Joining sports clubs was an easy way for our family to get involved in local life and provided us with a framework for our new life in Lolland.
Why did you move to Lolland?
We arrived over two years ago, in November 2023, after spending ten years in Marseille, in the south of France. We wanted a change of environment and lifestyle. It was also an opportunity to live abroad as a family, step outside our comfort zone and give our children a different cultural perspective.
How did your family experience the first period after arriving?
The early days were both exciting and unsettling. Everything was new: the language, the customs, the daily routine. It took a bit of time to find our bearings, but we were also very welcome, especially by the ICLF (International Community Lolland-Falster).
Was there anything that surprised you – in a positive or challenging way?
For the children, school, language – or should I say “languages”, as they spoke neither English nor Danish – and new friends were real challenges but also wonderful opportunities. Like many children, they adapted very quickly. Today they are more open-minded, proud of this experience and now don't want to leave Lolland anymore.
Thinking about my children's lifestyle, I often say that this is the country of freedom. Mainly in a city like Maribo where the kids can do everything on their own, by bike or on foot.
Your son, Jacques, is quite active with both handball and football. How did you find out about the local activites?
Quite simply, through word of mouth or school. Jacques discovered handball at school and really liked it. And handball is the national sport! It would have been a shame not to try. We quickly realized that sports clubs were a central part of social life in Denmark.
I also have children enrolled in tennis, music school, kayak club, art club and gym. My eldest son, who is 14, has even been a tennis coach at the Maribo club for over a year, it’s his first job. For us, this shows that children have a real place in Danish society and are given responsibility from an early age.
How was it for you to contact the club and for Jacques to start the training?
A very positive and reassuring impression. We were welcome with great simplicity and kindness. There was no judgement about my son's level or language skills, just a desire to include him and get him involved.
Jacques immediately took part in the matches, even though he was a beginner.
Depending on the sports club, there are also international children, so it's nice because everyone mixes together.
Jacques, how has it been for you to start sports on Lolland? What do you like the most? Is there something you are missing?
It was a bit hard because I didn’t really speak Danish and I didn’t have a lot of friends in my team.
What I like the most is meeting all my team before playing a match, but what I miss the most is international people in my football and handball training. I also really liked a three-day weekend in June when we met another club playing handball, swim and have a lot of fun all together.
How has participating in handball and football helped your child make friends?
Sport did not immediately create new friendships, but it played an important role in other ways. Above all, it allowed Jacques to strengthen ties with children he already knew at school and to feel more comfortable in a Danish environment. Sport provided a reassuring setting, even if friendship took longer to develop.
Looking back, what has been most important about joining the local sports clubs?
First, our wish was of course to offer our children the opportunity to spend their energy and take part in extracurricular activities.
But looking back, the most important thing, as newcomers, was to have a regular and structured environment. The clubs offered continuity, a rhythm and a sense of belonging to local life. They also allowed us to observe, understand and familiarize ourselves with Danish customs.
What would you say to other international families considering moving to Lolland?
I would tell them that life in Lolland is very pleasant. It's a little paradise for children, even if the island may seem a little remote and far from the big cities. The international community of Lolland-Falster has a strong presence there, organizing monthly events for people to meet, share their customs and traditions, and tie friendships.
In terms of tourism, the possibility of exploring Lolland and the surrounding area for a day or a weekend allows you to visit some beautiful parts of Denmark.
Finally, sports clubs are a great way to get started, to be part of the community, and learn the language.
If you had to sum up your experience in one sentence, what does being part of a sports club mean for your family?
Joining sports clubs was an easy way for our family to get involved in local life and provided us with a framework for our new life in Lolland.
Jacques, do you have a good advice for other kids wishing to join sports or clubs on Lolland?
