SVT has asked all 14 municipalities, whose ice hockey team was in the SHL last season, if they provide money directed to the clubs’ sustainability work. After reviewing agreements, decisions and e-mail responses, it appears that only two of the 14 hockey teams receive targeted money for their community work.
The two clubs are Djurgårdens IF and Brynäs IF. The sums, however, differ. Brynäs’ “A good start” receives SEK 2.5 million every year from the municipality, while Djurgården’s project DIF Skol IF, which also includes Djurgården’s IF Football, receives SEK 1.5 million. Of the SHL law, Brynäs IF thus receives the most money in the country, directly from the municipality for its sustainability work.
“Sponsors can pick and choose”
This is what sports researcher Thomas Persson at Malmö University says about why sports clubs have sustainability projects:
– On the one hand, it is the case that our idea-driven sector, such as sports, is expected to be involved in solving issues such as unemployment, integration, public health issues and now the environmental issue. On the one hand, sponsors, and society at large, can choose and wreck between different sports and different associations, and then you as a sports club need to stand out, show that you are not only a better sporting choice, but also an important player in society.
Sustainability projects look different – depending on the club
“Teamsters”, “Green and white sustainability”, “Lakers big hearts” and “Rural teams” are some other names on the SHL teams’ projects to contribute to sustainable societal development.
The initiatives include, for example, charity matches, initiatives for better health among young people and the activation of schoolchildren. The initiatives are largely financed by types of sponsorship from companies.
KLIPP: SVT explains: That is why Gävle’s millions to Brynäs are problematic