Sports and Physical Activity for Bulgarian Migrant Workers

Sports and physical activity can promote health, relaxation, and social connections. But people who do physically demanding work, travel long distances, and have little free time do not always have the opportunity to exercise. What does this mean for Bulgarian migrant workers in The Hague? Researchers at The Hague University of Applied Sciences worked with the Municipality of The Hague to explore how this group experiences sports and physical activity, which facilities they use, and what could make participation easier. The report highlights the main opportunities and barriers.

Project Background

The Hague has a relatively large population of people with Bulgarian backgrounds. Yet little was known about their use of local sports and physical activity facilities or the potential role of sports in their participation in society. Long workdays, commuting times, and irregular employment contracts often shape migrant workers’ daily lives. Costs, distance, and a lack of familiarity with available activities can also make participation difficult. The Municipality of The Hague and The Hague University of Applied Sciences wanted to better understand these experiences and identify ways to make activities more accessible.

We see that sports can bring people together, but they are not a magic solution. Participation isn’t a given. By looking at everyday life, we aim to gain insights that can make sports and physical activity more accessible to Bulgarian migrant workers.

Objective

To understand sports participation, needs, and barriers among Bulgarian migrant workers in The Hague and explore how sports and physical activity can contribute to social participation and well-being.

Methods

Researchers combined a literature and document review with five interviews with key informants, a group discussion with four participants, and five interviews with Bulgarian migrant workers. In addition, 26 questionnaires were completed; responses from 24 participants born in Bulgaria were analyzed. The interviews, group discussion, and questionnaires took place between November 2025 and June 2026. The findings offer an initial picture and are not representative of the entire target population.

Results

The discussions suggest opportunities for health, relaxation, and social connections. However, physically demanding work, fatigue, commuting, variable work hours, costs, and distance limit participation. Those who participate in sports generally describe positive experiences. Among the 24 survey respondents, eight were physically active themselves, three were involved only as a parent or partner, and 13 were not active in sports. The report recommends flexible, accessible activities close to home, personalized information through trusted contacts, and activities that meet social needs. These exploratory findings are not representative of all Bulgarian migrant workers.

Impact

The study gives the Municipality of The Hague, sports organizations, and community organizations guidance on making sports and physical activity more accessible to Bulgarian migrant workers. Recommendations emphasize flexible opportunities, affordability, proximity, and personal outreach through trusted networks. This can help sports better fit people’s work and living conditions while creating opportunities for connection, relaxation, and well-being. The social impact has not yet been measured: the report primarily provides an evidence base for policy and future research. Sports alone cannot resolve broader challenges related to work and housing.

Duration

Known research period: November 2025 through June 2026. Report date: September 17, 2026.

Funding

The project is part of the joint research agenda on migration and local policy of The Hague University of Applied Sciences and the Municipality of The Hague.

Collaboration

The Hague University of Applied Sciences and the Municipality of The Hague worked with Bulgarian migrant workers. Representatives from the Mobile Information Point, Click Jongeren, and Bewegen Werkt, among others, were interviewed for the study.

Team

The Hague University of Applied Sciences – Research Group Impact of Sport & Urban Social Development. 
Researchers/authors: Tom Arnoldus-van Schendel, Melisa Hess, Kenan Bayrak, Karin Vrijburg, and Marianne van Bochove.

Contact

Tom Arnoldus-van Schendel
[email protected]