Through ‘NextLevelWir – together rather than alone’, the German Sports Youth is taking action to combat loneliness among young people. The aim is to raise awareness amongst sports federations and clubs about loneliness and related issues, as well as their potential as places for socialising and participation. Organised sport for children and young people is to be strengthened as an important social and democratic space in which young people – particularly those who would otherwise find it difficult to access such opportunities – can experience a sense of belonging, participation and community.

In this context, they are not merely the project’s target group, but are given a voice as active contributors themselves. 160 ‘connectors’ are being trained to raise awareness of the issue of loneliness within their own networks, to encourage dialogue, and to help shape new sports and participation formats locally within their clubs or federations. In this way, the aim is to create sustainable structures that foster community and strengthen social participation.