During the week of 16–20 March, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, a member of the DIVERSE Alliance, hosted a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on Community-based Sport Development in the Netherlands, aimed at students of sport management, physical education and sport sciences.
The programme, based on a learning by doing approach, enabled participants to collaborate with real sports organisations and international students in the creation of community sports clubs, gaining first-hand insight into the Dutch “grassroots” model, which focuses on inclusion, participation, and the development of safe and accessible sporting environments.
The content included both theoretical and practical sessions, visits to local organisations in Zwolle, as well as sports and recreational activities. Highlights included a volunteer-led padel tournament, international small-sided games (volleyball, basketball and football), and social activities such as karaoke.
The programme concluded with the presentation of group projects, in which students showcased the community sport initiatives they had developed throughout the week. These presentations reflected not only the knowledge acquired but also the practical skills and intercultural competences developed during the programme.
Among the participants were students from several DIVERSE Alliance member institutions, including University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Universidad Europea del Atlántico.
Initiatives such as this BIP play a key role in the DIVERSE Alliance’s mission to enhance students’ educational experiences through internationalisation. By exposing participants to innovative sport development models and multicultural environments, the programme supports both their academic progression and personal growth, while preparing them to address future professional challenges in an increasingly globalised sector.
