- Date
- 15 Mar 2016
- Tags
- Children and Youth , Sport And Active Society
Kidsvolley
PROMOTING VOLLEYBALL TO CHILDREN IN DANISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
| Location |
Across Denmark |
| Organisation | Danish Volleyball Federation |
| Start-end date |
2002 – ongoing |
| Target group age |
6 – 12 years old |
| Reach |
Approx. 35,000 children per year |
| Partners |
Sports Confederation of Denmark, Association of Danish School Sports, Municipalities, Schools Sponsor: Healthcare company |
| For inspiration |
www.kidsvolley.net www.skolevolley.dk |
Download the file of the case study
SUMMARY
Kidsvolley aims at increasing the participation in and promoting the sport of volleyball in Denmark through a programme targeting public school children. In order to recruit new children into volleyball clubs, volleyball needed to return to the schools, and the Danish Volleyball Federation thus set about making this possible. Kidsvolley is a game for children aged 6-12, and is made up of six levels which are increasingly difficult, all of which are played with teams of four on a badminton court. In essence, it breaks down the required skills to play volleyball to allow young children to enter into the sport in an easy way. Kidsvolley was developed in three phases. Phase one was directed towards the clubs of the Danish Volleyball Federation. In phase two the game was introduced to schools by completing a programme of courses for teachers. In phase three the Federation introduced a school tournament concept in order to further increase the interest from schools and thereby generate a wider recruitment base for the clubs.
KEYS TO SUCCESS
Partners
A mix of selected partners from different sectors bringing in different elements contributed to the successful implementation of the project. Financial support is guaranteed by a partner. The approval of the project, access to the teachers’ databases, advertising for courses and school tournaments, and administrative aid is provided by a second partner. A third partner supplies materials and sports kits.
Philosophy
The programme is characterised by a key philosophy that helps maintaining consistency and a certain standard throughout the cycle development and the different schools. The key points of this philosophy are: focusing on the child and their development first rather than the traditional rules of volleyball, having fun while playing, early entry, and the possibility to progress.
SPORT FOR ALL OBJECTIVES
Promote sport and physical activity
The core idea of Kidsvolley is to promote participation in sport and particularly in volleyball for school children. The aim of the programme is to increase the number of athletes in volleyball clubs through the introduction of an adapted game for children in public schools.
Support active societies
Schools are key to the success of Kidsvolley. By bringing and adapting volleyball to public schools, Kidsvolley participates in educating school children on the importance of sport and physical activity. The programme provides teachers with a lot of instructional tools and aids. Success stems from teachers believing in the philosophy of Kidsvolley. With more than 250 school tournaments across the country including the participation of 33,000 pupils from 1,500 classes, 750 schools and 1,800 teachers, such a programme would not be possible without the involvement and support of schools.
HOW IS THE PROGRAMME COMMUNICATED?
A communication strategy based on a mix of traditional media and interpersonal relations has ensured the success of the programme. The programme was initiated in bigger clubs where ambassadors for Kidsvolley were recruited who then began to develop Kidsvolley in their area.
HOW IS THE PROGRAMME EVALUATED?
Around 1,800 teachers are involved in the school tournaments. Eight days after the school tournament every teacher receives an online questionnaire comprising a series of questions about the programme which is used to assess and improve it for the future.