It shouldn’t matter where you live, or what your socioeconomic conditions, background or experiences are. Everyone should have the same opportunities to play basketball, be seen and have good role models. Everyone should also enjoy good physical and mental health, a good start in life, and the right conditions for a positive basketball and life journey. “A Sporting Chance” is a Swedish Basketball Federation initiative launched in autumn 2023, with the aim of increasing social sustainability through basketball. In all areas that the police have classified as disadvantaged, basketball activities already take place and these can act as a force for crime prevention by encouraging children and young people to find and stay in the sport.

Photo: The Swedish Basketball Federation

A Sporting Chance is available in 19 disadvantaged areas all over the country. Thanks to the support of the Trade and Industry Group, in 2024 the Tynnered area was added as a third district in Gothenburg alongside Hammarkullen and Biskopsgården.

Since the initiative began in the autumn of 2024, Högsbo Basket has carried out the A Sporting Chance initiative in Tynnered, Frölunda and Högsbo. Two employed leaders have been running basketball activities at Ängåsskolan, Vättnedalsskolan and Frejaskolan three afternoons a week in collaboration with School as an Arena. A total of 110 activity sessions were delivered in 2025.

The children who have taken part have been positive, and many have come back. Continuity, relationships and attendance are clear success factors. In the long term, the project aims to help engender greater social cohesion and inclusion in West Gothenburg. maintaining a presence in schools and residential areas, the project aims to create opportunities for children and young people to find meaningful leisure activities and a pathway into club activities.