NFF Reacts to Planned Cup for 10-Year-Olds

A planned youth football tournament in Oslo has been approved after the organizing club, Bjørndal IF, initially failed to follow proper procedures, sparking a reaction from the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF).

The club had intended to host an "invitational cup" for 10-year-olds, inviting specific teams. However, this approach conflicted with NFF regulations, which mandate that children's competitions must be open to all participants, with a "first come, first served" principle if space is limited. Bjørndal IF had not sought the necessary permission from the district association to organize the event.

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As we understand it, a team environment in Bjørndal wanted to arrange a tournament for their 10-year-olds. The club had unfortunately not applied to arrange the tournament, and from what we know, the original plans for the tournament contained elements that violate NFF's rules.

Following media inquiries from VG, the club's leadership acknowledged the misstep. Bjørnar Skogvoll, a leader at Bjørndal IF, initially described the event as friendly matches for relationship building, not a tournament requiring an application. However, he later conceded it was a "misunderstanding from our coaches" and that they had contacted other clubs before submitting an application.

Oslo's football association confirmed that clubs wishing to organize tournaments for three or more teams must apply. After clarifying the situation and submitting the required application, the two planned tournaments for Bjørndal IF have now received approval. The tournaments are designed with level-based divisions to ensure evenly matched games for the young players.

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It is still friendship that counts, but we have spoken with NFF, and we have been told that we must apply for a cup, and then we will do so.