Creating history and future with new agreements

When AaFK Fortuna and Molde FK Women kick off the 1st division women this weekend, it is with new cooperation agreements that take a long step towards equalizing the gap between men's and women's football. The financial contribution is at a historically high level in Norwegian women's football.

5 year agreements

"The goal is to help build a sustainable foundation for girls' and women's football in the region, both for the top and the breadth," says Trond Lars Nydal, CEO of Sparebanken Møre.

For many years, Sparebanken Møre has been one of the most important supporters of the region's sports teams, both at grassroots and elite level. The new agreements mean that the bank will provide financial support in two clubs that play at the women's level 2.

The new agreements extend over five years, and ensure that the two teams receive NOK 7 million each, each year.

Goals for the Toppserien and local players

Behind the agreement is a clear requirement and a clear expectation that the funds will contribute to the development of more local players, and that the teams strengthen their support system - so that the clubs can eventually build an organization that contributes to more girls in the region being able to develop and invest in football.

"It should be possible to reach the top for everyone who plays football in Møre og Romsdal. By that we mean that it should be possible to develop into an elite player, and to be able to play at the top level here in the region, regardless of gender. The goal is to build two sustainable clubs in the Women's Toppserien by 2029," says Trond Lars.

Trond Lars goes on to say that the goal is not for both clubs to be promoted as quickly as possible, but that by 2029 they will be in the Toppserien - with a sustainable operation and a large proportion of local players.

For Sparebanken Møre, it is an important principle that the funds are used to build the foundation required to operate well-functioning clubs. The agreements therefore specify that, among other things, investments will be made in the development of coaches, academies, support staff as well as the development of facilities and facilities.

"This is an agreement that will benefit both the top and the grassroots. If we manage to build two top teams together that largely consist of local players, it will help build pride and belonging. We believe that it will be positive for recruitment and the economy in the local grassroots clubs, says Trond Lars.

Breadth agreements and surveys

Morten Alnes Grundstad is responsible for the bank's top-down and broad-based cooperation agreements, and has contributed to the success of these agreements. He also talks about the work that has been done to create even better agreements for grassroots sports - which will benefit both clubs, athletes and local communities.

Read about the bank's other cooperation agreements

- We have also conducted a broad survey of girls' football in the county, to gain better insight into how we can continue to contribute to girls and boys having equal opportunities in the future, says Morten.

Wants to create role models

- We want to contribute to all girls and women in Northwest Norway being able to dream big. With this investment, the prerequisites for success are greater than ever before. And we hope AaFK Fortuna and Molde FK Women can become a role model for others, Morten concludes.