THE MOVEPLUS! FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEHAVIOUR OF YOUNG WOMEN IN SWITZERLAND, CONDUCTED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE FEDERAL OFFICE OF SPORT (BASPO) AND SEVERAL FOUNDATIONS, REVEALED THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMMES.
Various studies have shown that the physical activity behaviour of adolescents, especially young women, declines in the transition from childhood to adolescence. While almost 100% of the recommended physical activity levels are still achieved in childhood, the numbers decrease significantly in the following years. The greatest decline can be observed among young women aged 17 to 19; only just under 20% are able to comply with the physical activity recommendations. Sufficient physical activity is essential for the physical, psychological and social development of children and adolescents. There is a need for action to promote physical activity among young people in Switzerland, especially among young women.
OBJECTIVE OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY – PROMOTION OF SPORTING ENGAGEMENT
How can the physical activity and sporting behaviour of 15-19 year old young women, especially students at vocational schools, be increased and sustainably promoted in Switzerland in the context of school and club sport? This is the central question of the feasibility study, which was researched with online surveys, focus groups and expert interviews. In addition to analysing the background and the current situation, the needs, interests and motivations of the main stakeholders were determined and the conditions and challenges for the success of a future project to increase the sport and physical activity behaviour of young women were evaluated. Finally, the study formulated proposals and recommendations.
THERE IS A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMMES
The feasibility study, which was carried out in the second half of 2021, showed that there is a need for an additional sports and exercise offer. The area in which the needs of young women in the context of their structured training at vocational schools can be brought together with the offers of sports clubs and other sports providers has proven to be central. The study identifies the divergences in the needs of these most important stakeholder groups: young women, vocational schools and sports providers. Derived from this, it formulates forms and structures of possible sports offers that bridge these divergences, derives recommendations and describes options for the establishment and expansion of a complementary sports offer for 15-19 year old women. Lack of time as well as socio-economic and socio-cultural factors are frequent reasons why young people make little use of existing sports offers.
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS
In addition to the support of BASPO, the feasibility study was supported by the Ernst Göhner Foundation, the Sophie and Karl Binding Foundation and the Freude herrscht Foundation.