Viking has announced a long-term agreement which makes the company and the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) as the main sponsors for the National Team Academy (Landslagsskolen) and Norway’s U-level national teams.
Via its “Future Vikings” program, Viking’s sponsorship resources will aid in cementing a solid foundation for Norwegian football’s apex talent development for at least the next five years.
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking
Torstein Hagen is the Chairman and CEO of Viking and he stated “We believe Norwegian football is entering a new golden age, and we are pleased to be part of the journey.
The National Team Academy gives committed players the opportunity to develop further, and it is fantastic to contribute to our next generation of stars.”
He continued: “At Viking, we believe that with hard work nothing is impossible—the same applies in football. We are proud to support young people who love the game and aim for the top.”
Viking Sponsors The National Team Academy
Since its start in 2015, the goals of The National Team Academy include identifying, stimulating and developing Norway’s most promising 12 to 16-year-olds for the purpose of recognizing top talent, individuals who will develop into champions at the national and international levels.
National Team Academy alums include Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, Martin Ødegård, Erling Braut Haaland and Antonio Nusa. The following phase is the U-level national teams, which range from ages 14 (for girls) and 15 (for boys) to 23.
The U-level national teams have achieved impressive results in recent years, routinely qualifying for major championships.
Karl-Petter Løken, General Secretary of the Norwegian Football Federation
Karl-Petter Løken is the General Secretary of the Norwegian Football Federation and he said “Our talent development program is a unique model in Europe and builds strong bonds between grassroots and top-level football. The ‘Future Vikings’ program aims to build the next generation of Norwegian stars.”
He added “We are very happy that Viking is stepping in as the main sponsor. It creates a stable, predictable and good framework for the program in the coming years.”
Viking Forges Significant New Tie
Today’s announcement highlights the Viking’s longstanding ties with Norway. Viking founder Torstein Hagen is from Nittedal where he played football in his youth, and over time he has retained a deep appreciation for his homeland.
Viking has established a significant role in supporting many local Norwegian communities and its Norwegian-flagged small ocean ships make regular calls at 12 ports, ranging from Kristiansand to Honningsvåg, annually.
Additionally, Viking partners with leading Norwegian cultural institutions, such as the Munch Museum and Nasjonalmuseet, the National Museum of Norway.
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