The Planet Youth Practice Toolbox:
The Leisure Time Domain

Much of a young person's time is spent outside the home or school, often referred to as leisure time. This time may be spent at sports centers, youth centers, afterschool activities, and more. Structured and organized leisure activities, such as sports, music, arts, and youth clubs, play a critical role within the IPM in reducing substance use among youth. Additionally, avoiding late-night unsupervised outings helps lower the risk of engaging in risky behaviors. Providing guided, supervised activities creates a safe environment that fosters positive relationships and strengthens connections between families, schools, and young people

The Role of Organized Leisure Time Activities

Here are the three most important roles of organized leisure time activities in the IPM:

Important Socialization
Organized activities provide a structured environment for adolescents to interact with peers, fostering friendships and social skills. This socialization is crucial for building a support network that can help reduce feelings of isolation and promote healthy relationships.
Positive Engagement
By participating in structured activities, youth are occupied with constructive pursuits that reduce the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse. Organized activities keep adolescents engaged in positive experiences that contribute to their overall well-being.
Skill
Development
Organized leisure activities allow adolescents to develop essential life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. These skills are critical for their personal growth and future success, helping them navigate challenges in life and enhancing their self-esteem.

The Leisure Card Program

The Leisure Card was launched in Reykjavik, the Capital of Iceland in the year 2007.
The Leisure Card is designed for children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 residing in Reykjavík, providing annual funding of 500 EUR per child to support participation in leisure activities. This funding can be used to offset costs associated with participation fees and training expenses.
  • Goal: Ensure that all children and adolescents have the opportunity to engage in leisure activities, regardless of their financial or social circumstances. The program seeks to enhance equity and diversity in sports, arts, and recreational activities.
  • Eligibility: All children 6-18 years old, registered in the activities, go into the Leisure Card database, regardless of whether the contribution is used or not, providing detailed information on participation within this age group.
  • Allocation of Funds: Funds can be allocated through affiliated organizations of the Leisure Card. Guardians can manage the allocation via the registration systems of the organizations where their children are enrolled. 
  • The database: All registration and management of the Leisure Card is done over the Internet in Digital Reykjavik. The Leisure Card is not an electronic card but a network access to allocate payment for participation in organized activities. 

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2007

The Leisure Card initiative was established based on an agreement between the two political parties that formed the majority in the Reykjavik city council

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2012-2023

Percentage of 6-18-year-olds using the leisure card in Reykjavik


2020-2021

The Franklin County, KY (US), launched the YES Card, an adaptation of Reykjavik's Leisure Card, offering $400 annually for youth activities. A study suggests the YES Card successfully boosted engagement in youth organized activities and sports and that Reykjavik's model can be adapted in other settings
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Role of Adults on Charge of Organized Activities

We understand the importance of organized and structured extracurricular activities in promoting youth development. However, it’s crucial to recognize that it is not merely the facilities themselves that serve as protective factors against substance use. Rather, it is the adult professionals in charge who play a vital role in fostering a safe and supportive environment, including:
  • Coaches
  • Youth club employees
  • Music teachers
  • Scout leaders
  • Art instructors
  • Dance intructors

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Education of Adults in Charge of Sports Activities

The Icelandic Sports Federation (ÍSÍ) offers a three-level coaching education program to ensure qualified leadership in sports. Each level includes a mix of general and specialized training hours, along with work experience requirements.
  • Level 1: 60 teaching hours (20 general, 20 specialized per sublevel) for coaching youth groups up to age 12.
  • Level 2: 60 teaching hours (20 general, 20 specialized per sublevel) for coaching groups up to age 16 and older youth teams.
  • Level 3: 120 teaching hours (40 general, 80 specialized) for coaching elite youth and adult teams, including head coach positions.
Coaches must complete work experience and first aid training to advance through the levels, maintaining high standards in sports education.

The Ten Commandments of Sports

01.

Sports for All Children

All children should have the opportunity to play sports in a fun, positive environment,
with efforts made to ensure equal access, including considerations for transport and costs.

02.

Sports make People Powerful 

Through sports, children develop respect for themselves, others, and their environment.
They learn teamwork, perseverance, and how to handle both success and failure.

03. 

Respect Children's Opinions

Children and young adults should have a voice in sports decisions. Offering flexible
training paths helps keep them engaged in various roles, like refereeing or coaching.

04. 

Wide Range of Sporting Activities

Sports clubs should encourage kids to explore multiple sports and collaborate to offer a
variety of activities that meet their interests and needs, ensuring no one is left out.

05. 

Training to Match Age and Maturity

Training programs should be fun and tailored to a child’s maturity, offering appropriate challenges that build confidence without overwhelming or boring them.

06. 

Competition by Maturity

Competitions should be age-appropriate and focus on participation and personal
growth. Training should take priority, with competitions as a secondary aspect, especially
for younger kids.

07. 

Appropriate Facilities

Sports facilities and equipment should be suited to children’s ages and abilities, ensuring
a safe and welcoming environment where kids feel encouraged to participate.

08. 

Professionally Trained Coaches

Qualified coaches are essential to creating a positive sports experience. They should foster
an environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to grow.

09. 

Parental Support

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children’s sports involvement, helping
with events and activities while respecting the coach’s professional expertise.

10. 

Respect Referees and Staff

Teach children to respect referees and staff, recognizing their important roles in ensuring fair play, even when mistakes happen. Positive communication is key for a healthy sports culture.
© The National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland

Actions- what can be done?

Example of Community-Developed Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) Use Among Youth. More actions can be found in the Kristjansson, A. et al. (2020) paper. 

Encourage Structured Activities

Provide access to supervised activities like sports, arts, and music to foster positive engagement.

Support After-School Programs

Invest in after-school programs to provide youth with positive ways to spend their free time.

Reduce Unsupervised Hours

Encourage responsible leisure time with reasonable limits on unsupervised outings.

Organize Community Events

Host events like game nights or festivals to bring youth together in a structured setting.

Partner Examples in the Leisure Domain

Youth Activity Fund in Timiskaming (Canada):

Planet Youth partners in Timiskaming are enhancing the leisure domain through the Youth Activity Fund, offering up to $1,500 to support local initiatives that create or improve opportunities for youth. The fund helps foster inclusion, connection, and a sense of belonging by supporting accessible, community-driven activities designed with youth in mind.
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Floating Youth Hub in Timiskaming (Canada):

Planet Youth partners in Timiskaming support the leisure domain through a mobile youth hub that rotates between schools, libraries, and community centers. This flexible model offers inclusive, substance-free activities, mental health support, and skill-building opportunities. Strong community involvement ensures youth have access to safe, engaging spaces close to home.
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Gym and Swim Passes in West Dunbartonshire (Scotland):

To support the leisure domain, Planet Youth partners in West Dunbartonshire offer free leisure passes to care-experienced young people aged 12–26. These passes provide full access to local leisure facilities, helping young people stay active, connected, and engaged in their communities through inclusive, barrier-free opportunities.
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Y Short It Youth Centre in West Dunbartonshire (Scotland):

Planet Youth partners in West Dunbartonshire support the leisure domain through Y Sort It, offering youth activities like street play, youth groups, and outdoor adventures. Their outreach bus brings services directly to local communities, while initiatives like StreetBikes provide cycling skills, active travel, and bike maintenance training. The intandem mentoring program pairs young people with mentors to build confidence and positive relationships, supporting youth development across the region.
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Play Date Cards in Seward (Alaska, US):

Planet Youth partners in Seward support the leisure domain through the Play Date Cards, a creative solution developed by the Parent Collaboratives. These cards help overcome the barriers parents face when trying to connect with other parents of their children’s new friends. With schools unable to share contact information, the Play Date Cards provide a simple way for parents to initiate contact and build relationships with other families. By fostering these connections, the initiative enhances the protective factor of knowing the parents of your child’s friends, promoting a safe and supportive environment for children to develop healthy friendships.
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We Are Kids Youth After School Program in Lanark (Canada):

Planet Youth partners in Lanark support the leisure domain through the We Are Kids (WAK) Youth After School Program. This free drop-in program welcomes youth aged 11 to 18 to engage in structured activities or simply relax and socialize. The program provides a nutritious meal during its hours and offers a monthly cooking workshop. The space includes an art room, a games room with a pool table and air hockey, a TV with a game console, and a cozy living room filled with board games. Facilitated by dedicated staff from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County, WAK is a safe, inclusive space that encourages kindness, respect, and community.
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