The INAMOS project – Development of a multi-level framework and a study concept for analysing sport integration programmes, success factors and effects on migrants and voluntary sports clubs

In various countries, voluntary sports clubs (VSCs) are an important catalyst for the integration of migrants and refugees. Based on this positive assessment, both the European Commission as well as the EU Member states support sport-based initiatives to integrate migrants and refugees into host societies. However, only a comparatively small number of VSCs are directly involved in such targeted ‘integration through sport’ practices. The project ‘Integration of Newly Arrived Migrants (NAMs) through Organised Sport – From European Policy to Local Sports Club Practice’ (INAMOS) addresses this challenge and aims to further mobilise the sports sector´s willingness and ability to integrate increasing numbers of NAMs into organised sport and society at large. In the presentation the theoretical concept and research design of this collaborative project will be introduced and discussed. A multi-level conceptual framework was developed to analyse in each of the seven participating countries the integration-related policies with their corresponding roll-out strategies, goals and activities of the VSCs as well as the attitudes and perceptions of decision-makers and members, particularly the NAMs within VSCs. A multiple case study design enables an in-depth analysis of effects of the implementation of a certain programme. Thus, it is envisaged placing a specific focus on intended and unintended consequences for the VSC as well on the experiences and perceptions of NAMs in the context of integrative practices. The results of this holistic analysis can be expected to contribute to the development and design of programmes promoting integration of NAMs