Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the significance of a social innovation, free lending of sports and leisure equipment (Leisure Equipment Library, LEL), have for children’s and youths’ participation in sports and leisure activities. Further, we discuss whether this service can contribute to counteract socioeconomic segregation in the leisure sector.

Methods: Data consists of lending statistics kept by LELs and a questionnaire (n=427) distributed to all children and youth (7-25 years) who visited a LEL. The significance of LEL for socioeconomic segregation was analysed using the concepts of bridging and bonding social capital.

Findings: In regards of age, gender, socioeconomic background and sports habits, LEL was used by a heterogenous group of children and youth. Borrowers living in areas with socioeconomic challenges were overrepresented and came primarily from the same type of socioeconomic area in which LELs were located. In most cases, the equipment was used for play or informal sport with friends and family in their own neighborhood. Only 13 percent used the equipment for organized sports. 

Discussion: To counteract socioeconomic segregation, it was important that LEL was used by children and youths from different socioeconomic areas. However, since most borrowers used the equipment with familiar people in the same area as it was borrowed, it is likely that these activities produce binding rather than bridging capital.  

Conclusion: To produce more bridging social capital, free lending of equipment should be complemented with actions to secure that the places children and youth meet are socioeconomically diverse.