Urban Sports Challenge
Youth Shaping Urban Spaces
We empower young people to lead the creation of inclusive, accessible, and vibrant urban spaces.
Spaces that truly reflect their voices, creativity, and vision.
About the Urban Sports Challenge
The Urban Sports Challenge is an EU co-funded initiative launched in September 2024. The project enables youth to co-design and activate three urban sites in Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Bielefeld, strengthening their skills, networks, and leadership in public space development.
This project will contribute to increase the participation of young people, by improving their skills and network and by putting them in the lead to shape public physical spaces.
The Urban Sports Challenge is an initiative by 3X3 Unites, Brave, TSVE Bielefeld (Germany), and the German Sport University Cologne. Running through December 2026.
The Impact of the Urban Sports Challenge
The project directly addresses two critical gaps in urban development:
- Youth participation in urban planning is limited. Even as cities aim to center user needs. Many youth don’t feel represented or engaged.
- Youth-work infrastructure is often under-resourced. Especially when striving to engage young people transitioning into adulthood. The Urban Sports Challenge builds capacity among youth organizations to meet evolving youth needs, fostering youth-led public space initiatives.
What's Up Next?
Want to learn more about the Urban Sports Challenge?
Would you like to learn more about the Urban Sports Challenge? Would you like to get involved? Do you want to connect with local projects? Or do you have any other questions or contributions?
Reach out to the Urban Sports Challenge Project Manager: Maxi Sellering.
About the Cities
The Paper Dome
A covered sports dome in the K-neighborhood, offers free sports for youth. Part of the K-midden renewal plan, it includes a 3x3 basketball court managed by 3x3 Unites. Olympic player Worthy de Jong, a local hero, supports the project, fostering community engagement and youth-led initiatives.
Hangar Bielefeld
TSVE Bielefeld e.V., one of the largest sports clubs in the region, integrates 3x3 basketball into its traditional structure, expanding the sport in urban spaces. Committed to youth engagement, TSVE combines sports, education, and community to drive innovation and maximize basketball’s impact for long-term local development.
BRAVE Antwerpen
In Antwerpen-Noord, the former Stuivenberg hospital is transforming into a green public space. From 2024-2026, BRAVE vzw will help reduce gender inequalities by empowering teenage girls to co-design the space and lead activities. Their input will shape a more inclusive, long-term vision for Stuivenberg.
Join the Project!
The project builds on the active involvement and facilitation of young people and young youth workers. For the project there are different possibilities for young people and youth workers to get involved!
Become part of the initiating team of young people to guide the recruitment
Join the core team of young people
Become the local coordinator to support the core team of young people in the project management
Become a mentor to support the core team of young people with their personal development during the pilot phase
Next to the options for youth workers and young people, local stakeholders are of crucial importance. Please contact the project manager directly to get involved: Maxi Sellering
The Urban Sports Challenge is an Initiative by
FAQ
What exactly is the Urban Sports Challenge?
A youth-led EU project (2024–2026) that guides young people to co-create vibrant, inclusive urban spaces in three European cities.
Who is eligible to participate?
Youth or young adults, active in urban sports and culture, aspiring to lead and shape public space projects. Youth workers and coordinators are also encouraged to join.
What do involvement opportunities look like?
You can:
+ Join the team
+ Be a part of the core youth team
+ Become a local coordinator
+ Mentor youth
When and where is the bootcamp?
21–24 August 2025 in Amsterdam. Participants pitch ideas, train for roles, and form the core team.
What support is available?
Seed funding, training (including the 3X3 Leader Course), mentorship, and project management support from local coordinators.
Who oversees project evaluation?
The German Sport University Cologne leads a continuous MEL strategy to ensure quality and long-term impact
When will the project conclude?
It runs through December 2026, with a final dissemination phase to secure legacy and share insights.
Want to take part or collaborate?
Reach out to our Project Manager:
Maxi Sellering
maxi@3x3unites.com
Maxi can connect you with your local project hub and explore roles for youth, youth workers, and partners.