Sport and physical activity for youth

Anna-Maria Strittmatter and Susanna Geidne

Chapter 21 in Research Handbook on Sport in Europe, 2026, pp 231-241 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter categorizes existing research on youth sport and physical activity in Europe, providing an overview of how youth sport is understood, developed, and integrated into European sport policy agendas. It presents the current state of youth participation in physical activity and sport and highlights the challenges and strategies for promoting greater involvement across different European regions. The chapter explains different forms of how young people participate in sport that vary by context and activity structure. Researchers identify diverse forms and settings of engagement, including organized club sports, commercial gyms, informal youth activities, school-based programmes, curriculum-based physical education, and family leisure (e.g. outdoor activities like friluftsliv). The chapter explores various policy measures aimed at encouraging youth participation in sport and physical activity, as well as the role of youth sport in addressing broader societal issues such as public health, social inclusion, and well-being. The chapter concludes with implications for future research and policy development.

Keywords: Youth participation; Youth sport policy; Health promotion; Organised sport; Lifestyle sports; Physical education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035338382
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