Last week, a parliamentary seminar was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Allsvenskan, focusing on the significant societal role of football. Speakers included representatives from the Swedish Professional Football Leagues, alongside clubs like IFK Göteborg, Mjällby AIF, IFK Värnamo, and Hammarby.
Beatrice Clarke, Head of Sustainability at Swedish Professional Football Leagues, expressed satisfaction with the event:
“We are extremely pleased with the meeting’s outcome, which gave us a platform to showcase all the positive contributions football makes. Elite football’s societal efforts are often overshadowed by what happens on the field, so it’s crucial to shine a light on the fantastic work our clubs do off the pitch.”
The Swedish Professional Football Leagues were represented by Secretary General Johan Lindvall, Sustainability Head Beatrice Clarke, and Chairman Simon Åström. They were joined by Anders Almgren from Enable Sweden and Elisabeth Anderton from IFK Göteborg, who collectively discussed football’s social impact. The conversation began with football’s historical importance and expanded into an analysis of its current state and future direction.
The seminar culminated in a panel discussion led by Robert Johansson, Communications Director at the Swedish Professional Football Leagues. Panelists included Jacob Lennartson, CEO of Mjällby AIF, Lisa Lidén, CEO of IFK Värnamo, and Markus Nilsson, Deputy CEO of Hammarby Football. They shared insights on their clubs’ work and the added value it brings to their local communities.
Lisa Lidén reflected on the importance of sharing their stories in such a forum:
“It was incredibly rewarding to speak in parliament about the engagement our relatively small club creates for children, the elderly, and everyone in between. Talking directly about our dreams and challenges is an incredible aspect of democracy.”
The seminar was organized by Swedish Professional Football Leagues, invited by parliament members Jesper Skalberg Karlsson (Moderate Party) and Gustaf Lantz (Social Democrats). Both emphasized the importance of discussing Swedish elite football from a broader societal perspective.
Jesper Skalberg Karlsson added:
“While the government’s discussions with football representatives on public disturbances are important, disturbances should not define the entire narrative of Swedish football. As decision-makers, we have a responsibility to see the whole picture – something the Swedish Professional Football Leagues and the clubs contributed to during the seminar.”
