Fritidskortet, launched by the Public Health Agency in September 2025, has attracted nearly 1,000 associations in Skåne within seven months. Nationally in Sweden, around 7,000 associations and music schools have joined. Association representatives welcome the initiative but note some challenges.
Fritidskortet was launched on 15 September 2025 and provides children aged 7 to 16 with 550 kronor per year for leisure activities. Parents can use the amount until 30 November and pay for activities in other municipalities. Families receiving housing allowance last year can get 2,500 kronor per child.
Nationally, nearly 7,000 associations and music schools have joined, representing half of those eligible. In Skåne county, all 33 music schools are participating, along with 955 associations.
André Ilve, athletics manager at Heleneholms IF, describes the system as smooth after initial startup issues. "Now it's linked to Sportadmin and our member register, so payment can be made directly via invoice," he says. The club has received inquiries about the connection, suggesting it has helped some families, though the impact on membership numbers is hard to assess.
Rebecca Zink, club manager at basketball association Malbas, reports more participants who can afford to join, especially in Malmö areas. "We have got many more who can afford to participate. It has really been an upswing," she says. She is ambivalent about the universal benefit and suggests more targeted support for needy families.
