This report, commissioned by the DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture of the European Commission, was delivered by the ECORYS consultancy based in Rotterdam.[1]
Based on a short literature review and some stakeholder interviews (including Maxime Leblanc from Sport and Citizenship), the report assesses 63 projects and interventions carried out between 2008 and 2016 that aimed at the social inclusion of migrants, with a strong focus on the link between sport and employability (educational and vocational training, personal and social development, or volunteering capacity building in sport).
The report (30 pages + 60 pages of project descriptions) identifies a range of “success factors” in the implementation of sports-related projects. These are:
- A positive societal context – strong political support for initiatives, open-minded population, general positive climate and public opinion.
- The creation of ownership – engaging the target group(s) in the design and implementation of the programme (à empowerment).
- Opportunities for cultural exchange – engagement with locals in a safe and regulated place; breaking down prejudice and establishing social contacts.
- The development of pathways – introducing and qualifying migrants to coaching and administrative functions in clubs, thus producing role models and mediators.
- Sustainable funding structures – diversification of funding streams in teaming up with other actors (church and community organisations).
- The enhancement of cultural sensitivity – support and capacity building for intercultural skills and know-how for coaches; cultural integration guides or classes for migrants.
- The build-up of administrative capability – capacity-building for volunteers and simplification of funding applications.
- The transferability of projects – careful assessment of contextual factors before adapting good practices in a different environment; capacity-building in monitoring and evaluation.