In a quiet corner of a small Swedish town, a father and son walk into a brightly lit community center. The walls are lined with shelves stacked with sports equipment like ice skates, footballs, hockey sticks and bicycles, all neatly arranged. The boy, eyes wide with excitement, picks up a pair of football boots. His father nods approvingly, knowing that for the next two weeks, his son will have the chance to play without the burden of expensive new gear. There is no rental fee, no security deposit and no complicated sign-up process. In Sweden, this is simply how it works. This is Fritidsbanken, a unique initiative that allows anyone to borrow sports equipment for free, much like a library lends books. What started as a local experiment in 2013 in Deje, Värmland, has now grown into a nationwide network spanning more than 120 municipalities. The idea is simple yet transformative: instead of letting unused sports gear collect dust in storage rooms and garages, Fritidsbanken repurposes donated equipment and makes it available to the public, ensuring that no one is left on the sidelines due to financial constraints. The demand is undeniable. Every year, over half a million pieces of sports equipment are borrowed from Fritidsbanken locations across Sweden. Families who cannot afford brand-new gear for their children, students who want to try a new sport and even senior citizens looking to stay active; all have found opportunity through this lending system. For municipalities, the program presents a cost-effective, sustainable solution to the growing challenge of ensuring equal access to sports and recreation.

Breaking down barriers

Across the world, the price of sports equipment is rising. A high-quality pair of football boots, a hockey stick or a set of skis can cost hundreds of euros, an amount that many families simply cannot justify. As a result, children from low-income backgrounds are often excluded from organized sports, while adults who might otherwise stay active are discouraged by the financial burden of necessary gear. "Many children give up on sports because their parents cannot afford the equipment,” writes Henrik Persson, a journalist covering his local Fritidsbanken. “This is where Fritidsbanken step in. They believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of their financial situation." The consequences of limited access to sports go beyond missed recreational opportunities. Studies show that children who participate in sports perform better academically, develop stronger social skills and are less likely to experience health problems later in life. By eliminating financial barriers, Fritidsbanken is not just promoting physical activity. It's investing in the wellbeing of future generations. For many young athletes, borrowing from Fritidsbanken has been a turning point. Twelve-year-old Johan, from Gothenburg, had always dreamed of joining an icehockey team but was unable to afford the necessary gear. “I used to watch my friends play and felt like I would never be able to join them,” he says. “Then my coach told me about Fritidsbanken. Now I have everything I need to practice, and I’m finally part of the team.”

How cities invest in accessibility

For Swedish municipalities, supporting Fritidsbanken is a small investment with significant returns. The program is primarily funded through municipal budgets, often as part of initiatives promoting public health and community engagement. Instead of spending large sums on sports subsidies or funding expensive rental programs, cities can repurpose existing equipment and ensure that resources are shared among all residents. Municipal leaders have quickly recognized the benefits. In Umeå, one of Sweden’s largest cities, Fritidsbanken has become an integral part of local sports infrastructure. For a relatively low cost, Fritidsbanken is able to provide thousands of people with access to sports. It’s not just about affordability, it’s about inclusion. People who never thought they could try ice skating or cycling are now participating. That’s a real social impact. Schools and community organizations have also embraced Fritidsbanken, regularly borrowing large quantities of equipment for events and physical education programs. Teachers report that students are more eager to participate in sports when they have access to high-quality gear, and youth organizations have seen an increase in attendance at their activities.