Sweet quiet life of lower league footbal in Southern Sweden. Surrounded by willow dykes and rolling fields, Borrby IF and Borresvall is a true hidden gem.

The main stand here is out of this world. My wildest imagination could not make this up. A high grass bank with old wooden benches accommodating around 50 visitors. Blooming fruit trees and proud daisies. The Idyll is abruptly broken when a huge loudspeaker is brought out from the dressing rooms, filling my peaceful mind with loud and scratchy 60’ies Swedish rock music.

This little club is not different from many other small towns and communities in Sweden. On a variety of levels, these clubs offer a huge community role. A role quite similar to what the church has always done - bringing together people, creating social engagement and fostering community spirit.

At the little stall inside the clubhouse I buy a hotdog and a soda - the bread is handed to me in a small white napkin. I walk out to the grill, where I’m handed the sausage, and I apply the condiments. Around the grill are smiles and laughter. I ask how the season is going, and more smiles and laughter breaks out. I take it as a sign of things could improve.

The game itself is one sided affair, with the visitors dominating the game from start to finish, beating the home side 4-0 at final whistle. But scores are not important here. What this “room” crates, is a welcoming environment for all ages. The players, their families, girl - and boyfriends, the volunteers, everyone contributes to an event that cannot be measured on any economic scale - and the is truly the biggest value.