Tag: EMCA

In conversation with Gabriela from Fondazione S.S. Lazio on why removing barriers matters more than ever.

What happens when sport is offered with no strings attached: free, inclusive, and open to all? That’s the question Fondazione S.S. Lazio set out to explore during their pilot within the STAY project. Their initiative offered students a full year of free sport, aiming to break down financial barriers and reimagine what access to physical activity can look like, especially for those most at risk of dropping out.

We spoke with Gabriela from Lazio about how this bold idea came to life, what they learned, and why it’s about more than just sport.

Why did you offer one year of free sport?

The idea was simple: no young person should miss out on sport just because of money. Especially during the school years, when habits are forming and confidence is growing, access to sport should be a right—not a privilege. We wanted to create a space where every student could participate freely, feel welcome, and enjoy moving their body without pressure or cost. At the same time, we used this opportunity to better understand what happens when you remove financial barriers—how it affects motivation, attendance, and overall experience.

How did you choose where to run the pilot?

We selected schools and communities based on several factors. We looked at areas where youth drop-out from sport seemed high or was already documented. We also worked with local stakeholders—clubs, teachers, youth workers—who were willing and able to support the project’s goals. Our aim was also to reflect a wide range of realities, so we included both urban and rural schools, different economic backgrounds, and different types of school settings.

What was most difficult to organise?

The hardest part was keeping teenagers engaged over time. At the start, most were excited to join, but keeping that energy going required strong relationships with coaches and the ability to adjust activities based on feedback. Another challenge was bringing together people from different sectors—teachers, coaches, youth workers—who don’t always work closely. That took time, trust, and a lot of coordination.

How did you identify students at risk of dropping out?

We combined several approaches. We asked teachers and coaches to observe behaviour, we ran school surveys, and we had individual conversations with students. Some signs were clear—missing sessions, showing little interest, or saying they didn’t feel comfortable in sport. We also worked with psychologists and youth workers to understand deeper reasons, like struggles with body image, problems at home, or lack of support from friends.

What surprised you most?

We expected sport to help with motivation and social inclusion, but we didn’t realise just how powerful it would be when the pressure of performance was taken away. Many students who had previously given up on sport started showing up regularly, smiling more, and even helping others. When sport feels safe, fun, and accessible, it becomes something they actually want to be part of—not something they feel forced to do.

Gabriela and the team at Fondazione S.S. Lazio showed what’s possible when you treat access to sport as a right, not a reward. By offering one year of free activity, they gave hundreds of young people a chance to reconnect with movement, build confidence, and feel part of something. Their experience proves that real inclusion starts by removing barriers—and that sometimes, the simplest ideas have the most lasting impact.

From refereeing to running events, the STAY project helped teens step into leadership—and stay in the game.

Keeping teenagers involved in sport isn’t just about training sessions and competitions. Sometimes, all it takes is the right opportunity to lead. That was the focus of TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s pilot within the STAY project. By giving young people clear roles, responsibilities, and ownership, the club created a culture where staying in sport could mean much more than playing.

We spoke with Natasha from TSV Bayer 04 about what made the biggest difference, what challenges they faced, and what advice they’d give to other clubs trying to do the same.

Which activity had the biggest impact?

Our Young Referee recruitment workshop in the fistball section stood out. It gave ten teenage girls their first chance to lead on the court. For many, it was their first time in an official role, and it sparked real enthusiasm. Other athletes even told us they found it inspiring, it helped them see that leadership doesn’t have to wait until later.

What was the biggest organisational challenge?

Organising our two major events—Kids Karneval and Come Together – fitness day—was a real test. Each event was big, complex, and required a lot of planning, but our volunteer base was limited. It wasn’t easy to cover everything at once.

What helped us succeed was breaking everything into small, clear tasks and making a precise schedule. Once everyone knew their role, things became manageable, and both events ran smoothly in the end.

What skills did young people gain?

They developed a real event management toolkit. That included how to plan timelines, assign tasks, manage a budget, and organise child-friendly activities. These are all valuable skills—not just for sport, but for life.

Did any participants rethink quitting sport because of their new role?

Yes. One story that stands out is Marie, who’s 17. She became a junior coach, and it completely changed her perspective. Now she wants to keep both playing and coaching while finishing school. She loves working with younger kids, and those kids now look up to her. She’s become a role model just by staying involved in a different way.

Are any roles continuing beyond the pilot?

Yes. One example is from our Social Media Workshop—the tutorial video created during the pilot is now used in onboarding for new volunteers. So every season, new teens are taking over the club’s social channels. It’s become part of the system.

Which activity got the most positive feedback?

Definitely Kids Karneval. Everyone loved it—the volunteers felt ownership, the logistics went smoothly, and families gave us great feedback. It was such a success that our volunteers have already said they want to help organise it again next year.

What advice would you give other clubs?

Don’t wait until the end to ask young people to “help out.” Give them real jobs from the start—co-coaching, refereeing, editing social media, helping with event planning. When they have clear responsibilities early on, they grow into confident leaders. And those visible role models will inspire others to stay involved too.

TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s STAY pilot shows that when young people are trusted with real responsibilities, they don’t just stay in sport—they thrive in it. With the right support, teens can lead, inspire, and help shape the future of their clubs. Thanks to Natasha and the team, this approach is now part

Some people find competition in sport. Others find community. And then there are those who discover a space for personal growth — both on the water and within the club’s leadership. One of them is Marin, a 20-year-old mathematics student and long-time member of the rowing section at HAŠK Mladost. Although balancing university and sports has become challenging, Marin has found a new way to stay involved in rowing, from a perspective that is transforming both him and the club.

Marin, can you briefly introduce yourself?

Hi! I’m Marin, I’m 20 years old and I study mathematics. I’ve been rowing for seven years and I really love the sports. Even though university has become quite demanding and it’s hard to manage everything, I still train six times a week, although not at the level I might wish for.

What made you decide to get involved in the club’s management?

When I realised I couldn’t attend training as often as before, I started looking for a way to remain part of the club. A year ago, I was elected to the club’s board, and since then I’ve been actively involved in its daily operations. It has become a very important part of my life.

What has this experience given you?

Much more than I expected. I’ve developed communication, organisational, and leadership skills that I couldn’t have gained just through training. Everything I’ve learned through this engagement will definitely help me in the future — both in sports and beyond.

What does sport, and rowing in particular, mean to you?

Sport fulfills me. Rowing has brought me many friends, people I spend time with every day and share experiences with. It makes me a more complete person. Training and being part of a team mean a lot to me — it’s part of my identity.

What have you learned through the STAY! project?

STAY! gave me the space to grow beyond just the competitive role. I realised how much you can learn through working within the club, not just on the water. This experience has given me greater confidence and a sense that I can contribute to the club on many different levels.

Do you see sport as part of your future?

Absolutely. I believe sport significantly improves the quality of life. I hope rowing remains my main sport and that I stay active — whether as an athlete or as someone supporting the club from within.

Marin’s story shows how important it is to give young people the opportunity to grow in sport — beyond just competing. Through the STAY! project, he has had the chance to develop as a leader, a community member, and as someone who sees sport not just as an activity, but as part of a lifelong journey.