The Development of Youth sport in Sweden

This chapter provides an overview of youth sport in Sweden, mainly from the mid-nineteenth century onwards. We begin with a historical account of young people’s physical education in the school system from the nineteenth century to modern times. This is followed by an account of the emergence and expansion of children’s and youth sports within the framework of the voluntarily organised sports movement. Against this historical background, contemporary youth sport in Sweden is analysed. An important theme is policy efforts to promote safe sport among youth. We also discuss current trends and challenges. In step with major structural challenges in Swedish society, such as increased inequality and segregation, the levels of activity in youth sport have declined, and the socio-economic disparities have increased. These trends were reinforced during the coronavirus pandemic. An important question for the future is whether youth sport in Sweden will maintain its current strong anchoring and roots in a popular movement based on the values of non-profit and “sports for all.”