Theme 7: Involvement

 How can a sports club enhance participant involvement in its activities?

1.Active collection of member feedback
The club can regularly organize surveys or discussion events where participants and their families can share experiences and provide suggestions for improvement. This gives members the opportunity to influence the club’s activities and feel that their opinions are valued.

2. Participant representation in decision-making:
Participants or their family members can be represented on the club’s board or in working groups that plan activities. This increases transparency in decision-making and ensures participants’ perspectives are considered in the club’s development.

3. Roles and responsibilities for participants:
Participants can take on responsibilities such as team captain, group leader, or assistant coach. These roles allow them to actively engage in the club’s operations, develop their skills, and strengthen their commitment.

4. Family involvement in events and decisions:
The club can organize events where families and loved ones can participate, such as family days, match trips, or season-ending celebrations. These occasions foster a sense of community and include participants’ families in the club’s activities.

5. Incorporating multiculturalism and multilingualism in operations:
By using different languages and cultural practices in communication and events, the club can increase participation opportunities for members from diverse backgrounds. This could include translating instructions or announcements into multiple languages and acknowledging various cultural traditions.

6. Joint development days and idea workshops:
The club can organize development days or workshops where participants, coaches, and other members collaborate to create new ways of working. This encourages innovation and gives participants a sense of being actively involved in the club’s development.

7. Open house and introductory days:
By hosting open houses and low-threshold introductory events, the club can welcome new participants and families while showcasing its activities. This allows everyone to explore the club without immediate commitment.

8. Youth influence group:
The club can establish a youth group that meets regularly to discuss and propose ideas for improving activities. This gives young people a chance to participate in decision-making and fosters their active role within the community.

9. Flexible payment options and financial support:
The club can make participation more accessible despite financial challenges by offering discounts, flexible payment arrangements, or financial aid. Additionally, many organizations, such as municipalities (e.g., Turku’s Boostii program) and foundations, provide funding support for children’s activities. Communicating about these supports during the promotion of activities is essential. By assisting low-income families with fees, the club can ensure equal opportunities for everyone to fully participate.

10. Creating community-based projects:
Clubs can initiate projects where participants work together toward a larger goal, such as a charity campaign or an environmental initiative. Such activities can strengthen community bonds and provide participants with opportunities to make a positive impact on their surroundings.

In this video, Janina Sjöstrand, senior lecturer at the Humak University of Applied Sciences, shares practical tips on how to make sports clubs more accessible.
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