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The INSTREET project has successfully promoted social inclusion and empowered refugee youth by leveraging the transformative power of street sports and life skills training. This innovative initiative aimed to foster community integration and create opportunities for refugee youth to build their confidence and social networks. The INSTREET project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme, which supports education, training, youth, and sport initiatives across Europe. Key Achievements Adapted Sports Methodology: Development of a tailored sports methodology and training material to support outreach activities incorporating sports elements. Training Programs: Successful training of sports coaches and outreach workers on how to use street sports as a tool to engage refugee youth. International Training Events: Two training events organized in Greece and Italy, with 30 participants, including sports instructors, outreach workers, and social workers. Street Sports Events: Four engaging street sports events held in Greece and Italy, offering refugee youth the opportunity to participate in sports, develop life skills, and build connections with peers and the community and with more than 75 participants. Symposiums for Knowledge Sharing: Organization of two national symposiums and one EU symposium to disseminate project results and share best practices with stakeholders. Impact and Outcomes The INSTREET project has made a tangible positive impact on both participants and the wider community. The training programs received excellent feedback, and the street sports events successfully brought together young people from diverse backgrounds, fostering social cohesion and mutual understanding. Participating organizations have also benefited significantly, enhancing their capacity to collaborate, implement EU-funded projects, and promote their work on both national and European levels. The project has raised awareness about the importance of social inclusion and integration through sports, leaving a lasting legacy. The INSTREET project has demonstrated that sports can be a powerful tool for social inclusion and integration. Key lessons include the importance of equipping sports instructors and outreach workers with the necessary skills to engage refugee youth, as well as involving local communities in street sports events. The project serves as a valuable model for future initiatives aimed at fostering social cohesion and empowering marginalized communities.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author 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 the granting authority can be held responsible for them.