Research project "Calibrating Inclusive Sporting Encounters" receives ZonMw subsidy

The ZonMw research programme "Sport en Bewegen" has awarded a subsidy of 750,000 euros to the research project Calibrating Inclusive Sporting Encounters. Under the leadership of Dr. Maikel Waardenburg, a consortium consisting of universities, colleges and social partners will investigate the crucial role that organisation networks and first-line professionals, such as community sports coaches and social workers, play in guiding people in vulnerable positions to sporting encounters and how to organise them.

Through two "living labs" in Utrecht and Eindhoven, the research project generates more insight into the design and organisation of sporting encounters. First-line professionals work on the basis of various routines on which the exchange of knowledge is limited. Practical tools are developed together with professionals and residents in vulnerable positions. The aim is to achieve better guidance and more structural participation in sports.  This contributes to a more inclusive society for everyone. The tools to be developed will be made available to other locations and practitioners after the project has ended.

The project will be carried out by researchers of:
Utrecht University (Utrecht School of Governance (USG) and Social Geography and Planning (SGPL)), TU/e (Industrial Design), Fontys Sports College (research group Move to Be) and Utrecht University (research group Participation and Urban Development).

In collaboration with social partners:
Vereniging Sport en Gemeenten, gemeente Eindhoven, gemeente Utrecht, SportUtrecht, Stichting Life Goals, PSV Foundation, FC Utrecht, and sports innovator centre InnoSportLab Sport & Beweeg.