When a child or young person starts playing football in Finland, the club usually offers jerseys, shorts and socks. Starting this spring, sports hijab will also be offered to players who want to use it.
"It has been more challenging for girls with an immigrant background to take part in hobbies than for boys," Director of Women’s Football Development, Finnish Football Association Heidi Pihlaja explained. "Over the last couple of years, we have wanted to lower the training threshold regardless of different starting points, regardless of gender, religion, skin color, or other factors."
The start of donating hijabs is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of organized women’s football in Finland. The purpose of the donation is to show that football belongs to everyone and to encourage new players to try the sport.
"Finland is becoming more diverse and we want to take better account of different needs when girls become part of a football family," Rowan said.
Sara Salmani, a diversity and inclusion expert who was involved in the design phase of the project, told Yle that the donation of sports hijabs is a testament to the fact that the National League really stands behind its values and continues to work actively to combat racism.
"An ordinary hijab is not always very practical in sports. Donating a sports hijab is a really significant statement that every player is welcome and appreciated. Finland is a pioneer in showing that diversity is not only part of sport but also of everyday life," Salmani said.
"Hijab is often discussed negatively in Finland as well, although the most important thing is that a woman can choose what to wear," Salmani added.
The Finnish FA also stated that it wanted to challenge other sports federations to take into account the different needs of the players.
"The game should be open to everyone," Rowan said.
Source: The Nordic Page