About Stripes News
Just who are Långholmen FC?
Players from 24 different countries are currently happy to call Långholmen home, and the inclusive international atmosphere has also attracted growing numbers of Swedes in recent years. But despite its rapid growth, Långholmen remains true to the values forged early in the last decade, when a handful of newly arrived exiles started kicking a ball about on the old prison island in central Stockholm that gives the club it name – a heritage reflected in the club’s black-and-white striped kit.
United by a combination of the English language and a desire to find a niche in their adopted country, the tight-knit team soon joined the league system in Division 8 and quickly embarked on a spectacular journey through the tiers.
On the pitch, the club has become widely respected for its fair play and competitive ethos. Regardless of the results, however, Långholmen is really all about what happens after the final whistle.
“It’s a community in the best sense of the word,” says first team captain Andy O’Sullivan. “The football is just the tip of the iceberg – members socialise together, and there’s always someone to call on for a chat, support or some advice on living in Sweden. You could say that it has helped us settle.”
It’s a good-natured club that breeds loyalty among players and fans, and attending home games at the Essinge IP ground is always an entertaining way to spend an afternoon in a friendly environment. But while there are plenty of highs, sombre farewells are also commonplace in any international community, and the club is naturally seeking to boost its membership and support across all teams.
“We’re a welcoming club and we’re also very ambitious,” says O’Sullivan. “But most importantly, playing for Långholmen is an awful lot of fun. We play with a smile on our faces, and with so many teams, everyone can find the level that suits them best.”
