Imagine winning a tournament at your age level and then finding out that qualifies you to play in a tournament in a different country. That’s exactly what happened for the Sportsklubben Haugar teams from Haugesund, Norway. There are both girls’ and boys’ teams here that won their division in the 2021 Norway Cup, and they are playing in Target USA CUP 2022!
We spoke with the U17 girls’ coaches Kristoffer Klette and Svein Terje Warvik about this experience. They expressed that, “when we learned we won, at first we were very shocked but grew excited as it came closer. It had been two years without a tournament for these teams during their prime playing years.” They were glad to have this opportunity. The team has been playing together for nearly 10 years with the same coaches. Because they have played together so long, they are good competitors and good citizens.
Parent Jane Dunkley had many positive comments about the team and coaches, “the coaches have become almost like second dads to these players. The whole team has devoted so much time together on and off the field that they are very close. They couldn’t have come this far without these coaches – they are pure gold.”
We couldn’t leave the team without finding out some day in the life insights about these players:
- What do you like to eat before a big game?
Anything without a lot of sugar and fat. - What are your team traditions and what music amps you up?
They sing Norwegian party music, also called graduation music. They especially like the theme song “Englane FKH” from their favorite hometown professional soccer/football team, FK Haugesund - What was a surprise for you at USA CUP?
That players and teams trade pins. We don’t have that in Norway and didn’t have pins to trade. - How do teammates make practice fun?
We give it 100% and make it very competitive. - What is your favorite place to compete?
Denmark and Norway. - What has been a favorite experience while you’ve been in Minnesota?
We were able to visit a player’s family that live on Lake Minnetonka. We were able to swim and enjoy the lake.
