Swedish football - as many as possible - as long as possible - in the best possible environment : A qualitative study on why girls with foreign backgrounds continue to be active in football, and how football clubs can contribute to this

The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of factors that influence girls with a foreign background to be active in football and how football clubs work to increase and maintain girls with a foreign background in sports. The study has a qualitative approach where five girls with foreign background and four football clubs representatives have been interviewed. The results show specific interpersonal factors that appears to be important for the girls continue playing football. For example, the importance of support from family, friends and coaches. The results also show how the football clubs today work, what efforts are being implemented today and what needs and wishes they have for future work to make girls to want to stay and play football. The conclusion is that two central factors, emotional and relational, are important for the girls. Different forms of relationships create positive feelings. Being appreciated, seen and treated in a satisfactory way is more important than winning and how to perform on the pitch. The football clubs representatives agrees that the first meeting the clubs have together with a family with a foreign background is vital for whether they should be interested in what they have to offer or not. Finally, in our study we give suggestions on what clubs should be able to work more with, such as an information letter in several languages to new members, elaborated clothing policy and a suggestion for an educational effort