Rethinking Growth in Women’s Football

In early 2025, the Louhento Foundation became a key partner in a groundbreaking development programme aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and financial stability of Finland’s top-tier women’s football teams. Running from 2025 to 2028, this programme is central to the National League’s (Kansallinen Liiga) long-term strategy, which focuses on creating well-managed, financially stable clubs that can sustain growth and achieve lasting success.

The primary goal of the programme is to establish a stable financial foundation for teams, which is essential for creating professional opportunities for female football players in Finland. By focusing on financial sustainability, the initiative helps teams optimise their operations and establish the conditions necessary for continued professionalisation.

With a combination of strategic financial support, resources, and the hiring of sales coordinators, the programme strengthens clubs’ marketing, sales, and business management capabilities. This initiative opens up new commercial opportunities, ensuring the long-term viability and success of Finnish women’s football. Additionally, the programme promotes the development of new revenue streams, helping clubs maintain financial sustainability and compete both nationally and internationally.

Furthermore, the programme includes development forums and educational opportunities for teams in Finland’s second-highest division, Kansallinen Ykkönen, encouraging cross-league collaboration and knowledge-sharing to foster mutual growth across the divisions.

Funding for Long-Term Impact

The four-year programme is funded with €150,000 annually from UEFA’s Women’s Football Development Fund, alongside an additional €30,000 per year from the Louhento Foundation. This funding model ensures the necessary resources to support the programme’s objectives and ensure its success.

The official launch of the programme takes place on April 8, 2025, in Tampere, where the Finnish women’s National Team, the Helmarit, will face Hungary in a Nations League match. This event marks the beginning of the programme’s efforts to strengthen the operational and commercial foundations of Finnish women’s football.

By empowering teams to invest in player development, improve operational efficiency, and generate new revenue opportunities, the programme is set to make a lasting contribution to the long-term growth and sustainability of women’s football in Finland.

The Louhento Foundation is proud to support this important initiative, which aligns with our mission to improve lives and create equal opportunities, while helping establish a solid foundation for the future of women’s football in Finland.

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