NFF and Thon Hotels to boost involvement and recruitment.
Playmakers - an introduction to football
UEFA Playmakers is a football event full of play, imagination and the joy of physical activity - designed for girls ages 5-8 years.
It’s not about goals and tables, but about getting to know the ball, trying things out on the field and having fun with others. Through play and stories, children enjoy a safe and fun first experience with football and more and more girls want to join football clubs.
More girls playing football longer
Thon Hotels and the Norwegian Football Federation are collaborating on several activities to give young female football players the desire to continue playing football;
- either as a player, coach, referee or different role in the team.
What the initiatives have in common is a desire to show that football is about much more than what happens on the field and that there are lots of ways to be part of the community - preferably several at the same time.
In the run-up to women’s national matches at Ullevaal Stadium, Thon Hotels and NFF together invited several hundred girls to inspirational gatherings with great conversation, true stories and new perspectives. Female coaches, referees and officials shared their journeys into football together with active and former professional players from Toppfotball Kvinner. Many of the participants became curious about the opportunities available in their own club and returned home with new motivation to get involved - as well as a memorable match experiences, a sense of community in the the stands and some exclusive free giveaways.
Football fun and inspiration are also the focus of the Norway Cup, where in recent years, girls’ training sessions have been arranged for those who want to test their skills and challenge themselves.
With head coaches on the national team level - such as Hege Riise and Lena Tyriberget - and assistant coaches from the Toppserien premier league of women's football, the participants both experience the professional level and get inspired by those who live their football dream every day.
This gives them a unique taste of what is possible to pursue and a training session many consider a highlight of the event.
Together, Thon Hotels and NFF have also created memorable experiences through Dream Day Football Experience.
The winning team enjoyed:
- Overnight stay at the national team hotel
- Meet & greet with the players
- Behind-the-scenes look
- VIP match experience
- Training session at Ullevaal Stadium
Over 1,100 girls’ teams took part in the competition and everyone put their heart and soul into it. The teams that did not win were also invited to watch from the stands thanks to Thon Hotels. Experiences like this create memories - and build dreams - that last long after the match ends.
Thon Hotels and the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) work together to encourage more girls and women to become football coaches. They cover the cost of UEFA B coaching sessions for women.
This means that:
💙 More people will have the opportunity to undergo coach training
⚽ More female coaches in Norwegian football
👟 More female role models for children and young people