report! After months of collaboration, research, and pilot implementation across partner countries, we’ve compiled a comprehensive set of actionable insights designed to support sports organisations in retaining young people in sport. This report serves as a guide for sports clubs, federations, and policymakers aiming to combat youth dropout and encourage long-term participation in sport.
Main Body
The Good Practices and Recommendations report synthesises the key lessons learned from the STAY! project’s pilot actions. It highlights successful strategies that were tested in real-world settings, offering practical solutions for keeping youth engaged in sports, even beyond competitive play. The report focuses on several essential areas:
- Alternative Roles for Youth: Emphasising the importance of providing young athletes with non-competitive roles, such as volunteering, coaching assistance, event organising, and social media management. These roles not only keep young people involved but also help them develop essential life skills and build stronger connections to their sports communities.
- Mentorship and Peer Support: Highlighting the value of mentorship in preventing dropout, the report showcases how youth-led initiatives and peer mentorship can foster a supportive environment for young athletes.
- Inclusive and Supportive Environments: The report stresses the need for sports organisations to create environments that are welcoming and inclusive for all youth, regardless of their competitive status. It highlights the role of coaches and sports leaders in nurturing a sense of belonging and engagement among young participants.
- Collaboration and Community Engagement: Successful models for engaging local communities, schools, and external stakeholders in the project’s activities are discussed, providing a roadmap for broadening the project’s impact and ensuring its sustainability.
The STAY! Good Practices and Recommendations Report also outlines scalable strategies that can be adapted to different sports and contexts, ensuring that its insights can be applied across a wide range of sports organisations throughout Europe.
Conclusion
The Good Practices and Recommendations are now available for download and we encourage all stakeholders—sports organisations, clubs, policymakers, and coaches—to explore this valuable resource. By sharing the lessons learned from the STAY! project, we hope to inspire positive change and provide practical tools to help young athletes stay in sport for the long term. Together, we can create environments that nurture youth participation, foster personal growth, and build the future of sport.
Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to download the Good Practices and Recommendations Report from our website!
