Myyrmäki’s free sports afternoon for third graders
Third graders in the Myyrmäki major region learned how to grow to be active in the free sports afternoons during the 2025–2026 academic year. The sports afternoon was a new kind of hobby opportunity for children.
The sports afternoon activities were organized in the Myyrmäki major region on Monday afternoons (between 13:15 and 15:15) during the 2025–2026 academic year. During the afternoons, the children were able to participate in the sport of their choice under the guidance of local sports associations. The activities were intended for all third grade students in schools in the Myyrmäki major region.
Practice Times
A total of 22 practice sessions were organized, evenly divided between the autumn and spring terms.
Schools
Askisto, Kaivoksela, Martinlaakso and Pähkinärinne
Departure from school with guidance at approx. 12:30
Sports afternoon 13:15–14:15
Return to school with guidance by 15:00
Hämeenkylä, Kivimäki, Rajatorppa, Uomarinne and Mårtensdals
Departure from school with guidance at approx. 13:30
Sports afternoon 14:15–15:15
Return to school with guidance by 16:00
Sports activities were organized at four locations, with each child registering for one:
- dance (Virtatalo, Rajatorpantie 8)
- tricks and acrobatics (VVS Temppis, Vetokuja 1E)
- indoor ball games: basketball, handball and floorball (Energia Areena, Rajatorpantie 23)
- soccer and track and field (Myyrmäki-halli, Raappavuorentie 10)
An easy way to have a hobby
The combined length of the school day and sports afternoon was planned and adapted in accordance with the students’ age level, so that the length of the day between leaving for school and returning home would be appropriate.
The children who enrolled in the activities received a small, free snack from their own school when traveling to the sports afternoon. The snack was intended to help establish a good meal rhythm and give the children enough energy to last until they got home.
The children traveled to their hobby directly after school under the supervision of trusted adults and volunteers. Every hobby group included a trusted adult who participated in the activities, acted as an assistant instructor when needed, and, when necessary, kept in contact with the children’s parents. After the hobby activities, the children were escorted back to their school or closer to home if requested by their guardians. These arrangements promoted children’s development into active participants in a safe and encouraging environment.
Registration through the schools
Registration for the sports afternoon took place through each child's own school using an electronic registration form. The schools participating in the activities sent more detailed registration instructions to families via Wilma. Places were allocated in the order of registration. It was also possible to join the activities during the season.
The activities were part of the hobby development project
The sports afternoon was piloted during the 2025–2026 academic year for the first time in Vantaa and in Finland. According to the Move! 2024 measurements, the physical functional capacity of children and young people in Vantaa is weaker than the national average and, in some age groups, the weakest in Finland. When a student’s physical functional capacity is below average, it begins to affect their health, learning and ability to function in everyday life.
During the project pilot, the activities were organized on a limited basis for third graders in the Myyrmäki major region. Information and experiences of the operating model were collected during the pilot.
The activities were part of the Finnish Model for Leisure Activities (Harrastamisen Suomen malli, HSM) development project.
