Lørenskog IF: Where football meets second chances
Thursday, January 9, 2025
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Pelle Neraasen’s journey from the music industry to grassroots football might seem unconventional, but through projects like Lørenskog IF’s street team, he’s showing how football can create belonging and a fresh start for those who've been through hard times.
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"Come on boys! Focus now. You can push a bit more," coach Per Erling "Pelle" Neraasen shouts to his players.
It’s -4°C on a late Wednesday afternoon in November, just outside of Oslo. Surrounded by newly built apartment complexes, the "street team" of Lørenskog IF ups the intensity of the five-a-side training session.
Made up of players with mental health and substance use challenges, the street team is one of several social projects led by Pelle. Following a long career in the music industry, working with major artists like The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden and Robbie Williams, the 59-year-old – inspired by his son's involvement in football – recognised the sport's potential to help people.
"I have a big heart for people, especially those who’ve had it tough," Pelle says. "I haven't exactly been a choirboy myself."
"The margins are thin for many who end up struggling. It's often just chance that leads people into difficult situations. That's why it's so important to be open and inclusive, to listen to people's stories and understand how they got to where they are."
Inclusion through football
The municipality of Lørenskog has experienced rapid growth and development in recent years, progress that has brought new challenges, including a rise in social issues and youth crime.
With 1,300 players across more than 100 teams, Lørenskog IF serves as a vital pillar in the community, using football to bring people together.
Starting with the street team in 2019, Pelle and the club – guided by the vision of 'football with meaning' – have since launched football and e-sports projects for marginalised young people, walking football for older adults, a team for children with cerebral palsy and one for Ukrainian refugees.
"Inclusion is one of the core values of this club. These teams are proof that we live up to those values," Pelle says.
A place to belong
Street team captain Mohamed Ali Mahdi found a path to recovery through football.
With support from Lørenskog IF and the local labour and welfare administration, he gained work experience, completed a coaching course, and now coaches the club's Under-13 team.
"It has helped me a lot. Having somewhere to go, something to do and the unity in the team," he says.
"It means everything. I have been substance-free for almost three years, have a job, and feel like I’m part of society again - one of the normal people".
Teammates Viktor Somogyi and Magnus B have shared similar experiences.
"We love football. It’s a good way to get on with life, to socialise with others – to belong somewhere," says Viktor.
"For me, it’s been a springboard from the streets back into society," Magnus adds.
Building a community
The club's role in the local area is strengthened by partnerships with local authorities and support services.
"We are the largest sports club here, located in a central area that greatly benefits from sports and green spaces," says general manager Magnus Rynning Borander. "We have the only youth club that is open every day, and an e-sports centre for those who fall out of football, but still need a place to meet, play and hang out."
Among the new buildings surrounding the club's Rolvsrud Stadium, the structures of a new main stand and clubhouse are emerging. They will be ready in February 2025, allowing the club to further increase their impact on the community.
"The mayor will attend the opening," says Magnus. "We will also invite all the new neighbours to create a welcoming atmosphere and strengthen the connection to the club."
Moving forward
For Pelle, the way forward for Lørenskog IF lies in improving the work they have started.
This includes securing more long-term funding for their various projects, with new sponsors recognising the club's social contributions.
"I think what we do here is very good, and people take notice," he says.
Pelle also emphasises the importance of highlighting and destigmatising social challenges, something which the club is helping to do.
"I hope that next time you walk past someone asking for five minutes of your time on the street, you'll think a little differently."