The STAY! – Sport as a Tool Against Youth Dropout project was launched to address the challenge of early dropout from sport among young people – an issue that affects not only sporting performance but also health, social connection, and self-confidence.

The project offered concrete answers:

• How can sports organisations create environments where young people feel included and safe?
• How can coaches recognise signs of dissatisfaction and burnout?
• How can the entire sports community remain supportive – even after the competitive aspect ends?

Results you can download, share, and apply

Throughout the project, a range of educational materials, video stories, guides, and practical tools were developed and are now available through the project’s online platform.

A special highlight is the Policy Brief – a document summarising the project’s key recommendations for policymakers, sports organisations, and educators in sport.
It provides concrete guidance on creating more inclusive and sustainable sports environments, based on the experiences and research conducted during the project.

What’s next?

Although the project has formally concluded, the partners continue to share knowledge, promote the results, and spread the STAY! approach within their communities.
Sharing good practices, training coaches, and strengthening the capacity of sports organisations will remain our focus.

Sport is more than training and results. Sport is a place of belonging.
And STAY! has reminded us how important it is to keep that place open for young people – without pressure, with support, and with a smile.