Rising Youth Participation in Finnish Sports Clubs Amid Persistent Inequalities

A comprehensive study conducted by the University of Jyväskylä reveals that participation in sports clubs among Finnish youth aged 8 to 19 has seen a notable increase from the 1980s to the 2020s, especially among younger age groups. This trend indicates a positive shift in engagement in physical activities, supported by a growing investment by families in their children's leisure-time sports from an earlier age. According to researcher Irinja Lounassalo, this early investment benefits children's development, health, and overall well-being. However, Lounassalo cautions that early specialization in a single sport can heighten injury risks and cause early dropout, emphasizing the importance of engaging in diverse physical activities at various environments like home yards, parks, and forests.

The study also highlights a significant progress in gender equality within sports participation. In the 1980s, boys participated more than girls, but by the 2020s, this gender gap has closed, reflecting a positive development. Despite this progress, socioeconomic and regional disparities remain concerning. Families with higher incomes and those living in urban areas are more likely to have children participating regularly in sports clubs. These inequalities are already evident among primary school children, whereas in the past, they were predominantly seen in older youth.

Lounassalo attributes the decline in participation among low-income families to increased costs and the professionalization of sports clubs. Additionally, youth in rural and sparsely populated regions face barriers such as long travel distances and limited local sports infrastructure, which hamper their participation opportunities.

To address these disparities, experts suggest enhancing the accessibility of recreational activities through targeted measures. These include expanding physical activity options during school hours, improving transportation, fostering cooperation between municipalities and sports organizations, and providing free or affordable local indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Offering flexible, low-commitment sports programs could motivate more children and young people to stay active, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The study analyzed data from two generations of Finnish youth—those from the 1980s and their offspring from 2018-2020—comparing factors such as age, gender, family income, and geographic location in relation to sports club participation. Overall, while participation has increased and gender gaps have narrowed, addressing socioeconomic and regional inequalities remains a priority for ensuring equitable opportunities for all young people to engage in sports.