2023

Szerovay, Mihaly; Nevala, Arto; Itkonen, Hannu

The five Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden – have hundreds of years of shared history. The Nordic welfare state model, with its strong public sector, civil society and comprehensive welfare system, has become a well-known role model for many countries. Sport and physical activity in the Nordic countries is based on the voluntary activity of sports associations. The “sport for all” ideal and its basis in egalitarian values, along with a high level of participation, remain fundamental, even if the role of the private sports sector has increased on both the grassroots and elite levels. As a region, Scandinavia has often been positioned on the semi-periphery of the football map. When measured by success in international competitions, the Nordic countries are not among the major football powers. Yet, football has had a significant status in the sporting culture of the Nordic countries and there have been notable achievements on both the women's and men's sides. Despite their many similarities, a range of differences across the Nordic countries may also be identified. The collection's authors have a strong track record in football research, and many possess experience as practitioners in various segments of football.