From 8 to 16 September 2025, the town of Recoaro Terme, Italy, is hosting the international youth exchange MATCH, co-organised by Erasmus+ and co-funded by the European Union. The project is designed to empower young people through sport, health education, and community engagement. Surrounded by mountains and known for its natural springs, the town provides a welcoming setting for both sports and cultural exchange, as well as moments of reflection and connection with nature.
The central aim of MATCH is to encourage young people to embrace healthy lifestyle practices that foster mental well-being, while promoting active citizenship and responsibility within their communities.
MATCH is built around a simple but powerful idea: looking after our health means taking care of both body and mind. Through sport and healthy nutrition, young people will be encouraged to reflect on their lifestyle and how small everyday choices can make a big difference in their overall well-being. But the project goes beyond personal health; it’s also about realising the impact each person can have on their community and learning to take an active role as responsible citizens.
Sport, in particular, becomes the common language that brings everyone together. It offers the chance to experience inclusion first-hand, to celebrate diversity, and to learn from one another through intercultural games and activities. Team sports and group challenges will help participants practise cooperation, leadership, and solidarity, while also reinforcing the values of fair play, respect for rules, and mutual support.
Another key aspect of the exchange is the opportunity to connect internationally. Participants will also build friendships across borders, exchange ideas on health, get to know more about the Veneto region, sport, and how to live more sustainably. Themes of sustainability will play an important role, encouraging eco-conscious choices in daily life as well as in the way we approach sport.
The exchange follows an interactive and hands-on format. Instead of just talking, participants will be actively involved through workshops, practical sessions, and discussions. Activities include fencing and tennis lessons, dance workshops, team-building games, and a sports festival in Valdagno. To balance the physical part, there will be reflection groups that create space for open discussions on well-being, mental health, and citizenship.
Six partner organisations, including Studio Progetto, are taking part in the project. Each isl brings a small group of young people from across Europe between the ages of 16 and 19, accompanied by one youth leader over 21. Leaders are helping with communication and coordination in English, while participants can freely join without needing prior language skills. Among the participants, ALDA is proud to guide and support five young people from Ukraine.
In the end, MATCH is not only a youth exchange but also an opportunity to grow personally, connect with others, and discover how every small gesture, whether on the sports field or in everyday life, can contribute to shaping healthier, fairer, and more engaged communities.
