DIALECT5 builds on a well-established pan-European ecosystem developed through six years of implementing the DIALECT methodology in disadvantaged communities across Greece, Italy, Hungary and Serbia. By forming gender-balanced and ethnically diverse football teams, the initiative has successfully fostered inclusive communities, promoting tolerance, equality, and non-discrimination.

The project recognizes physical education professionals as key agents of change in promoting tolerance within schools. DIALECT5 adapts and transfers the DIALECT3 good practice, previously piloted in Greek lower secondary schools, to primary school settings in four partner countries. Through physical education activities, the project addresses stereotypes at an early stage and encourages inclusive attitudes among children aged 9–12, particularly those with fewer opportunities, including migrants, refugees, Roma communities, girls and boys.

Aligned with the Erasmus+ priorities of “Inclusion and Diversity” and “Promoting equality and EU values through sport,” DIALECT5 will train 100 primary school physical education professionals in the participating countries on the DIALECT methodology. At the same time, 1,010 children will strengthen their understanding of equality and non-discrimination by participating in mixed football teams within their physical education classes.

Student-led initiatives will further promote democratic participation, empowering pupils to express their views and actively contribute to building inclusive school environments. The project’s impact assessment will inform policy recommendations supported by the Greek Ministries of Social Cohesion and Family and of Migration and Asylum, as well as the Common Goal (Associated Partners).

Through these efforts, DIALECT5 aims to support policy developments that integrate sport-based approaches for inclusion into physical education curricula across Europe.

• Adapt and integrate the DIALECT methodology into primary school physical education in Greece, Italy, Hungary and Serbia, promoting democratic values and inclusion through an intersectional approach.

• Train and upskill primary school Physical Education (PE) professionals in inclusive pedagogical methods to address discrimination, promote equality and foster active citizenship through sport.

• Engage primary school students aged 9–12 in mixed football teams that encourage inclusion, belonging and resilience against intolerance.

• Raise awareness among educational stakeholders on the importance of intercultural and inclusive approaches in physical education to combat racism and discrimination.

• Ensure the long-term transferability and scalability of DIALECT5 results across the EU, supporting the adoption of sport-based approaches that strengthen students’ resilience to intolerance and extremist ideologies.

• 4 countries implementing the project: Greece, Italy, Hungary, and Serbia

• 100 primary school PE professionals trained in the DIALECT methodology

• 1,010 students (ages 9–12) participating in inclusive mixed football teams

• 12,000+ stakeholders reached through awareness-raising and dissemination activities

Project number: 101245442