The Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP) has published a new statement titled “Sport: a lifelong learning companion,”calling for greater recognition of sport as an important environment for learning, inclusion, and personal development throughout life. The statement highlights how sport contributes to key competences, active citizenship, social cohesion, resilience, and health, while also supporting non-formal and informal learning across all ages. 

The paper stresses that learning does not only happen in classrooms, but also through participation, cooperation, volunteering, and community engagement; all areas where sport plays a significant role. It also raises concerns about declining participation in physical activity across Europe and calls for stronger connections between the sport, education, youth, and training sectors at local, national, and European levels. 

For ENGSO Youth, the statement reinforces the importance of recognising grassroots sport as a key space for lifelong learning, personal development, and skills acquisition beyond formal education. It highlights how sport environments support youth empowerment by fostering teamwork, leadership, resilience, and active participation in community life. The statement further underlines sport’s contribution to social inclusion and democratic engagement, strengthening its role as an accessible and meaningful pathway for learning and participation across Europe. Read the statement here: LLLP Statement – Sport: a lifelong learning companion