For many young people in Antwerp’s vulnerable neighbourhoods, a lack of confidence and limited opportunities can make it hard to engage with learning. Without support, they risk falling behind in school, struggling to find work, or feeling disconnected from their community. Factors such as financial hardship, a lack of role models, or past negative experiences with education can make it difficult to see a path forward.

That’s where SPRKL Antwerp – an ESF+-funded initiative – comes in. Building on SPRK, an existing city-run socio-sportive hub, SPRKL helps young people regain confidence, discover their talents, and find new learning opportunities – both inside and outside the classroom.

A supportive learning ecosystem

SPRKL is part of a broader learning ecosystem – an approach that recognises that education happens everywhere, not just in schools. People learn in their communities, through hobbies, volunteering, and sports. Libraries, museums, youth centres, and sports clubs all play a role in shaping skills and interests. SPRKL extends this idea by actively reaching out to young people who might not otherwise engage in these opportunities.

The European Commission plays a key role in supporting such ecosystems by funding initiatives that connect education, social inclusion, and employment. Through the ESF+, the Commission helps create more learning opportunities where young people can develop their skills and build confidence in a way that suits their needs.

How SPRKL works

At the heart of SPRKL are socio-sportive coaches, funded by the ESF+, who guide participants from Antwerp’s neighbourhoods to take part in SPRK activities. These include skating, climbing, and circus training – activities that combine physical movement with creativity and skill-building. Urban sports and cultural activities like these are particularly effective for engaging young people because they offer a fun and accessible way to develop resilience, discipline, and teamwork.

But the role of the coaches goes beyond sport – they help participants overcome barriers such as financial constraints or a lack of confidence, ensuring they feel supported and able to take part. The project also experiments with new ways to make participation easier, collaborating with local partners to remove obstacles.

With renewed confidence, young people are encouraged to explore further opportunities – whether that’s returning to education, volunteering with the city of Antwerp, or taking part in new activities. The project creates a bridge between informal learning and personal development, helping young people reconnect with society on their own terms.

ESF+ support in Flanders and beyond

SPRKL is supported by the Flemish ESF+ programme, which is part of a wider investment in lifelong learning, social inclusion, and employment. Between 2021 and 2027, Flanders will receive €431.9 million in ESF+ funding, supporting projects that help people develop skills, access education, and find jobs.

By funding initiatives like SPRKL, the Commission helps scale up successful approaches and inspire similar projects in other cities. Urban sports and cultural initiatives have enormous potential to engage disadvantaged youth, and EU support can help bring these programmes to more communities.