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Sport participation or regular physical activity is often seen as a factor, which leads to better health and well being. Sport also has a social function, as most of the activities are performed together with other people. However, while club sports in Sweden have a stimulating effect on young men, there is a risk that they do not provide enough scope for young women. In particular, early specialization and a high level of seriousness do not suit all young sportswomen. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical understanding of the ways in which sport has influenced young women’s lifestyles in terms of their attitudes to physical activity in adult life. The data were collected using strategic interviews and analyzed using the grounded theory method. Based upon the results, young women’s physically active lifestyles varied depending on how they valued their sport in combination with how they handled their sport. Sport was regarded as having a positive effect on health and well being. This led to the young women studied intending to pursue a physically active lifestyle also in adult life. They enjoyed participating in sport, but not particularly sport with a high level of seriousness or a high level of vigor, which is what characterizes most club sports today.

In Sweden 15 percent of young people aged 13-16 visit municipal youth clubs regularly. This poper will discuss how club leaders regard their own profession, as well as their attitudes towards ethnicity and gender. The article is based on an ethnographic study of four youth clubs in two Swedish towns. The majority of the leaders did not have a clear strategy on how to reach their goals, and were confounded when meeting young people with non-Swedish ethnic backgrounds. They tried to meet the young people with respect and as friends, not as mates. Girls and boys were divided into separate groups, a decision which did not result from a reflection upon gender. They wanted the young people to take part in running the club, but found it difficult to motivate them. The leaders had a kit of methods for different situations but did not reflect upon if they reached the established goals. The way in which the leaders reflected upon their own position in the club indicates a normative stance. It i s argued that the "management of meaning" ought to be informed by a notion of the particular activities and ideas that are best suited to create and govern a wholesome process within the clubs.

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