Soccer as a Solution to Sweden’s Gang Crime Crisis

By Li-Lian Ahlskog Hou, CNN

In the shadow of rising gang violence in Sweden, community leaders are turning to soccer as a means to engage youth and divert them from criminal activities. Every Saturday night, Robert Wirehag, a pastor and former youth soccer player, organizes “night football” in Gottsunda, a neighborhood in Uppsala known for its socio-economic challenges. Uppsala is Sweden’s fourth-largest city, situated about 44 miles from Stockholm.

At-Risk Youth in Gottsunda

Wirehag’s initiative aims to provide a constructive outlet for boys aged 12 to 17, many of whom he identifies as potential gang recruits. Speaking to CNN Sports, he noted how the boys in this area face risks of gang involvement due to their surroundings. "They are at risk of being recruited to the gangs," Wirehag said. The socio-economic conditions in Gottsunda contribute to a lack of reliable job opportunities, often exacerbated by language barriers. This environment fosters a cycle where criminal activities can seem like a viable option for quick monetary gain.

The Role of Soccer

Participants in Wirehag’s program, such as 18-year-old Abdulraof Alchaieb—known as Abudi—describe soccer as a vital distraction from the lure of crime. “If I hadn’t had football, I think I could’ve slipped into crime,” Abudi explained. He highlighted the peer pressure and manipulation that younger boys face, where older gang members could easily coerce them into illicit activities.

The soccer games offer a critical alternative to roaming the streets. They are structured around competition, but there is also a strong emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie. Wirehag found success when he allowed the players to form their own teams, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Rising Gang Violence in Sweden

Sweden is grappling with a surge in gang-related violence, which has escalated dramatically over recent years. In January alone, police reported a record number of explosions, averaging more than one per day. Criminal groups often use firearms and homemade explosives, which are alarmingly accessible. The Swedish police estimate that about 62,000 individuals maintain connections to criminal networks.

Hanna Paradis, former head of Sweden’s special operation “Frigg," stated that gang crime has become a pervasive issue across the country. "Crime is developing at a rapid pace," she warned, noting how young people are increasingly targeted for recruitment, often through promises of wealth and respect.

Alarming Trends Among Youth

The issue is particularly dire concerning younger demographics. There has been a threefold increase in murder cases involving under-15-year-olds from 2023 to 2024, raising concerns that children are being used by gang leaders for violent acts. Journalist Diamant Salihu reported that young children, in some instances as young as nine, are being recruited to carry weapons and commit crimes, highlighting a troubling trend that suggests systemic exploitation.

Ardavan Khoshnood, a criminologist, expressed deep concern over this alarming evolution of crime in Sweden, which now faces one of the highest firearm-related death rates in Europe. This development is particularly startling in contrast to Sweden's past, where it was once one of the countries with the lowest rates of firearm violence.

Hope Through Engagement

Despite these daunting statistics, initiatives like Wirehag's night football seek to change the trajectory for at-risk youth. By creating a sense of community and providing a safe space for young people, Wirehag hopes to steer them away from involvement in gangs and towards more positive pursuits. Community engagement through sports has the potential not only to combat immediate threats of recruitment into gangs but also to foster long-term resilience among youth in socio-economically challenged areas.

As Wirehag and his team continue to work with local youth, there remains a glimmer of hope that soccer can play a key role in steering Sweden’s youth away from a life of crime and towards a brighter future.