ÄKSport Nuorten sporttihanke Ääneseutu

Project Background

More than half of children and young people aged 7-15 cite external barriers as obstacles to their physical activity hobbies: the lack of opportunities to engage in interesting sports near their homes, schoolwork taking up their time, and a general lack of motivation to exercise. Specialization in one sport often leads to early dropout, and the activity does not continue into adolescence as would be desirable.

There is a need for opportunities to freely try different sports, high-quality and diverse content, and the chance to engage in activities with friends. This helps children and young people find a suitable form of exercise and commit to it. Research and surveys have identified the need to develop and pilot a new type of physical activity model. This need and interest have emerged from the wishes of children, young people, coaches, and parents. The project and the trial of the model are seen as important for promoting children's well-being and equality, as well as preventing social exclusion.

Project Goals

The main goal is to increase the physical activity and exercise habits of children and young people. The aim is to strengthen their interest and opportunities to increase self-directed physical activity in everyday life, as well as guided group activities and hobbies.

During the project, children and young people will have the opportunity to try various sports under the guidance of professional coaches without committing to goal-oriented training or club activities. The goal is to support children and young people in finding a suitable way to engage in physical activity and commit to it. The project also aims to strengthen the importance of engaging in activities with friends. Additionally, the goal is to create operational models that support the physical activity, well-being, and community of children and young people, taking individual needs into account.

Target Group

The target group consists of children and young people. The primary target group is children and young people aged 11-13 living in the Äänekoski region who are not currently involved in physical activities, who want to find a sport they enjoy, or who want to start a new type of activity. The immediate effects of the project will primarily impact children and young people. Indirect effects will impact their close environment, such as family, parents, friends, and school.

Expected Results

1. Increase the number of children and young people involved in physical activities, sports hobbies, and a healthy, active lifestyle. Key factors include a selection of interesting and easily accessible sports and activities that are as close to schools and homes as possible and equally accessible to all.

2. Pilot a new type of physical activity model that enables diverse and high-quality activities and a range of opportunities, helping children and young people find a sport they enjoy so that they do not completely stop exercising at a certain age.

3. Create a new and engaging physical activity model (ÄKSport) for children and young people that encourages exercise and an active lifestyle, supporting community and well-being.

The ÄKSport project is expected to bring more children and young people into sports hobbies and create a new, diverse, and high-quality physical activity model. The project aims to support community and well-being, positively impacting the lives of children and young people in the long term. Positive effects are also expected during their studies and working life, reducing costs associated with inactivity, such as musculoskeletal disorders and mental health issues.

The project is also expected to help children and young people find enjoyable forms of exercise that motivate them to exercise regularly. This can lead to long-term sports hobbies and healthy lifestyles that continue into adulthood. Additionally, the project aims to create operational models that can be adopted in other municipalities and cities, expanding the project's impact and benefits.

The ÄKSport project is an important step towards a more active and healthier future for children and young people. It offers them the opportunity to find a sport they enjoy and experience the joy and well-being that exercise brings. The project creates the conditions for healthy lifestyles and community, which are hoped to carry far into the future.

The project will be implemented from August 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. 

This project has received funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture (OKM) under the Finland on the Move program.

For more information: 

Project Manager Eija Janhunen, Jamk, Hyvi, Institute of Rehabilitation.