Sports are a central part of Swedish life, from grassroots participation to elite international competition.
## Popular sports - **Football (soccer)** - **Ice hockey** - **Handball** - **Floorball** - **Athletics** - **Skiing** (cross-country and alpine) - **Golf** - **Tennis** - **Motorsport** - **Bandy** in some regions
## Professional and top-level teams ### Football Sweden’s top football structure includes clubs in the **Allsvenskan** and **Damallsvenskan**. Well-known clubs include: - **Malmö FF** - **AIK** - **Djurgårdens IF** - **Hammarby IF** - **IFK Göteborg** - **BK Häcken**
### Ice hockey Top-level hockey is played in the **SHL**. Notable clubs include: - **Frölunda HC** - **Färjestad BK** - **Brynäs IF** - **Luleå HF** - **Skellefteå AIK** - **HV71**
## International reputation Sweden is especially known for success in: - Men’s and women’s football - Ice hockey - Cross-country skiing - Alpine skiing - Tennis - Athletics - Handball - Swimming - Equestrian sports
## Venues and facilities Major venues include: - **Friends Arena / Strawberry Arena** area in Solna for football and major events - **Tele2 Arena / 3Arena naming eras** in Stockholm - **Ullevi** and **Gamla Ullevi** in Gothenburg - **Malmö Stadion** area and **Eleda Stadion** - Numerous ice arenas, ski tracks, swimming halls, and local sports grounds nationwide
## Grassroots sports - Sweden has a strong club system for youth and amateur sports. - Municipal sports facilities, school sports, and volunteer associations play a major role. - Outdoor fitness and recreational races are common in cities and rural communities alike.
## Winter sports - Alpine and Nordic ski culture are especially important in central and northern Sweden. - Events such as the **Vasaloppet** are central to the sporting identity of the country.
