The idea is to propose, as pilot project, the multisport activities
in an itinerant way. The children involved in the pilot project will practice different sports by changing the host specialized company every two months.
It could be promoted and financed by public or private institutions
One of the most innovative factor of this kind of proposal is that children can try different disciplines before choosing which is best one for them. Many times, they are guided by parents without knowing what to expect. This means that children often start the sporting year and drop out after a few months or they are forced by their parents to finish the year, they refuse to start a new sport in the following years of fear of not feeling well. The itinerant multisport activity would therefore allow children to have direct experience, to try the difference between a team sport and an individual one, to meet the coaches and get to know the environment in which to spend the afternoon time.
In addition, sports clubs can use this pilot project to recruit new members and make themselves known.
The methodology of these activities tries to develop the fundamental movement skills, since they are the basic building block for the overall development of physical literacy. Previous research has demonstrated that without the development of these fundamental skills, many children and young people choose to quit sports and turn to a more inactive and/or unhealthy habits during their leisure time (e.g. Burton & Martens, 1986; Skard & Vaglum, 1989). The combination of the fundamental elements of Motivation and Confidence (Affective), Physical Competence (Physical) Knowledge and Understanding (Cognitive) and Engagement in Physical Activities for Life (Behavioural) in the sports education ensures the complex education of the educators in all relevant fields of these elements. Besides that, this Multisport Course will be delivered by professional Sport Instructors.
This type of proposal may encounter the following difficulties:
If the pilot phase works, the project could be proposed to different institutions that deal with the diffusion of sport and health through movement. The project can involve all the children from the neighborhood between the ages of 5 and 7. In this way, early abandonment would be combated and children who do not have a particular propensity for sport and competition would have the opportunity to gain motor experience.
The course foresees its development during the academic year (from September to June) with one or two weekly meetings.
Every two months the group of children will change the discipline that they practice.
September – October: team sports (one to choose out of basketball, football, mini-volley, baseball, rugby)
November – December: individual sports (athletics, swimming, gymnastics, dance, karate)
January – February: team sports (one to choose out of basketball, football, mini-volley, baseball, rugby)
March – April: individual sports (athletics, swimming, gymnastics, dance, karate)
May – June: team sports (one to choose out of basketball, football, mini-volley, baseball, rugby)
Sports instructors and physical education teachers already engaged in the clubs
Private and public locations in which the clubs spend their regular activity
Sport equipment – should be provided by the clubs
The recruitment of participants could take place through the collaboration of municipalities and schools. they can in fact support the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and help citizens to learn about the opportunities that the area offers in terms of sporting activities for children. Furthermore, all the sports clubs involved can promote the initiative through their social channels and network of contacts.
The registration of the participants should be done through a club or institution that takes responsibility for the necessary data and documentation.
The basic administrative actions are:
The communication with the families will take place through different channels:
The stakeholders that can be involved are:
The evaluation has been conducted in different ways:
Do you want to start a multisport program in your community?
Did you try any models and you have feedback or comments?
Do you want to suggest another multisport models?
This Erasmus+ Sport Small Collaborative Partnership Project runs from January, 2020 until June, 2021 and is implemented in collaboration with the following partner organizations: HODINA H, z.s. (Czech Republic) / ACD LA HOYA (Spain) / CLUBUL SPORTIV EXPERIENTA MULTISPORT (Romania) / L’ORMA (Italy)
