How can youth living in asylum seeker centers (AZCs) more easily join sports clubs? APH-researcher Leonie Klaufus tackled this question together with Dutch and AZC youth in the participatory action research project ‘Interactie’, supported by ZonMW and the APH HBCD Dissemination and Valorization grant. In this unique project, youth were involved as equal research partners throughout the entire process: from developing the research idea and applying for funding to writing the scientific article.

The project consisted of two phases. In the first phase, 24 interviews were conducted with young people, parents, sports club representatives, community sports coaches, and other stakeholders. The findings showed that while AZC youth are eager to participate in sports clubs outside the center to better integrate, miscommunication and lack of clear information often create barriers. In the second phase, a youth action team—composed of both AZC and Dutch youth—developed a poster and leaflet to inform AZC youth about how to join a sports club, including practical tips on trial sessions and Dutch cultural norms, such as the importance of punctuality.

“I was positively surprised by how willing the Dutch stakeholders were to participate in this research and to make sports clubs accessible to youth living in asylum seeker centers!”
Leonie Klaufus
Senior researcher

These materials have already been distributed in one AZC and are now available for other locations through a specially developed website. The website presents the main research findings in accessible language, including interactive stories and an infographic. It is intended for community sports coaches and organizations such as Save the Children who want to promote sports club participation among AZC youth.

Leonie Klaufus emphasizes the importance of working directly with young people: “Their ideas and experiences are essential for finding solutions that truly meet their needs.” The project demonstrates that there is a great willingness among sports clubs and organizations to welcome these youth, provided the right information and support are available.

Curious about the results and materials? Visit the Interactie project website

You can also read an interview with Leonie and David, one of the Dutch youth co-researchers, on the ZonMw webpage

Photo: Adobe Stock