Youth Exchange in Valencia October 2025 - Equal But Different

In October 2025, young participants from Norway, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus came together in Valencia for an inspiring youth exchange under the Erasmus+ program. Over several days, participants stayed with Spanish host families, which gave them a unique insight into the local culture while building connections across countries.

The workshops focused on teamwork, communication, and values, guiding participants to reflect on how they work together, make decisions, and solve challenges. On the last day, they created posters to present what they had learned, combining creativity with reflection. Basketball sessions were led by coaches from each country, demonstrating different styles and approaches while keeping the sessions fun and engaging.

This exchange was not only about sport, but also about learning to collaborate, share experiences, and build friendships across cultures. With sunny weather and high spirits, participants left Valencia with new skills, stronger connections, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Cyprus Mentor Retreat 2025 – Building The Whole Human

In late July to early August 2025, our S4U mentors gathered in Cyprus for a retreat focused on reflection, growth, and human-centered coaching. In a shared living environment, we explored themes like self-awareness, empathy, and mentoring with purpose, using tools such as the Core Quadrant, the Enneagram, and practical communication exercises.

We spent the days combining workshops with lived experience—cooking meals, swimming, sharing stories, and creating space for honest conversations. The retreat reminded us how trust, openness, and presence strengthen our ability to support young people.

This gathering followed earlier stages in Valencia and Oslo through Erasmus+, and it left us inspired and equipped with clearer intentions, stronger tools, and renewed motivation to lead with compassion and confidence.

Sport4Understanding Mentors at RÆDY™ North to South Basketball Camp

In June 2025, our mentors from Sport4Understanding (S4U) were proud to be part of the RÆDY™ North to South Basketball Camp at Skjetten. The camp brought together over 150 young players from the basketball clubs Skjætten (Norway) and Rædy (Sweden)), all united by a shared love for basketball, and a desire to grow not just as athletes, but as individuals.

While international basketball stars like Thomas Massamba, Jonas Jerebko, and Jeffrey Taylor led skill development on the court, our mentors worked alongside them to deliver a parallel leadership and personal development program. This was designed to help 50 selected youths (aged 14–16) from RÆDY and Skjetten Basketball Club build confidence, connection, and critical life skills.

A Powerful Mentor Experience in Nesodden, Norway February 2025

In February 2025, our S4U mentors and youth workers gathered in Nesodden and Oslo for an unforgettable exchange focused on leadership, reflection, and connection. Together with mentors Christine from Bare Relasjoner and Mette from Enjoy Living, we explored powerful themes like vulnerability in leadership, psychological safety, and coaching with purpose. Through workshops, role-reversal exercises, and the Core Quadrant model, we practiced tools to build self-awareness and deep listening.

We shared stories from our pasts, cooked meals together, laughed, reflected, and even braved a winter sauna plunge! This exchange wasn't just about theory—it was lived learning, where mentors and mentees alike stretched, connected, and grew. The weekend left us inspired and equipped to lead with more empathy, clarity, and courage in our clubs and communities.