Suggested Homework & Tasks

Before you start developing activities to reach the hard-to-reach, we suggest that you reflect on your practice and consider how it can be more inclusive.

🔹 Are you aware of your barriers? List all potential barriers you can think of. 

Remember that it’s not enough to say you are open to everyone; you need to identify and remove barriers preventing interested people from participating. For example, if your activity is conducted in an indoor sports hall, will your participants be able to join in if they don’t have the right shoes? As highlighted in the WHO Global status report on physical activity 2022, “Promoting physical activity in all key settings can provide inclusive, accessible and affordable opportunities for people to be more active in the places they live, work and play.”

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🔹 Do you have room to focus on fun rather than competition in some of your activities to help create a sense of belonging and safe space?

When developing a suitable sport activity for socially disadvantaged groups, all stakeholders agree that the activity has to focus on fun and play. Group dynamics and personal wellbeing are more important than technical or tactical skills and competition. The entry level has to be wide and low to include people who are beginners, experience physical or cultural barriers to participating, or are simply motivated by the social benefits of playing rather than competing or winning.

Have you ever asked people what makes them feel welcome? 

Do you have an appreciative and welcoming approach? Do you greet everyone when they arrive and thank them for the game or for joining in at the end of the session? How often do you compliment each other and celebrate progress?

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🔹 How do you ensure you really give them a voice?

Before creating the activity: Are you familiar with the technique of focus groups? If not, you can go back to Topic 3 of this module, as we have a bonus for you.

During the activity: How do you ensure your participants have opportunities to take ownership?  For example, you could enable them to get involved in coordinating the activity by dividing tasks and responsibilities among those who are keen to contribute.

After the activity: Do you provide opportunity for participants to provide feedback? For example, can you make it fun and mindful of potential language barriers? 

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A list of additional resources

Should you want to dig further, we have come up with a carefully curated sample of communication tools and guidance for exercises.

Name of the resource	What to expect/find	Why it’s useful
Implementation guide for integration of refugees through sport🔗	This implementation guide is designed to introduce you to the topic of Integrating Refugees Through Sport by looking at the relevant theory that is the foundation for the area, the present situation – specifically in Europe, as well as the challenges and barriers that NGOs, sports clubs and other organisations or individuals often face when implementing or running an IRTS.	Looking at the issue from the perspective of those involved: the refugees Exploring real-life barriers and challenges Examining potential solutions
MOVE Handbook: A tool for promoting physical activity in socially disadvantaged groups🔗	This handbook provides background information and key concepts for those involved in the design and delivery of initiatives focussing on Socially Disadvantaged Groups by using physical activity as the main means of intervention.	Based on learnings from good practices Offer an evidence-based framework to develop your initiative
Coaching refugees and vulnerable groups🔗	An online training module where you will learn how to ensure that vulnerable groups feel truly welcome.	Short (20 min) Actionable learnings Tips from experienced coaches
MOVE Beyond Podcast, Episode 1 with Save the Children and RF-SISU from Sweden🔗	In this podcast, you will learn how to actively promote collaboration with refugees when developing activities. You will also receive tips on how to provide a positive and safe environment for socially disadvantaged groups.	Tips from experts