Supporting sport and leisure activities for young people
We give priority to supporting local junior teams and young individual athletes. We also support local/central Finnish sports clubs.
Sport for young people is the key not only to a healthy life, but also to a sense of community and responsibility. It is important for us to support young athletes/teams on their journey towards their
own goals.
We believe that sport is one of the best ways to teach important life skills such as perseverance, teamwork and self-discipline.
Why should youth sport be supported?
A healthy lifestyle:
Physical activity is an essential part of children’s and young people’s well-being. Regular exercise improves physical fitness, reduces stress and supports mental well-being.
Community spirit:
Through sport, young people learn to cooperate, respect each other and build strong social networks. These skills go a long way in sport and in life.
Strengthening self-confidence:
Achievements on the field or track can boost young people’s self-esteem and give them a sense of achievement that spills over into other areas of their lives.
Supported teams and athletes for the 2026-2027 season
Football
JJK14 – Jyväskylän jalkapalloklubi
The team has 45 players. At the moment, the team competes in three different leagues according to skill level: P12 Second Division, P12 First Division, and P13 First Division.
The competitive team has achieved strong results, including:
- Reaching the upper playoff stage of the Huuhkajaliiga, earning a place among the top eight teams in Finland in 2025.
- Winning bronze in the P13 First Division against teams one year older in 2025.
Despite their young age, players in the competitive team have already accumulated around 100 official matches under the Finnish Football Association. From 12-14 June 2026, the competitive team will participate in Finland’s toughest invitational tournament, organized by Ilves, at the Kauppi Sports Center in Tampere.
Photo: Kari Merikanto
Laukaa United P2023 Team
The Laukaa United P2013 team includes players from different parts of Laukaa. During the summer season, the team’s red squad competes in the P13 first Division, while the green squad plays in the P13 third Division. In addition, throughout the year the team participates in tournaments with red (competitive), green (challenger), and black (recreational) teams. Having teams at different levels enables balanced matches and gives individual players the opportunity to train, play, and develop according to their strengths.
During the 2026-2027 season, approximately 35 enthusiastic players will play in the Laukaa United P2013 team.
FLOORBALL
Urho – Men’s First Team – Division 2
Urho’s men’s floorball first team earned promotion to Division 2 in spring 2026 after many years away from the league.
We are eagerly looking forward to next season’s matches.
Photo: vh_sportsphotography
ICE HOCKEY
Urho – Men’s First Team – Suomi-sarja
Suolahden Urho’s ice hockey team earned promotion to the Suomi-sarja league in spring 2026. It is the third-highest level of ice hockey in Finland, with teams competing from Kotka all the way to Oulu. In addition, Urho provides ice hockey activities for up to 250 players, ranging from hockey school beginners to recreational groups.
Photo: Mikko Huttunen
BASKETBALL
Kipinä Basket – Division 1
Kipinä Basket defeated AC Oulu in the Men’s Division 1 A Finals in spring 2026. The club can now apply for a place in the Korisliiga for next season.
Photo: Esa Happonen
Powerlifting
Emma Honkonen
Emma’s achievements include two Finnish Championship gold medals, two European Championship silver medals, and one World Championship bronze in the sub-junior category in 2024. In 2025, Emma placed fifth at the World Championships held in Costa Rica, where she competed in the 63 kg/U23 category. The 2026 Junior European Championships also went very well, earning her a silver medal.
Golf
Hanna Hänninen
The 22-year-old Hänninen, originally from Lannevesi in Saarijärvi, has quickly risen from the national level to international competitions. She is a member of Finland’s women’s amateur national team, to which she was selected in November 2025 based on strong performances. Hänninen achieved her first Finnish Tour victory in September 2025. She was also selected for the Finnish team in March 2026. In the individual competition, she placed 30th (European Nations Cup, Copa Sotogrande).
