In the hockey section, there are full sets of equipment available to borrow for two-week periods.
The cost of children and young people participating in club sports has nearly doubled over the past two decades, according to a report commissioned by the Swedish Sports Confederation. Costs have risen significantly across the board, from membership fees to equipment expenses, and increase further as children grow older.
Based on a survey of parents regarding their children's sports participation, as well as interviews with seventeen selected families, the report concludes that parents spend an average of 9,400 kronor per child per year on sports activities. However, for many sports, the costs are substantially higher.
Several traditional winter sports are particularly expensive. The average annual cost for a child playing ice hockey surpasses 23,000 kronor. While not categorised separately, cross-country skiing and figure skating are mentioned explicitly due to their high costs, with parents of cross-country skiers reporting annual expenditures exceeding 55,000 kronor on average.
One reason for the high costs is the need for extensive equipment. However, a great solution for those wanting to try out winter sports is the opportunity to borrow, for free, what they need.
– Winter is our peak season, says Johannes Lindberg, of Fritidsbanken in Skellefteå, continuing:
– The day before Christmas Eve, we lent out 500 different items.
Fritidsbanken is a concept found across Sweden that functions like a library but for leisure equipment. Since the end of 2022, individuals have been able to borrow equipment for free from the Nordanå location to try out various activities.
Lindberg has personal experience of how expensive sports for children can be and sees Fritidsbanken as a great solution:
– There are a lot of costs like registration fees, travel, season fees, so it's clear that it's a lot of money. Especially when you're small and trying different sports, he says, continuing:
– If we can enable more people to explore various activities and test them out for a while, it's fantastic. We're already witnessing this first-hand; many individuals borrow equipment, become actively engaged, and ultimately purchase their own gear once their children discover their preferred sport.
Lindberg is aware of how costly traditional winter sports can be.
– This equipment is expensive and requires significant maintenance. Skates need sharpening, skis need waxing, and edges need to be ground. Given the substantial cost, it's understandable that many people are eager to borrow these items.
– One of our early customers was a German family who had recently moved to the area. They were thrilled to borrow ski equipment for the entire family. It was a fantastic start for us, Lindberg recalls.
This concept of equipment sharing and lending could be further expanded. For instance, a 'winter sports club' could be established, where families participate in seasonal equipment exchanges or swaps, fostering a strong sense of community. Alternatively, seasonal group events could be organised to introduce people to various winter activities, making it easier for newcomers to get involved without the financial strain.
This could transform Fritidsbanken into a hub where individuals not only borrow equipment but also connect with others, explore new recreational pursuits, and share their experiences—all for free.
Several shelves are empty in the winter section, especially in larger sizes. But there is still equipment available to borrow, assures Johannes Lindberg. "We don't have everything on display, and we restock as needed," he says.
Do the people of Skellefteå know that Fritidsbanken exists?
– It's becoming increasingly well-known, and there are still many discovering us, says Lindberg, responsible for Fritidsbanken.
– Many newcomers, including those from Northvolt, have found us, and many are surprised that such a service exists and that it actually works.
Even long-time residents of Skellefteå are frequenting the facility. Many contribute by donating unused equipment, but also borrow items, especially when children or grandchildren visit.
– These shelves were overflowing when we set up a seasonal room, completely packed with gear, Lindberg explains while giving a tour of the ski equipment.
– However, by the time the holiday season ended, it was completely empty.
– We've noticed a significant increase in borrowing activity during periods when newcomers have family and friends visiting or when schools organise outings or outdoor activities. People come in to borrow everything from sleds to skis.
The concept of borrowing equipment is well-established. However, the question arises: "How much of a hockey kit can you actually borrow?"
– For hockey, we have nearly everything available, Lindberg responds.
– We don't have jock straps and have a limited selection of neck guards, but otherwise, you can borrow all the necessary equipment.
While many have already discovered Fritidsbanken, the organisation hopes to collaborate with local associations to further expand its reach and impact.
– Perhaps we can contribute to making sports even more accessible to the community, Lindberg suggests.
Facts
Fritidsbanken is a project where individuals donate equipment that can then be borrowed completely free of charge by anyone.
Individuals can borrow everything from full sets of equipment for skiing or ice hockey to sleds and tents. The loan period is two weeks.