For this edition of the SLO Spotlight series, we speak to HJK Helsinki’s SLO Kalle Kontu. He is a lifelong supporter of the “Klubi” and has been involved in fan activities for over 15 years.
In Finland, the majority of appointed SLOs are volunteers, as the country makes progress on its journey in developing the role to tailor it to meet the demands of Finnish domestic football.
The goal of the SLO Spotlight feature is to enhance the recognition and awareness of SLOs across Europe. We want to provide a platform for SLOs to gain knowledge from their peers by learning about their experiences and also allow supporters to deepen their understanding of the role.
How long have you been your club’s SLO, and what made you decide to want to do the role for your club?
“This is my first year as a paid Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO), the salary may not be substantial but it’s a step forward. Interestingly, Finland lacks other paid SLOs, although I believe we should have them—especially in larger clubs with sizable fan bases. For nearly 15 years, I’ve been involved in ‘SLO-like’ activities within the club but focusing on fan-related tasks such as booking buses and ships, marketing our trips, and liaising with club officials.”
What was your journey to becoming the club’s SLO? Were you already working for the club in a different role, or were you recruited externally?
“For nearly 15 years, I’ve been at the helm of organising our fan-related activities. From coordinating away travel to handling ticketing and payments, I’ve worn many hats. And, naturally, I’m the go-to person when our fans do something good—or, occasionally, when things don’t go as smoothly. Last winter, during a meeting with the club, our former capo called for the club to hire me—whether full-time or part-time. The club agreed, and now I’m hired for 25 hours per month. It’s a modest start, but who knows? Perhaps there’s room for more.”
What are you most proud of achieving since becoming your club’s SLO?
“Reflecting on the past 15 years, one moment stands out—the turning point when a handful of us dared to be disappointed with our supporter scene. Our official fan club had splintered: some members stood by the long side of the pitch, others occupied the end section, and random pockets of fans dotted the middle. It was time for a change.
“We arranged a meeting, aligned, and agreed that we would rally behind HJK from the south end. Fast-forward to today—our fan base has blossomed. Last month, over 1,000 supporters travelled 180km for an away match. I must give huge thanks to my younger colleague and the new generation who have brought our fan support to a completely new level.”
HJK have experienced European competitions in recent years, and this year qualified again for the UEFA Conference League group stage. How has the experience been for you working with other clubs’ SLOs?
“It’s been alright. However, there’s a significant contrast among SLOs from different countries. Last year, we HJK were in a group with Aberdeen, Eintracht Frankfurt, and PAOK. Our interactions with Aberdeen were positive and lively. Frankfurt, on the other hand, operated like the precision of classic German football: machine-like. As for PAOK, I didn’t hear from their SLO, so I can’t shed much light on how the SLO role functions in Greece unfortunately.”
If you were giving advice to other SLOs, what do you think is the key to success in the role?
“The key to good working connections is information and communication, ensuring that important and necessary information gets to where it needs to be.”
You have an SLO colleague at HJK, can you give us insight into how you work together?
“I have a younger colleague who currently volunteers without any pay. His workload is substantial, and I sincerely hope that changes soon. He primarily handles matters when HJK is away, while I take care of our home games.”
How well do you know your counterparts in the other Finnish clubs?
“I know some of my counterparts in Finland but haven’t met them all yet. The SLO concept needs a huge push in Finland since even some of the clubs still have some way to go to properly understand the role.”
If you could change one thing that would help you and other Finnish SLOs in your roles, what would it be?
“The key aspect I’d like to work on is our interactions with the police. In Finland, we collaborate with dedicated NFIP officers, holding regular meetings to discuss match logistics. We cover everything from travel plans and route details to road closures and whether we’ll have a tifo or choreo.”
Football Supporters Europe would like to sincerely thank Kalle and HJK Helsinki for taking part in the interview.
You can read the previous SLO Spotlight edition here.
Learn more about SLOs and FSE’s role in developing the position here.
Contact us to find out more about the Supporter Liaison Officer role.
[Photo credit: Mira Lönnqvist]