Conference Agenda

Background and aim of the study: Nature-based training (NBT) may help address challenges in adolescents’ sports club participation, including reduced connection to nature, mental health concerns, overuse injuries, and restricted access to facilities. However, research on opportunities and challenges of NBT in sports clubs is scarce.

This study examines NBT through the following research questions: What is the prevalence of NBT in sports clubs? Can the amount of NBT be increased? What opportunities and challenges are associated with NBT? The topic is rarely studied, and this study provides knowledge for promoting NBT in sports clubs.

Methods: Finnish sports club officials and coaches (n = 103) completed an e-questionnaire during a national seminar in 2025, producing cross-sectional data. Measures included “Is NBT carried out in your club” (yes/no); “Could the amount of NBT be increased” (yes/no); and open-ended responses on “Opportunities and challenges of NBT”. Descriptive statistics and inductive content analysis were conducted.

Results: Among participants, 46% reported that NBT did not occur in their club, and 86% stated that NBT could be increased. Reported opportunities included wellbeing benefits, favourable conditions (e.g., proximity to nature, training capacity), older age groups, and training diversity. Challenges related to conditions (distance, weather and seasonal variation, safety), younger children, discipline-specific training requirements, limited resources, and established habits and attitudes.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates potential for increasing NBT in sports clubs and identifies key benefits and challenges to consider when supporting its implementation. Future research should explore adolescents’ perspective on NBT.

Funding source: No external funding.