Empowering Youth Through the Power of Sport
At the International Youth Federation (IYF), we recognize the transformative power of sports in fostering positive social change and development. Our Sport for Development interventions provide young people with opportunities to learn, develop, and grow, making a lasting impact on their lives and communities. The IYF Sport for Development Division leverages sports as a dynamic tool to address critical social issues such as education, health, gender equality, social inclusion, and peacebuilding.
Our mission through this programme portfolio is to promote positive social change and development through sports. We aim to empower young people and their communities to use sports as a means of achieving peace, development, and well-being.
Strategic Objectives
- Promote Social Inclusion and Gender Equality: We utilize sports to break down barriers and foster inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can participate and thrive.
- Utilize Sports for Peacebuilding: Sports can be a powerful medium for conflict resolution and peacebuilding, helping to bridge divides and foster understanding among diverse groups.
- Increase Access to Sports: We strive to make sports accessible to disadvantaged young people, providing them with opportunities to engage in physical activities that promote their development.
- Develop Life Skills and Leadership: Through sports, we nurture essential life skills and leadership qualities in young people, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.
- Advocate for a Healthy Lifestyle: We promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles through sports, encouraging young people to embrace physical activity as a key component of their well-being.
Our Approach
- Partnership Building: We collaborate with local governments, civil society organizations, sports federations, and private sector entities to expand access to sports for disadvantaged communities.
- Programme Design: Our sports-based programs are tailored to address specific social issues, such as health promotion, social inclusion, and leadership development.
- Capacity Building: We offer training and leadership development initiatives for coaches, community leaders, and youth involved in sports-based interventions.
- Advocacy and Communication: We advocate for the use of sports as a tool for social change through various channels, including social media, public speaking events, and media appearances.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: We continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of our interventions to ensure they are meeting their goals and making a meaningful difference.
Desired Impact
Through our activities, we aim to contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Enhancing educational outcomes through sports-based learning.
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Encouraging gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Reducing inequalities within and among countries by increasing access to sports.
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Using sports to promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
We measure the impact of our interventions through various indicators, such as increased participation in sports, improved health outcomes, greater social inclusion, and enhanced life skills and leadership qualities. By harnessing the power of sports, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for young people around the world.