Intergenerational Sports Club – Mother-Daughter Martial Arts

ongoing

The “Intergenerational Sports Club – Mother-Daughter Martial Arts” project addresses gender disparities in sports by uniting mothers and daughters in structured martial arts training. In line with the Erasmus priorities, this initiative emphasizes family-based engagement to promote consistent physical activity, foster social cohesion, and advance well-being. A decline in adolescent girls’ sports participation and mothers’ limited reentry into athletic pursuits motivate the project’s focus on intergenerational support, underscoring the potential of familial bonds to encourage sustained engagement, boost self-confidence, and challenge gender norms. The methodology centers on a co-designed curriculum blending martial arts practice, psychosocial support, and digital tools. Trained instructors guide regular sessions that integrate safety, inclusivity, and constructive feedback, while reflection activities reinforce self-esteem and respectful communication. The belt ranking system further incentivizes progress. Implemented in pilot sites across Europe, the project embraces transnational collaboration, enabling partners to share best practices, adapt content to local needs, and foster a sense of European identity. Broad partnerships with schools, clubs, and technology experts ensure that the mother-daughter format transcends age-based programs, creating a supportive environment for joint physical and personal development. Monitoring and evaluation, including pre- and post-surveys and direct feedback, allow refinements to the approach and capture outcomes such as stronger family connections and increased sports participation. Beyond its immediate participants, the project aims to inform inclusive policy, demonstrating the viability of intergenerational sports models for promoting gender equality and lifelong engagement in physical activity. This aligns with its goal of well-being.