Sports clubs and associations play larger role in wellbeing than previously thought, study finds

A new study by E2 Research Institute shows that sports clubs and community associations significantly boost regional vitality by supporting wellbeing, preventing social exclusion, and aiding immigrant integration in Finland’s smaller urban hubs.

The research, funded by the Central Union of Agricultural Producers’ foundation, examined the impact of clubs and associations—particularly sports organizations—on the resilience of six regional cities: Kemi, Heinola, Loimaa, Nurmes, Pietarsaari, and Varkaus. These cities, facing population decline, have increasingly looked to community activities as both a cause and solution to demographic challenges.

“In areas with net migration losses, clubs and associations are seen as key to addressing and reversing population decline,” said senior researcher Atte Penttilä of E2.

The study highlights that while the value of these groups is widely recognized, their contributions are often underestimated. Clubs foster participation among children and youth, reduce marginalization, and improve physical and mental health across age groups. They also serve as critical integration platforms for immigrants—many of whom join through sports.

In Kemi, one of the cities studied, football club Kemin Palloseura reports nearly every youth team includes players with immigrant backgrounds. “A couple of years ago, we had over 50 immigrant-background players across our teams,” said Kimmo Hyöppinen, the club’s service and youth coordinator. “Football is a universal language. Often, immigrant youth start kicking a ball around here and end up joining practices. Many who started young are still playing.”

The study also underscores persistent funding disparities, particularly for women-dominated sports. Interviewees noted that unequal support for these disciplines reflects broader equity issues tied to regional attractiveness and resident engagement. In Kemi, municipal subsidies help keep costs manageable for sports like figure skating, where fees can otherwise reach hundreds of euros per child. “Without city support, we’d have far fewer participants,” said Tero Ruokanen of Meri-Lapin Taitoluistelijat, a local skating club.

A major operational challenge is the decline in volunteers. Two-thirds of surveyed organizations cited volunteer shortages as their biggest obstacle, as traditional collective work models lose traction. “Regional vitality isn’t built on jobs and investments alone—it depends on everyday communities,” Penttilä stressed. “But community doesn’t happen by itself; it requires continuous effort and people to sustain it.”

Clubs are adapting by engaging younger members in leadership roles. At Meri-Lapin Taitoluistelijat, 19-year-old Fanni Ruokanen now coaches after her competitive career. “Having recently been an athlete myself, I think I understand them well,” she said.