The Danish Football Association (DBU) and Salling Group have launched a new program, “Ligeløftet – Samme Bane,” aimed at ensuring boys and girls have the same opportunities in Danish football.
Equal Opportunities in Danish Football
The initiative seeks to give all children and young people, regardless of gender, equal access to play, well-being, and development in football clubs. Each year, many clubs receive sponsorship from Salling Group’s chains Bilka, føtex, or Netto. From now on, those sponsorships will depend on clubs providing equal conditions for girls and boys, including comparable facilities, training times, and qualified coaches. The move responds to ongoing imbalances in pitch access and equipment, where girls have not always had the same support as boys.
“Ligeløftet – Samme Bane” is part of DBU’s existing partnership with Salling Group and is intended to drive fair and consistent standards across local football. The company positions the effort as a way to strengthen community benefits from football and to ensure its local sponsorships promote equal opportunities.
The program does not require clubs to meet every benchmark immediately. Instead, it is structured as a commitment to continuous improvement, with clubs expected to work actively and steadily toward better conditions for all players.
DBU’s goal is to boost enjoyment of the game, strengthen club communities, and improve player retention. The association emphasizes that equal opportunity is also about well-being and making sure children and young people feel equally recognized and prioritized, using football as a tool for positive social change.
To track impact, DBU and Salling Group will review progress each year. DBU will conduct ongoing surveys of all Danish football clubs to monitor developments in facilities, training schedules, and coaching, with the aim of improving opportunities for both girls and boys. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering an inclusive environment in Danish sports, ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive in football.