SportKompas for Kids (SPOKI) - ERASMUS+ project

In April and May 2025, the city of Cuneo became a pilot ground for SportKompas (SPOKI), the European initiative designed to guide children towards sports that fit both their interests and abilities. The project was led locally by a team of University of Turin and ANCI Piemonte in collaboration with the Comune di Cuneo, and successfully engaged 194 children aged 8 to 10 from six primary schools.

Strategic Implementation and Partnerships

The introduction of SportKompas in Cuneo required careful planning and coordination. The team managed to have the participation of five primary schools. This achievement highlighted the proactive communication and flexible scheduling in building trust with school administrations.

The collaboration with the University of Turin added a valuable academic dimension. Four Sports Science undergraduates were recruited and trained in the SportKompas methodology, ensuring a professional and consistent delivery of the tests. This not only supported the immediate implementation but also contributed to building future expertise in sport orientation among young professionals.

Testing Delivery and Local Support

Across six testing days, SportKompas was successfully carried out in school gyms and, where necessary, in outdoor facilities. With five trained operators per session, groups of up to 23 children were able to complete the I LIKE (interests) and I DO (physical abilities) protocols in approximately 90 minutes. The structured yet flexible approach ensured smooth operations and a positive experience for participants.

A significant milestone for institutional visibility came during the visit of the Mayor of Cuneo and the Councillor for Sport. Their presence underscored the municipality’s commitment to promoting innovative health and sport initiatives for children. Media coverage and the production of a dedicated video further amplified the project’s reach, strengthening its potential to inspire expansion at the regional and national level.

Lessons for Future Scale-Up

The Cuneo experience provided valuable lessons for the refinement of SportKompas:

• Staffing: Five operators per class proved to be the optimal number for efficient and child-friendly delivery.
• Facilities: School gyms generally met requirements; outdoor testing was a practical alternative when space was limited.
• Testing protocols: Some assessments, such as the push-up and shoulder flexibility tests, were challenging for children and are revised to ensure greater accessibility.

These insights will be instrumental in adapting SportKompas for larger-scale rollouts, ensuring that it remains both scientifically robust and child-friendly.

A Model for Institutional Collaboration

The implementation of SportKompas in Cuneo demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration (between municipalities, universities, schools, and European partners) can effectively translate innovative projects into local success stories. By combining careful logistical planning, academic support, and institutional endorsement, Cuneo has set a strong precedent for the expansion of SportKompas in Italy.

As SPOKI continues to grow, the lessons from Cuneo highlight that the key to sustainability lies not only in engaging children but also in securing the long-term commitment of schools, universities, and local governments.