Photo: Bent Nielsen

Sport for All is a foundation that helps cover costs such as membership fees, tournament participation, and scholarships for sports schools—making it possible for children and young people from low-income families to participate. It operates on the premise that financial hardship should never prevent a child or young person from taking part in club sports. The aim is to ensure that those in need of financial support can enjoy sport in their free time, together with friends and classmates. The initiative also extends support to newly arrived adult refugees and asylum seekers, helping them access local sports communities and build new connections.

HOW IT WORKS

The foundation receives financial support from the Danish Social and Housing Agency, the Poul Due Jensens Foundation, and Lidl supermarkets, which gives customers the option of contributing to Sports for All instead of receiving a small deposit on each bottle they return. Sports clubs apply online for funding on behalf of young people from families with tight budgets. The support goes directly to the club, allowing them to reduce or cover costs so that the children can join activities or take part in tournaments free of charge.

INSPIRATION TO ACTION

Sport for All’s funding model demonstrates how financial barriers to sports participation can be tackled through cross-sector collaboration. This approach not only distributes the financial responsibility, but also actively involves different parts of society—policymakers, philanthropists, and everyday citizens. Many foundations and charitable organisations are eager to support initiatives aimed at helping children and young people in vulnerable situations. Private companies can also play a role by offering their customers the opportunity to contribute—for instance, by donating bottle deposit refunds or similar incentives.

Read more here (only in Danish)