From 12 to 16 May 2026, members of the REACH Youth Task Force participated in an inspiring mobility activity in Prague, Czech Republic, combining capacity building, project governance, international networking, and youth-led advocacy within the framework of the REACH project.
The week brought together young leaders and project partners from across Europe and culminated in active participation at the 29th TAFISA World Congress 2026.
The REACH Project is co-funded by the European Union through their Erasmus Plus Programme. More information at: reach4youth.com.
Empowering Young Leaders through TAFISA's CLC
The mobility began on 12 and 13 May with the last two sessions of Level 2 of the Certified Leadership Course, facilitated by Peter Barendse, specifically tailored for the REACH Youth Task Force.
The training equipped participants with practical skills and knowledge to strengthen their leadership capacities, improve communication and teamwork, and enhance their ability to contribute meaningfully to the implementation of Sport for All initiatives in their communities. It also provided a valuable space for reflection and personal growth while fostering stronger connections among Youth Task Force members from different partner organisations and geographies.
Young Leaders Taking an Active Role in REACH
On 13 May, members of the REACH Youth Task Force joined project partners for an official REACH consortium meeting. The session represented an important opportunity for the young leaders to update on the status of their Sport for All initiatives, exchange knowledge on challenges, recommendations and best practices, as well as discuss practical questions with the project partners present. The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that young people are not only beneficiaries of initiatives but also active contributors to decision-making processes.
The meeting further strengthened collaboration among partners while demonstrating the value of international cooperation in achieving the project's objectives.
Experience During the 29th TAFISA World Congress
From 13 to 16 May, the REACH Youth Task Force attended the 29th TAFISA World Congress 2026 in Prague, joining hundreds of delegates, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders from around the world.
The Congress provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore innovative approaches to promoting physical activity, social inclusion, health, and community development through Sport for All. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, REACH Youth Task Force members gained valuable insights into emerging trends, successful practices, and international perspectives that can support the future development of the REACH project, as well as their own professional and personal paths. Participation in the Congress also enabled the young delegates to establish new international connections and engage directly with organisations committed to empowering communities through sport and physical activity.
"Pass the Baton!" – A Youth-Led Congress Session on Future Leadership
A major highlight of the Congress took place on 14 May, when the REACH Youth Task Force took on a leading role in delivering and moderating a dedicated Congress session entitled "Pass the Baton! Building a Platform for the Next Generation of Leaders."
Designed and facilitated by the Youth Task Force, the 90-minute interactive session explored one of the most pressing challenges facing the Sport for All movement: how to create meaningful pathways for young people to access leadership and decision-making roles.
The session began with an inspirational presentation on youth engagement in Sport for All delivered by Shelley Roddie (Sport for Life) before moving into a World Café format that encouraged active participation and dialogue among delegates. Participants worked in thematic discussion groups focused on key issues such as:
- Barriers and challenges to youth engagement in Sport for All organisations;
- The importance of involving young people in leadership and governance structures.
- Capacity building, mentorship, and leadership development strategies;
- Successful case studies and recommendations for youth engagement;
- Feedback and consultation on the upcoming REACH Youth Engagement Charter.
Lastly, Chloé O'Dwyer presented the REACH Project as a response to the increasing challenges in youth engagement in Sport for All.
Members of the REACH Youth Task Force served as moderators, rapporteurs, and facilitators throughout the discussions, demonstrating the leadership skills developed through the project and creating an inclusive environment for exchange and collaboration.
The session generated valuable recommendations on strengthening youth participation, promoting inclusive decision-making processes, fostering intergenerational cooperation, and creating sustainable frameworks for youth leadership in Sport for All. It also encouraged meaningful dialogue between youth representatives, practitioners, policymakers, and organisational leaders from different regions of the world.
By placing young people at the centre of the conversation, the session embodied the core values of the REACH project and showcased how youth can move beyond consultation to become genuine partners in shaping the future of sport and physical activity.
Creating Lasting Impact and Friendships
The mobility activity in Prague successfully combined learning, collaboration, and international engagement, offering the REACH Youth Task Force an exceptional opportunity to develop new competencies, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their role as ambassadors for youth participation in Sport for All.
From intensive leadership training and strategic project discussions to active participation in a global congress and the successful moderation of an international session, the experience demonstrated the growing capacity of young people to contribute meaningfully to organisational development, policy discussions, and community change.
Beyond the formal activities, the mobility also created a unique environment for building genuine friendships and meaningful intercultural connections. Through shared experiences, collaborative work, and informal moments throughout the week, participants developed bonds that transcended national borders and cultural differences. These personal connections fostered mutual understanding, trust, and a strong sense of belonging within the REACH community, reinforcing the value of international cooperation and peer support.
As the REACH project continues, the knowledge, confidence, friendships, and international networks developed during this mobility activity will support the Youth Task Force in advancing the project's mission of empowering young people and promoting more active, inclusive, and sustainable communities across Europe and beyond.
The experience served as a powerful reminder that while projects create opportunities for learning and development, it is often the human connections formed along the way that leave the most lasting impact.
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.
