Play for Life project has started: sport as a tool to prevent youth substance abuse

The European project Play for Life – PFL has officially started, opening a new cooperation journey dedicated to the role of sport in preventing and addressing substance abuse among young people.

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme, Play for Life aims to promote sport as a powerful educational, inclusive and preventive tool, especially for young people who may experience personal, family or social vulnerabilities.

The project starts from a clear idea: sport is much more than physical activity or competition. When properly guided, it can become a safe environment where young people build trust, self-esteem, resilience, positive relationships and a stronger sense of belonging. For many young people, sport can offer a concrete alternative to isolation, risky behaviours and negative life paths.

At the centre of the project there is the role of sport youth workers, including coaches, trainers, volunteers, educators and staff members who work with young people in sport organisations. These figures are often among the first adults outside the family or school environment with whom young people build a relationship of trust.

However, dealing with substance abuse and youth vulnerability requires awareness, preparation and practical tools. Many sport youth workers may recognise signs of discomfort or risk, but do not always feel fully equipped to respond in an appropriate, educational and non-judgemental way.

Play for Life was created to respond to this need.

The project has three main objectives: to raise awareness among sport youth workers about the importance of sport in preventing youth addictions; to strengthen their educational role as positive models and reference figures for young people; and to provide practical tools to help them identify and manage risk situations related to substance abuse.

Through transnational cooperation, training activities, workshops, laboratories and educational resources, the project will support sport organisations in becoming safer and more inclusive spaces for young people. The activities will combine theoretical knowledge with practical methodologies, ensuring that the results can be used directly in local sport contexts.

The project will also develop a set of concrete outputs, including an educational method, an advocacy campaign, graphic tools, targeted sport exercises and analysis tools for youth workers.

Play for Life sends a strong and simple message: when sport becomes education, it can help young people find motivation, support and positive alternatives.