Expat Football in Stockholm: Teams That Speak English

You moved to Stockholm. You want to play football. You open Google and find… not much in English.

This guide fixes that. Here is how to find a team, what to expect, and how to get on the pitch fast.

The Two Systems: Korpen vs. SvFF Clubs

Stockholm has two parallel football worlds. Understanding the difference saves you time.

Korpen is the recreational league. Teams play for fun. No promotion, no relegation. Matches happen once a week. Most expat teams play here. Fees run 1,500 to 3,000 SEK per season. You do not need a personnummer to join.

SvFF clubs are traditional football clubs registered with the Swedish Football Association. They have youth academies, multiple teams, and play in the national league pyramid. More structured, more commitment. Some clubs welcome expats, but Swedish is often the main language.

For most newcomers, Korpen is the easier entry point.

Expat-Friendly Teams in Stockholm

These teams have English-speaking players and welcome internationals:

Albion FC

British roots. Plays in Korpen Division 1. Matches on Sundays in Älvsjö. Active social scene with post-match gatherings. Contact them through their Facebook page.

Stockholm International FC

Mixed nationalities. Plays 11-a-side in Korpen. Good option if you want competitive matches with an international crowd.

SCBC Football Club

Started as a Meetup group. Now plays regular Korpen matches. Casual atmosphere. Good for beginners or those returning to football after a break.

FC Nordljus

Our club. Based in Kungsholmen. We have players from Sweden, Uganda, Ukraine, Poland, England, France, Chile, Kenya, Tanzania, Turkey, and more. Training and matches in English and Swedish. We play Division 7 in the SvFF system and welcome players of all backgrounds. Register your interest here.

How to Join Without a Personnummer

Good news: Korpen does not require a personnummer. You can register with your passport number or national ID.

Here is the process:

Find a team (see list above or check how to find teams when you don’t know anyone)
Contact the team captain or manager
Attend a training session or trial match
Register through the team’s Korpen account
Pay your share of the season fee

Most teams handle registration for you. Just show up with your ID details.

For SvFF clubs like FC Nordljus, the process is similar. We register players through the Swedish FA system, which accepts foreign ID numbers.

What to Expect at Your First Training

Swedish football culture is direct but friendly. Here is what happens:

Arrive 15 minutes early. Swedes value punctuality. Use the time to introduce yourself to the coach or captain.

Bring your own kit. Boots, shin guards, and training clothes. Teams provide match shirts but not training gear.

Expect mixed levels. Korpen teams range from former semi-pros to complete beginners. Lower divisions are more relaxed.

Language switches. Most teams default to Swedish but switch to English when needed. Do not be shy about asking for translation.

Post-match culture. Many teams gather for a beer or coffee after matches. This is where friendships form. Say yes.

Finding Teams Through Facebook and Meetup

Not all teams have websites. Many recruit through social media.

Facebook groups to join:

Korpen Stockholm Fotboll
Expats in Stockholm
Stockholm Football (various groups)

Meetup:

SCBC Football Club
Stockholm Futsal
Various pickup game groups

Post a short introduction: your experience level, position, and what you are looking for. Teams needing players will respond.

The Spelarbank Option

Korpen runs a “Spelarbank” (player bank). You register as an individual looking for a team. Teams looking for players can find you there.

Go to korpen.se, navigate to Stockholm, and look for Spelarbank under Fotboll. Fill in your details. It is in Swedish, but Google Translate handles it fine.

Read more in our guide on joining a team when you don’t know anyone.

Costs Breakdown

Budget for these expenses:

Korpen season fee: 1,500-3,000 SEK (split among team members)
Match shirt: 300-500 SEK (one-time, if required)
Boots: 500-2,000 SEK (bring your own or buy here)
Shin guards: 100-300 SEK

Some teams charge extra for social events or end-of-season parties. Ask upfront so there are no surprises.

For more on costs, see our guide to football fees in Stockholm.

Indoor Football in Winter

Outdoor season ends in October. From November to March, football moves indoors.

Options include:

Korpen futsal leagues (5-a-side, indoor courts)
Hall rentals at Frescati, Eriksdal, and other sports centers
Meetup pickup games

Many outdoor teams enter futsal leagues together. Ask your team what they do in winter.

Quick Start Checklist

Decide: Korpen (casual) or SvFF club (structured)
Contact 2-3 teams from the list above
Attend a trial session
Bring boots, shin guards, water
Register and pay your fee
Show up every week

That is it. No complicated process. Just reach out and play.

Ready to play?

FC Nordljus welcomes expats and internationals. We train in Kristineberg and play matches across Stockholm.

FAQs

Can I play football in Stockholm without a personnummer?

Yes. Korpen leagues and most recreational clubs do not require a personnummer. You can register with your passport or ID number.

Are there English-speaking football teams in Stockholm?

Yes. Several expat teams play in Korpen leagues. Albion FC, Stockholm International, and FC Nordljus all have English-speaking players.

How much does it cost to join an expat football team?

Korpen fees range from 1,500 to 3,000 SEK per season. Some teams charge additional fees for kit and social events.

When is football season in Stockholm?

Outdoor season runs May to October. Indoor futsal runs November to March.