Inclusion, Sustainability and Digital Innovation: The BTBC Approach to the Future of Sport

BREAK THE BULLY CYCLE (BTBC) is a project co-funded by the European Union.

The Break the Bully Cycle (BTBC) project is not only about recognising and addressing bullying in youth sport. It is also about imagining what the sport of tomorrow should look like: more inclusive, more sustainable, more digitally connected and more aligned with European values.For this reason, BTBC adopts a broader approach that goes beyond training activities and enters the cultural dimension of sports associations.

Inclusion as a foundation, not an accessory

Many sports clubs across Europe are becoming increasingly aware that inclusion is not a separate project or an occasional event—it is a way of working.BTBC builds this perspective into every phase of the project. Young people from different backgrounds are encouraged to participate, share their experiences and challenge stereotypes that may influence team behaviour. Coaches are invited to reflect on how gender norms, social expectations or cultural differences shape their leadership and the interactions inside their teams.

This mindset is visible in the design of all activities: workshops, discussions, games and communication materials aim to create environments where every young person feels recognised and respected.The project does not treat inclusion as a slogan but as a practical daily commitment.

Sustainability as part of the sport experience

Another distinctive element of BTBC is its attention to environmental responsibility.Thanks to the contribution of Sportsroom, the project develops eco-friendly guidelines for meetings, events and daily activities inside sports clubs. Simple actions—reducing waste, choosing sustainable materials, promoting responsible travel—become part of the educational dimension of the project.

The message is clear: sport can inspire not only fair play but also a deeper sense of responsibility toward the environment and the community.This ecological perspective reinforces the idea that a healthy sports culture must also look after the world young people will inherit.

Digital tools to support learning and participation

Digital innovation is an essential component of the project.BTBC uses an online platform to store materials, share updates, organise resources and document progress. This space becomes a living archive where coaches, youth workers and participants can access tools, training modules and examples from the three partner countries.

The project also relies on accessible and user-friendly tools—such as collaborative drives, online design platforms and communication channels—to ensure that information flows easily across the partnership.In this way, digital practices become part of the educational journey, helping young people and coaches develop skills that are increasingly important in sport and in everyday life.

A European vision shaping local impact

What brings these elements together is a strong European perspective.BTBC is inspired by the values promoted by the European Union, especially those related to equity, participation, health and community engagement.The project aims to show that local changes—inside a team, a club, a school, a neighbourhood—can contribute to a broader movement for safer and more inclusive sports environments across Europe.

By connecting inclusion, sustainability and digital innovation, BTBC positions itself not only as a project that reacts to problems but also as one that builds new opportunities. It invites clubs to think long-term, to rethink the way they educate young people and to embrace a model of sport that is modern, open and responsible.

A future-oriented approach

As the project continues, these three pillars will guide every activity and every result produced.They are the compass that ensures BTBC is not just a temporary initiative but a meaningful step toward the sport of the future—a sport where young people feel protected, where communities act responsibly and where digital tools strengthen, rather than replace, human connections.

BTBC encourages everyone—coaches, athletes, families and local organisations—to join this journey.Because building better sports environments means building a better society.