Words: Charlie Hood
Photo Credit: @brynefotball on instagram
Erling Haaland’s been in the headlines once again this week, bagging five goals for Norway in their World Cup qualifier against Moldova. It’s a far cry from the early days of his career, when he ran out – quite literally – for a farmer’s team.
Bryne FK, from the south of Norway, were Erling’s first club, and they proudly wear their “farmers” badge with pride. Fans sing songs celebrating it – “we’re farmers and proud of it” – and players are given local produce as man-of-the-match awards. Earlier this season, their keeper won a tray of eggs, which he later turned into a Dutch omelette for his teammates.
Bryne also offers something refreshingly different from the usual away day. Instead of corporate lounges, you might find supporters watching from tractors parked beside the pitch, or VIP seats made from sofas hoisted on farm machinery. The whole matchday experience feels more village fair than football industry: grounded in local pride, humour, and hospitality.
Add in the fact that you’re walking in Haaland’s footsteps, and Bryne becomes a pilgrimage spot for anyone curious about where one of football’s biggest superstars first laced their boots.
