Children and young people with developmental disabilities should not just have a place to be – they should have a place where they feel at home, seen, and valued. This is the belief of Fonden Sol og Strand, represented by Margit og Kjeld, who have chosen to support LykkeLiga with a donation of 114,000 kroner for the establishment of a new clubhouse in Aalborg.

– Here, we plan to create a cool lounge area that is inviting and encourages coziness and community. At the same time, we will set up an arena where you can play ball, says Charlotte Espensen, Development Manager at LykkeLiga, as she shows around the approximately 800 square meter building at Ølgodvej 7 in Aalborg Øst, which LykkeLiga took over last May.

From the outside, the building, which previously housed the trade union Teknisk Landsforbund, looks like an anonymous office building. But that impression disappears as soon as you step inside. Here, the enthusiasm is high – and so are the visions of the team behind LykkeLiga.

– Our wish is to create a house that can provide the framework for lots of happiness and experiences for children and young people in the special needs area, says Charlotte Espensen with a smile.

PHOTO: LykkeLiga

A place where friendships can grow

The clubhouse, named 'LykkeLab – Denmark's Happiest Clubhouse' – will provide the framework for community, movement, and experiences for children and young people who all too often lack leisure communities. LykkeLab is for children and young people in the special needs area, and everyone in LykkeLiga should be able to use the house. The idea is also that residential homes and special schools can make use of the clubhouse. The ambition for LykkeLab is not just functionality, but the feeling of stepping into a place where you are something special.

– Loneliness and lack of well-being are a reality for many children and young people in our target group. There are not many meeting places specifically aimed at them, and we want to give them a place where they can become part of a community and meet both new and existing friends, says Charlotte Espensen, adding that it will not be a requirement to be part of LykkeLiga to use the house.

A lot of work lies ahead before the house is renovated. The ambition is to create a world-class clubhouse, and therefore the next step is to initiate a vision process involving external partners. It is still too early to say when the house will be completely finished. However, it will be possible to get a glimpse inside when LykkeLiga invites everyone to a fun run in Aalborg Øst on March 15 – an event where everyone can participate.

– Here we will showcase the house to interested parties, and we have invited the mayor of Aalborg Municipality, Lasse Frimand Jensen (S), as well as professional handball players to participate, says Charlotte Espensen.

More than just furniture

At Fonden Sol og Strand, represented by Margit og Kjeld, co-founder Margit Andersen is excited about the project taking shape in Aalborg Øst.

– When we support a project like LykkeLab, it is not just funds for furniture and decoration. We support a place where relationships can grow, and where children and young people can experience themselves as part of a meaningful community that can help prevent well-being issues and loneliness, says Margit Andersen.

FACTS

LykkeLiga was established in 2017 by the two couples Rikke Nielsen and Lars Lundsgaard, as well as Charlotte and Mikael Espensen. They are parents to the girls Magda and Kaya, both of whom have developmental disabilities.

Today, LykkeLiga is a nationwide sports community with around 1,600 players spread across 85 clubs – including four in the Faroe Islands and one in Greenland – as well as more than 500 volunteers. In just a few years, LykkeLiga has achieved significant results in the fight against loneliness and poor well-being among children and young people with developmental disabilities.

LykkeLiga has also developed into a genuine export product. Today, there are 40 clubs in Germany, Norway has shown interest in the concept, and among others, South Korea has been inspired in developing a local counterpart.

With LykkeLab, the initiative now also has a physical home that can bring together children, families, and professionals – and open the doors for even more.