Inspiration from Sweden to get young people in the Netherlands moving!

Case study 1. Uppsala Summer Zone: An oasis for activities

In Uppsala, the municipality decided during the summer months to transform an unused paved area of 6,360 square metres into the 'Uppsala Summer Zone'. Through the use of modular sports tiles, this colourful and versatile sports and activities area offers facilities for, among other things, floorball, basketball, football, handball, volleyball, badminton, mini tennis, a pumptrack, but also various play surfaces for chess and other games.

Various sports clubs gave try-outs to actively encourage children to become members. Wheelchair basketball is available for people with disabilities. Many children do not have the opportunity to be actively engaged in their free time, such as being a member of a sports club. There are also many children in Sweden who do not get the chance to go on holiday. ‘Uppsala Summer Zone’ has made it possible for them to have a valuable leisure activity, make friends, be supportive and try out different sports, regardless of their level and background.

Our partner Bergo Flooring and Unisport realised this project, which attracted no fewer than 15,335 visitors during the summer. Also, 47 jobs were created for young people; to supervise the various sports and games.

The 'Uppsala Summer Zone' provides a valuable leisure activity, especially for children who otherwise have few opportunities to be active or go on holiday. Children were asked what they thought of the project: "Here you make friends", "Everyone is accepted here for who they are". Every year, the municipality evaluates with the young people which sports are preferred, and thanks to the modular sports tiles, this can easily be responded to the following year. This keeps the offer flexible and attractive.

Case study 2. Lidköping Arena: An activity area for everyone

Lidköping has launched an ambitious project in the Sparbanken Lidköping Arena, where a gigantic activity area of 105 x 60 metres is being installed on the outdoor bandy rink (ball sport played on ice and the predecessor of ice hockey and field hockey). This ‘Summer Zone’ also offers a wide range of activities.

The aim here is to encourage more residents to take part in physical activities by creating an attractive sports area for handball, football, floorball, basketball, inline skating, pumptrack, volleyball, badminton, table tennis and mini tennis, but also dance, a balance beam, chess, hopscotch and jeu de boules with a soft ball.

This space is not only freely accessible to the city's residents, but also to schools, which are asked to book in advance. A sports service lends out the equipment, so that everyone can participate in the activities actively and fully equipped. A SportBox is also among the possibilities to facilitate equipment in the future.

This space not only promotes physical health but also social cohesion, especially for children and young people. Experiencing participation and being able to excel at something contributes to a greater sense of safety and self-worth.

Inspiration for the Netherlands

These Swedish case studies offer valuable insights for Dutch municipalities and sports services/sports desks. Creating accessible, inclusive and versatile sports and activity areas can contribute to the health and well-being of the community. Moreover, such spaces promote social interaction, creativity and encourage the discovery and development of talent.

Does your municipality have unused spaces that can be given a new purpose? Do you want to get more residents moving and contribute to an active and inclusive community? Then contact us. Together, we can also make such inspiring projects possible in the Netherlands!