Project coaches move 3,000 children weekly - Thuringia's Movement Coaches Help Kids Rebound After Pandemic Setbacks

Thuringia's Bewegungscoaching programme has been helping children recover from pandemic disruptions since 2022. The initiative sends movement coaches into schools and daycare centres to boost physical activity and motor skills. Now, the state has committed €500,000 to expand the scheme in 2026 and 2027.

The programme began in 2022 after concerns grew over children's declining fitness following COVID-19 lockdowns. Twelve movement coaches now work across Thuringia, reaching nearly 3,000 children every week. Their sessions focus on athletic fundamentals, teamwork, and fair play to encourage long-term participation in sports.

So far, the impact has been clear. Official evaluations show that 1,248 children joined local sports clubs through the programme by the end of 2025. A total of 25 clubs have taken part, though demand from schools and families still exceeds the number of available coaches.

Beyond recruitment, the initiative has helped clubs grow their youth memberships by over 1,000. Many children who first encountered sports through the coaches have since signed up for regular training. The extra funding for 2026 and 2027 aims to meet rising interest and extend the programme's reach.

The €500,000 investment will allow Thuringia to maintain and expand its movement coaching over the next two years. With more coaches and wider availability, the programme expects to integrate even more children into sports clubs. Schools, clubs, and families continue to push for broader access to the sessions.