On 10 November, students from Istituto Santa Maria in Rome took part in a field hockey promotion day organised within the HERIZON project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme. The activity was led by S.S. Lazio Hockey su Prato in cooperation with partners from Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Malta, as part of a broader effort to bring sport closer to young people in a more accessible and inclusive way.

The session was primarily designed for girls, many of whom had little or no previous experience in team sports. Rather than focusing on performance or competition, the main objective was to create a positive first contact with sport — one that feels approachable, supportive, and free of pressure.

Approach: creating space for participation

From the very beginning, the structure of the session reflected this approach. Students were introduced to field hockey through simple exercises and guided activities that allowed them to gradually become familiar with the basics of the game. Instead of strict drills or performance expectations, the emphasis was placed on understanding movement, working in smaller groups, and building confidence through interaction.

This type of environment proved particularly important for those who were less confident at the start. Without the pressure to perform, students were able to engage at their own pace, which made it easier for them to relax, participate, and try something new.

Development: a visible shift in engagement

As the session progressed, a noticeable change could be observed in the group dynamic. What started as a more reserved participation gradually developed into more active involvement. Students became more open in their communication, more willing to take initiative, and more engaged in the activities.

This shift did not happen through instruction alone, but through the atmosphere that was created. By focusing on inclusion and cooperation, the session allowed participants to feel more comfortable stepping forward and taking part in the game.

Safe environment as a foundation

An important element throughout the activity was the focus on safeguarding. Coaches and facilitators ensured that communication remained clear and supportive, and that all participants felt respected within the group. Attention was given not only to the physical activities, but also to the overall experience of the students.

This reflects one of the core principles of the HERIZON project — that sport environments should be intentionally designed to be safe, especially for girls who may otherwise feel excluded or discouraged from participating.

Conclusion: small steps with long-term impact

For many of the students, this was their first experience of a team sport in a structured but non-competitive setting. By the end of the session, the increase in participation, interaction, and overall confidence was clearly visible.

Activities like this demonstrate that the way sport is introduced plays a crucial role in whether young people choose to engage with it. When the environment is supportive and inclusive, sport becomes more accessible and more meaningful.

Through initiatives such as this, HERIZON continues to contribute to creating conditions in which girls can feel confident, included, and motivated to take part in sport — not only for a day, but in the long term.