Youth Needs & Expectations Report
What do young people really want from Sport for All?
Drawing on participatory workshops and focus groups, this report presents youth-driven insights into motivations, barriers, and the conditions needed for sustained engagement.
Let's go!
DISCLAIMER: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Why This Matters
Across Europe, Sport for All organisations are facing increasing challenges in attracting and retaining young volunteers. Shifting societal expectations, competing life demands, and limited recognition or structured support, particularly at grassroots level are key barriers. Through participatory workshops with 65 young volunteers, the REACH project explored: This report reflects their perspectives.
- What motivates young people to volunteer
- What keeps them engaged
- What organisations need to change
What Motivates Youth to Volunteer?
Young people don’t volunteer “just because”. Specifically, their engagement is powered by six core drivers.
Family & Community Values
Passion & Motivation to Share
Capacity & Career Development
Usefulness & Recognition
New Experiences
Friendship & Networks
What Keeps Youth Engaged?
Structured learning pathways
Mentorship Programmes Alignment with career goals
Clear role definitions
Detailed induction
Defined commitments
Title
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Clarity & Structure
Growth & Development
Subtitle
Subtitle
Team-building & co-design
Visible recognition & incentives
Trust-building
Participants identified the following interrelated organisational practices that strengthen youth engagement.
Flexible volunteering options
Responsiveness to identities and needs
Title
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Belonging & Recognition
Flexibility & Responsiveness
Subtitle
Subtitle
Three Dimensions Model
Individual Development
Youth engagement happens when three dimentions align. Sustainable youth engagement requires alignment between these three dimensions.
It is not just about recruiting volunteers - it is about creating the right ecosystem.
Sport Organisations
Community
Sport Organisation
Organisations play a key role in shaping how accessible, structured, and rewarding volunteering experiences are.
- Clear structure & defined roles
- Effective communication
- Recognition & incentives
- Supportive environment
Individual Development
Young people engage when volunteering supports their personal growth and future aspirations.
- Skills development
- Leadership opportunities
- Mentoring & guidance
- Personal growth
Friendship & Networks
Creating connections and a sense of belonging.
Volunteering is a social experience. It offers opportunities to meet like-minded people, build friendships, and feel part of a community. These connections often become one of the strongest reasons to stay engaged.
Community
A sense of belonging and connection is central to sustained youth engagement.
- Social connection
- Inclusion & belonging
- Shared purpose
- Opportunities to contribute
Usefulness & Recognition
Feeling valued and appreciated
Young people want to feel that their contribution matters. Being trusted with responsibility, acknowledged for their efforts, and recognised by organisations reinforces their motivation and commitment.
New Experiences
Exploring new places and gaining life experiences.
For many, volunteering opens doors to new environments, cultures, and experiences. Whether local or international, it adds excitement, broadens perspectives, and creates memorable moments.
Passion & Motivation to Share
Love of sport and desire to support others
A genuine passion for sport drives many to get involved. Young volunteers want to share their enthusiasm, inspire others, and create inclusive spaces where everyone can participate and enjoy being active.
Capacity &Career Development
Building skills and gaining experience for the future
Young people see volunteering as a way to grow beyond the classroom. It helps them develop practical skills, explore career paths, and build confidence in real-world environments. For many, it is a stepping stone toward future opportunities.
Family & Community Values
Giving back and contributing to something meaningful
Volunteering is often rooted in a sense of responsibility and belonging. Many young people are inspired by their communities, families, or cultural values to contribute and make a positive impact where it matters most.
Youth Needs & Expectations Report
Stacey Kim
Created on March 19, 2026
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Transcript
Youth Needs & Expectations Report
What do young people really want from Sport for All?
Drawing on participatory workshops and focus groups, this report presents youth-driven insights into motivations, barriers, and the conditions needed for sustained engagement.
Let's go!
DISCLAIMER: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Why This Matters
Across Europe, Sport for All organisations are facing increasing challenges in attracting and retaining young volunteers. Shifting societal expectations, competing life demands, and limited recognition or structured support, particularly at grassroots level are key barriers. Through participatory workshops with 65 young volunteers, the REACH project explored: This report reflects their perspectives.
What Motivates Youth to Volunteer?
Young people don’t volunteer “just because”. Specifically, their engagement is powered by six core drivers.
Family & Community Values
Passion & Motivation to Share
Capacity & Career Development
Usefulness & Recognition
New Experiences
Friendship & Networks
What Keeps Youth Engaged?
Structured learning pathways Mentorship Programmes Alignment with career goals
Clear role definitions Detailed induction Defined commitments
Title
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Clarity & Structure
Growth & Development
Subtitle
Subtitle
Team-building & co-design Visible recognition & incentives Trust-building
Participants identified the following interrelated organisational practices that strengthen youth engagement.
Flexible volunteering options Responsiveness to identities and needs
Title
Title
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Belonging & Recognition
Flexibility & Responsiveness
Subtitle
Subtitle
Three Dimensions Model
Individual Development
Youth engagement happens when three dimentions align. Sustainable youth engagement requires alignment between these three dimensions. It is not just about recruiting volunteers - it is about creating the right ecosystem.
Sport Organisations
Community
Sport Organisation
Organisations play a key role in shaping how accessible, structured, and rewarding volunteering experiences are.
Individual Development
Young people engage when volunteering supports their personal growth and future aspirations.
Friendship & Networks
Creating connections and a sense of belonging.
Volunteering is a social experience. It offers opportunities to meet like-minded people, build friendships, and feel part of a community. These connections often become one of the strongest reasons to stay engaged.
Community
A sense of belonging and connection is central to sustained youth engagement.
Usefulness & Recognition
Feeling valued and appreciated
Young people want to feel that their contribution matters. Being trusted with responsibility, acknowledged for their efforts, and recognised by organisations reinforces their motivation and commitment.
New Experiences
Exploring new places and gaining life experiences.
For many, volunteering opens doors to new environments, cultures, and experiences. Whether local or international, it adds excitement, broadens perspectives, and creates memorable moments.
Passion & Motivation to Share
Love of sport and desire to support others
A genuine passion for sport drives many to get involved. Young volunteers want to share their enthusiasm, inspire others, and create inclusive spaces where everyone can participate and enjoy being active.
Capacity &Career Development
Building skills and gaining experience for the future
Young people see volunteering as a way to grow beyond the classroom. It helps them develop practical skills, explore career paths, and build confidence in real-world environments. For many, it is a stepping stone toward future opportunities.
Family & Community Values
Giving back and contributing to something meaningful
Volunteering is often rooted in a sense of responsibility and belonging. Many young people are inspired by their communities, families, or cultural values to contribute and make a positive impact where it matters most.