The aim of this study is to provide an analytical overview of the types of sports related projects and interventions used to support the social inclusion of migrants and to identify best practice in their design, implementation and measurement. The study used a literature review, stakeholder interviews and an analysis of the key strengths and success factors of relevant projects based on a typology.
The opportunities for sport to act as a tool for social inclusion have been well documented and across the Member States and within the context of European Union programmes such as Erasmus+, a wide range of projects and initiatives have been implemented.
In the context of the report the term “migrants” refers to those individuals who have moved to a different Member State and have settled there. Refugees (sometimes also referred to as newly arrived migrants), strictly speaking, are migrants too, but due to the more transient nature of their settlement are considered as a separate group. In light of the recent influx of refugees and the immediate need for support, a large amount of projects focussing on social inclusion and integration are now focussed on refugees meaning these types of projects are quite prevalent throughout this study.
The report begins situating the topic of sport and social inclusion within a very broadpolicy context. It is important to recognise that the nature of sport and social inclusion are located in a much more complex network of policies and initiatives than can be taken into account within the resources available for this study. A short literature review (section 2) provides insights into sport as a tool for social inclusion, the different classifications of projects as well as the literature around sport and the social inclusion of migrants/ refugees. The analytical section (section 4) of the report begins with an overview of the projects identified in the study as well as a brief descriptive analysis applying the analytical framework. Based on the literature review, stakeholder interviews and the project review, key success factors of projects are examined in more depth (section 5). The report concludes with a brief summary and a set of recommendations to consider (section 6).
(Text taken from introduction of report)