In collaboration with the Estonian sports-based youth development programme MTU SPIN, the Icehearts Europe pilot project in Estonia aims to empower disadvantaged and vulnerable young people aged 8 to 15 by using the Icehearts mentoring model. Currently in the planning phase, the project will use trained mentors as its core component.

The SPIN programme already offers youth support in different regions in Estonia through its football-related activities, including personal and group guidance through on-field activities and specially-developed workshops. The primary targets of the SPIN programme are young people aged 9-18 who are defined as living in unsafe circumstances, facing social or educational challenges or possess limited opportunities for recreational activities.

Participants in the pilot project will be selected mainly from existing SPIN groups. A small group of 3-5 "core children" with higher risk profiles will receive a minimum of 6-8 hours of weekly activities with their mentor, including 4.5 hours of physical activity. The remaining participants, termed "balancing young people," will also receive support, albeit at a less intense level. Emphasis will be placed on cultivating the life skills of the target group through active participation in a wide variety of activities. These include games, role-playing exercises, group tasks, and discussions aimed at promoting collaboration between participants and mentors.

The recruitment of mentors will receive particular attention. Selected mentors will be required to possess relevant education and at least one year’s experience working with the target demographic. Input from stakeholders including parents and social workers, will form an important part of the project, and mentors will provide and receive regular feedback. Local “Lead Groups” will be established to identify participants and support mentors, while regional coordinators will oversee this collaboration.

The piloting of the Icehearts group activities will span one academic year, from September 2024 to June 2025. Preparatory meetings and workshops have already commenced, with the planning phase scheduled to continue through July. 

Currently, SPIN is in the process of recruiting mentors from both its existing projects and externally. The pilot project expects to recruit a total of 20 Icehearts mentors.

Pictured above: Icehearts Finland expert Nelli Niemelä leads a training session for the SPIN staff.

Photos: SPIN

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