Just a few days after their first encounter with field hockey, students from Istituto Santa Maria in Rome returned to the pitch on 15 November for a second HERIZON training day. This time, the focus was not only on introduction, but on building continuity — reinforcing what had already been experienced and opening the space for deeper engagement.

The activity was once again implemented within the HERIZON project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme, and delivered through the collaboration of partners from Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Malta. This continuity is a key element of the project approach: creating repeated, structured opportunities that allow young people to move beyond first impressions and start developing confidence through experience.

Learning through interaction

Unlike the first session, which focused on initial exposure, this training day introduced more structured activities. Students worked through guided exercises that gradually developed their understanding of the game — from basic ball control and passing to simple game situations.

An important shift was also visible in the group dynamic. Both girls and boys participated together in mixed groups, working through exercises that required cooperation, communication, and shared responsibility. This created a more natural learning environment, where skills were not developed in isolation, but through interaction with others.

At the same time, particular attention remained on encouraging girls to take active and visible roles on the field. Rather than stepping back, they were supported in participating equally, making decisions, and engaging fully in the activities — reinforcing one of the core goals of HERIZON.

Challenging patterns through experience

Working in mixed groups proved to be an important element of the session. As students rotated roles and supported each other, the focus shifted from individual performance to collective engagement.

This type of structure helps address common patterns in sport, where girls may feel less confident or less encouraged to participate. By creating a balanced environment where everyone is involved, the activity naturally challenged these dynamics without the need for direct intervention.

What emerged was a stronger sense of trust within the group, as well as more open communication and collaboration between participants.

Safeguarding in practice

A key part of the session was the integration of safeguarding principles into the activities themselves. Rather than being treated as a separate concept, safeguarding was embedded in the way the session was delivered — through clear communication, respectful interaction, and continuous attention to group dynamics.

Coaches and facilitators ensured that all students felt comfortable, supported, and safe to participate. The focus was not only on what students were doing, but on how they experienced the activity.

This reflects the broader HERIZON approach, where safe environments are not assumed, but intentionally created through structure, awareness, and responsibility.

A wider impact beyond the session

The continuation of activities at the school had a visible impact not only on the participants, but also on the wider school environment. Introducing a sport like field hockey, which is not commonly present in schools, opened new possibilities for engagement and learning.

At the same time, the involvement of an international partnership added an additional dimension, connecting local school activities with wider European priorities related to inclusion, gender equality, and safeguarding in sport.

Conclusion: from participation to understanding

By the end of the second session, the difference compared to the first day was clear. Students were more engaged, more confident, and more comfortable working together. Girls, in particular, showed increased involvement and presence within the activities, while overall group dynamics reflected stronger collaboration and mutual support.

More importantly, students were not only participating in sport — they were beginning to understand it as a space shaped by respect, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

This is where HERIZON creates its value: not only by introducing sport, but by shaping the way it is experienced.