Young people growing up in poverty take part in sports less often each week, are less likely to be members of sports clubs and are more likely never to have participated in organised sports activities than children from more affluent families. Almost all municipalities have a poverty scheme for these young people to enable them to take part in sports and physical activities. But to what extent do these municipalities have a complete picture of this group of young people? And if they do, why do these young people not apply for support through the poverty schemes?
Research shows that a financially difficult situation plays a role, but psychosocial and environmental factors also have an influence. For example, think of the fear of being excluded from the group because the home situation of young people growing up in poverty differs from that of potential teammates.
The Knowledge Centre and Labyrinth believe it is important that the study is conducted with young people rather than about them. That is why they have started a recruitment campaign aimed at parents and young people. Qualitative interviews will then be conducted with young people throughout the country. Together with the young people, the results of the interviews will subsequently be interpreted in focus group discussions, and tips and recommendations will be formulated for policy and implementation. The results of this study should encourage municipalities to support all young people growing up in poverty in taking part in sports and physical activities. This is in line with the political ambitions regarding child poverty.
At the beginning of December 2020, the Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity will share the results of the study with policymakers and professionals working in welfare and sport, together with Labyrinth.
For more information about the study, watch this video.