In Denmark, the transition from elementary to upper secondary and vocational schools is associated with increased stress and reduced well-being as well as drop out from organised sport among adolescents. However, as participation in team sports has been associated with improvements in social relations and well-being, efforts to strengthen the movement culture and social climate of schools through team sports could be a viable targeted approach.

Based on a participatory approach, the aim of the project is to create a setting in which the students are able to engage in the development of physical activity through non-competitive team sport in their own school. Qualitative data (field notes, focus groups and interviews) is collected from four case schools chosen by their regional and geographical differences (urban, suburban, and rural) and educational focus (upper secondary school and different levels of vocational schools). Drawing on previous research, five workshops focusing on team sport, democratic participation and innovation are conducted on all participating schools, in order to produce co-created innovative suggestions for team sports oriented, institutional change at the school level.

The process of change is aimed at the school as an institution and will be instigated with the students as the main driving force. With their participation in the workshops, we aim to brace the students to look at their school and everyday life with a critical and constructive gaze, thus preparing them for making suggestions for changes to the school’s physical activity culture.