1. Introduction
BEYOND HORIZONS
The purpose of this project is to share and promote good practices on the topic of inclusion and outdoor sports for young people at risk of marginalization: school dropouts, living in priority education areas, isolated rural areas, or migrants, in the post-covid context. The aim of the three-year project is to achieve a higher-performing practices and a more inclusive culture in the outdoor sports sector
Some groups facing social inclusion are often less physically active than other groups, they are also less often in contact with nature. This is particularly true for children and adolescents (girls and boys) exposed to marginalization. Professionals and volunteers working with these groups do not yet have a space for sharing knowledge and experiences at the European level. Knowledge on the subject is fragmented and sectorized or restricted to a given geographical or cultural areas.
There is wealth of good practices among Outdoor sports organisations. Stakeholders in the field of Outdoor sports are aware of the issues of integration and inclusion for society and of the role they can play in this matter, because of their specific characteristics, their adaptability and the benefits they induce. It was however observed, during the ENOS inclusive outdoors webinar in June 2021 that the available knowledge is fragmented and sectorized or restricted to a given geographical or cultural area. Outdoor sports organisations, education professionals and volunteers engaging with these groups would benefit shared space for knowledge exchange at the European level.
In Europe, one in three people do less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week, while one in six deaths is caused by inactivity. Young people from minorities facing exclusion are particularly at risk. Outdoor sports offer a wide range of opportunities for individuals of all ages, social or economic backgrounds and abilities; they have few limits to participation and are ideal for providing lifelong physical activity. At the same time, these activities can be difficult to access because of geographical, technical, and often social barriers This project aims try to explore how to overcome some of these barriers, especially in the context of marginalized youth.
2. Scope and objectives
This document specifies the scope the desktop research element of Work Package 2 in the Beyond Horizons project and details the research findings. The aim of the desktop research is to identify the barriers and issues in partners’ own countries/sectors for disadvantaged young people to participate in outdoor sports and any associated good practice and solutions. The desktop research was broken down into 3 steps
Step 1: Website Review of Federations and Governing Bodies
The initial step involves a review of websites belonging to federations and governing bodies to gather useful information on the barriers and solutions to engaging youths in outdoor sports. The sports and activities to be covered in this research include:
1. Adventure racing
2. Canyoning
3. Caving
4. Cycling (including MTB and E-bike)
5. Dog sledding
6. Hang gliding / Paragliding
7. Hiking
8. Mountaineering
9. Orienteering
10. Snow sports
Step 2: Review on Youth Organisations
This step focussed on youth organisations, education centres and other organisations that support youth engagement. It involved reviewing websites of clubs, education authorities or other organisations in the partner countries. It also involved conversations (face to face, online or by telephone) with organisations known by the partner to be delivering programmes for disadvantaged young people.
Step 3: Research for Other EU and Non-EU Countries
This step involved partners having to complete this research for another EU country and one other non-EU country.
This report will detail the findings from Step 1 and 2 above. A second report has been developed for Step 3
3. Research limitations
During this desktop research, several limitations were identified that impacted the findings from the partners. One major limitation is the lack of a unified structure across countries. The outdoor sports and activities investigated are not uniformly structured under a single sport federation in all partner countries. Instead, these activities are often managed by a variety of organisations, sport clubs, and outdoor associations. In other cases, some of the activities in scope for this project, do not have a governing body in all countries.
The focus areas of many federations also presented a challenge in the research. National federations often concentrate primarily on regulation, safety, and competition arrangements rather than grassroots participation and inclusion initiatives. This misalignment in focus areas means that some of the federations' websites did not highlight relevant programs targeting youth and marginalized groups. Furthermore, local sport clubs, which are often members of these federations, are more directly involved in hands-on work with youth and inclusion. However, the sheer volume and geographical dispersion of these clubs make it impractical to conduct a thorough review across numerous countries and sports activities.
Additionally, the limited information available on some federations' websites further complicated the research. Some websites contain very sparse details about their youth engagement and inclusion efforts. This lack of online documentation does not necessarily indicate a lack of activity but rather reflects poor online documentation, making it difficult to gather and assess relevant data. The extent and quality of documentation vary widely among federations. Some may have robust internal programs that are not well-publicized online, leading to underreporting of successful initiatives.
Another significant limitation is the inconsistent presence on social media for some of these organisations. Not all of these bodies have active social media accounts, which hampers the ability to gather comprehensive details on programs and determine the target demographics for these
initiatives through social media analysis. Even among those with social media accounts, the level of detail and engagement varies widely. Some organisations provide extensive information, while others offer minimal insights, leading to an inconsistent data set.
Finally, the scope and depth of the research present inherent limitations. The time available for conducting this desktop research was limited, and comprehensive analysis was not feasible for this section of work.
4. Research Findings
As mentioned above, this report will detail the findings from the federations, governing bodies and youth organisations from partner countries.
There are 10 partners in the project, however some partners are located in the same country. In this instance, partners shared the review of work. The partner countries are the following:
Austria
Denmark
France
Ireland
Norway
Sweden
UK (ENOS completed research for the UK as they have experience in this country)
It is worth noting that one partner, KTH, did more detailed research on barriers and solutions which is embedded below in research findings.
Within the research template for partner countries, each partner looked at 9 different sections for each of the activities. These sections were:
1. Information on youth programmes
2. information on disadvantaged young people
3. Barriers detailed
4. Target Group
5. Solutions identified to barriers
6. Webpage on youths info
7. Info on social media for youths
8. Who do they target with social media
9. Rating
By determining the above, we were able to assess what information was available on line in relation to barriers and solutions to participation for youth and also deem if the sport was perceived as inclusive to youth by reviewing their information available and the imagery used on social media.
From the 10 partner organisations, 59 federations were identified for the 10 activities. These are shown in the chart below.
There were an additional 33 youth programmes identified that offered programmes to disadvantaged youths. These are broken out by activity listed below:
Out of the 59 federations and governing bodies reviewed, 38 provided information indicating that they deliver youth programs. Within this subset, 14 specifically mentioned initiatives targeting disadvantaged youth, and 23 had dedicated web pages for youth engagement. However, only 13 organisations explicitly stated that youths are a primary target group for their programs. The quality and comprehensiveness of the information varied significantly across these organisations. Many of them did not provide detailed descriptions of their programs and tended to focus primarily on competitive events.
Regarding social media presence, the findings were similarly varied. Of the 59 federations, only 16 included information about youth programs on their social media platforms. Furthermore, just 13 of these actively targeted youths or disadvantaged groups through their social media content, using appropriate imagery and information. The remaining federations predominantly featured content related to competitions, high-performance athletes, and adult participants, indicating a gap in youthfocused communication.
Federations Social Media
No. that targeted youths or disadvantaged on social media No. that had info on social media for youths
In the broader analysis outside of sporting federations, partners identified 33 organisations that delivered youth programs. Among these, 15 had dedicated web pages for youth-related information. Many of these programs were discovered through personal contacts or word-of-mouth rather than through online presence, indicating that not all programs are well-represented or promoted online. On social media, 12 of these programs provided information for youths, but only 5 used imagery and content specifically targeting youth or disadvantaged groups.
Youth Social Media
Other/multisport
No. that targeted youths or disadvantaged on social media No. that had info on social media for youths
Barriers
In the desktop research, partners identified if the sporting federations in their countries, that fall within the 10 activities in scope for this project, detailed any barriers for youth participation on their website. Twelve federations have documented various barriers which are categorised and listed below. While these barriers were not exclusively identified for youth, they encompass broader
challenges faced by individuals in engaging with outdoor sports. The primary barriers identified include:
Lack of Opportunities
The absence of targeted programs that cater to the needs of specific groups, such as individuals with disabilities, women, economically disadvantaged populations, or ethnic minorities. Programs that do exist often fail to address the unique challenges faced by these groups, limiting their ability to participate. It was also noted that the cost of equipment can exclude some people from disadvantaged areas or low income.
Lack of leaders
The limited number of qualified leaders and instructions was identified as a barrier. Having an adequate number of well trained leaders is crucial for ensuring safety, providing highquality experiences, maintaining program sustainability, fostering community, promoting accessibility, and effectively engaging youth and marginalized groups. For most youths, a functional advocate is needed who consistently and proactively helps them overcome logistical barriers (e.g., travel to sport sites, access to equipment) as well as emotional barriers (e.g., sense of hope, belief in self) in order to access a developmentally-focused sport environment.
Poor Infrastructure
Many regions lack the necessary facilities for outdoor sports. This includes designated areas, trails, or specialized equipment. For example, some organisations stated that many areas do not have safe, well-maintained trails for activities like hiking or adequate cycling lanes. Even when facilities are available, they are often in poor condition. For instance, unsafe roads or poorly maintained trails pose significant risks to cyclists and hikers. This lack of infrastructure discourages participation due to safety concerns and the lower quality of experience. The proximity of the neighbourhoods and activity location are also closely connected to motives for participating.
Risks and Hazards
Outdoor activities such as hiking and mountaineering inherently involve risks, especially in mountainous or remote areas. These risks can deter new participants to get involved in the activity especially when they are not trained or equipped to be in these environments.
Time Constraints
Outdoor sports, and mostly all sport, often require significant time commitments for travel, preparation, and participation. This is challenging for individuals balancing work, school, or family responsibilities. Long travel times to suitable locations further exacerbate this issue. For school age youths, it was also noted that short duration of school breaks was a barrier to being physically active during school hours
Discrimination and Inclusion Issues
It was declared by some organisations that certain outdoor sports are often perceived as exclusive to specific demographics (e.g., affluent, white populations) or not suitable for people with disabilities. This perception is reinforced by marketing and media representations, which can alienate those from diverse backgrounds.
Thirteen sporting federations have identified solutions to the barriers to participation in their respective sports on their websites. These solutions are categorized as follows:
Opportunities
Some federations have implemented "lend-to-buy" and kit loan schemes to provide necessary equipment for individuals from lower-income backgrounds. This allows participants to try the sport without the initial financial burden of purchasing equipment.
"Come Try" events have been specifically established for women and individuals with disabilities. These events create welcoming environments that encourage these groups to participate. Variety in experiences have also increased the number of youths participating.
Programs have been specifically designed and run in areas with high levels of disadvantage, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to those who might otherwise be excluded.
Federations have provided adaptive equipment for individuals with disabilities, enabling their participation in various sports activities.
Lack of Leaders
Training programs have been delivered to teachers, enabling them to support and deliver sports programs within schools. This addresses the shortage of qualified leaders by leveraging existing educational staff.
Infrastructure
Federations have become involved in campaigning groups to raise awareness and address issues related to the availability and quality of infrastructure in various areas.
Technology has been used to gamify urban areas for outdoor activities. This approach makes use of existing urban environments and transforms them into engaging, activity-friendly spaces.
Risk and Hazards
Activities are initially taught indoors before being transitioned to outdoor settings. This gradual approach helps participants develop necessary skills and build confidence, thereby easing safety concerns.
Participants are encouraged to take part in skills courses that educate them about potential hazards and how to mitigate them. This proactive education enhances safety and preparedness.
Inclusion
Federations have established comprehensive Diversity & Inclusion Action Plans. These plans include specific projects aimed at promoting inclusion by addressing barriers faced by young people, women, and ethnic minorities.
Federations have introduced projects that directly tackle inclusion barriers. These projects are designed to ensure that sports are accessible to a broader range of participants, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Sport Federations might have identified and implemented more solutions to barriers however the above is the listed found by researching their respective websites.
5. Conclusion
These findings highlight several critical issues in the promotion and accessibility of youth programs by federations and governing bodies. The disparity in the quality and detail of information available online suggests that many organisations might not prioritize detailed communication about their youth initiatives. This can lead to a lack of awareness and engagement among potential young participants, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may rely more heavily on online resources for information.
The limited social media engagement focused on youth further exacerbates this issue. Social media is a crucial platform for reaching younger demographics, yet the majority of federations and governing bodies appear to underutilize it for this purpose. Instead, their content often centers on high-level competitions and adult athletes, which may not resonate with or attract youth audiences or new participants.
Additionally, the reliance on personal contacts and word-of-mouth to identify many youth programs indicates a potential gap in formal documentation and online visibility. This can limit the accessibility of these programs to a broader audience who might benefit from them but are unaware of their existence.
To address these gaps, federations and governing bodies could benefit from enhancing their online presence with detailed and accessible information about youth programs. Emphasizing inclusivity and actively targeting disadvantaged groups through both website content and social media campaigns could improve engagement and participation. Developing a comprehensive communication strategy that prioritizes transparency and accessibility would be a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and active youth sports culture.
The barriers and solutions identified from this desktop research offer crucial insights that will support and inform the development of the toolkit for promoting inclusion in outdoor sports for youths. The research revealed significant obstacles such as lack of opportunities, poor infrastructure, risk and hazard concerns, time constraints, and issues related to discrimination and inclusion. Solutions implemented by various federations, such as equipment loan schemes, inclusive events, targeted programs, teacher training, advocacy for better infrastructure, progressive skill-building approaches, and comprehensive diversity and inclusion plans, have shown effectiveness in addressing these barriers. This contextual understanding underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to enhancing participation in outdoor sports.
By integrating the findings listed above into the toolkit, we can provide a robust resource that offers practical strategies, best practices, and actionable steps tailored to overcoming specific challenges. This toolkit will serve as a valuable guide for federations, local clubs, and other stakeholders, helping them to create more inclusive and accessible sports environments, ultimately fostering a culture of participation and engagement among marginalized youth.
Appendix 1
List of partners and their countries
Partner
European Network Of Outdoor Sports UK
Sport Ireland Ireland
Country
International Sport And Culture Association Denmark
Länsstyrelsen Västernorrland Sweden
Protect Our Winters Austria
En Passant Par La Montagne France
Creps Rhone-Alpes France
Nord- Troms Friluftsråd Norway
Cykelfrämjandet Sweden
Kungliga Tekniska Hoegskolan
*Detailed research into barriers and solutions
Appendix 2
Table of overall findings from Federations
Appendix 3
Table of overall findings from Youth Programmes