The Council conclusions highlight the importance of grassroots sport as a key environment for developing transversal skills among young people. Participation in non-formal and informal learning through sport helps individuals acquire teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills that are vital for employability, social inclusion and lifelong learning.

 

Member States are encouraged to raise awareness of the value of these skills among all stakeholders, including employers, and to promote validation systems for competences acquired through sport. They are also invited to strengthen cooperation between the sport, youth and education sectors, and to increase opportunities for young people — particularly those with fewer opportunities — to participate in grassroots sport.

 

The European Commission and Member States should integrate the role of sport-based learning into education, employment and youth policies, improve data collection and exchange of good practices, and recognise grassroots sport organisations and volunteers as contributors to skill development and social inclusion.