National and international collaboration

Why is this important for achieving our goals?

We stand at a critical crossroads: the transition away from rubber granulate, infrastructure challenges in urban areas, and international value-based discussions are all key areas where collaboration is essential to ensure that Norwegian Football remains accessible to all in the years to come. Football is Norway's largest sport and the most significant public health arena. However, this position is not sufficiently recognised by political authorities in Norway. During this strategy period, NFF and its regional associations will strengthen their expertise and increase efforts in political engagement to improve the framework conditions for Norwegian Football both locally and nationally.

Football is more than a sport – it is Norway's most important public health and community arena, alongside schools. With 400,000 members, we impact the daily lives of nearly two million people. At a time when generational gaps have never been wider, Football remains one of the few arenas that unites all ages. Through Football, we unite people across generations, backgrounds, and life experiences. We build strong local communities and create a sense of belonging throughout the country.

Our societal responsibility spans from providing children with a safe and inclusive space to grow up to delivering unforgettable moments with the national teams and even walking Football for older generations. Football truly has room for everyone. We offer street football for people struggling with substance abuse, adapted Football for individuals with disabilities, and much more. These initiatives provide joy, a sense of achievement, and quality of life while strengthening society as a whole and contributing to the common good.

Football's social impact report, Social Return on Investment (SROI), demonstrates that Football contributes NOK 46 billion to Norwegian society.

Football is society's best defence against exclusion, mental health issues, and inactivity.

We need strong partnerships with public and private stakeholders to fulfil this responsibility and create even more socially beneficial activities.

To ensure that everyone who wishes to participate in meaningful activities can do so, we depend on solid collaboration with private and public actors to establish supportive framework conditions, particularly concerning facilities and club finances. Together, we can develop sustainable solutions that strengthen Football's societal role and generate lasting benefits for as many people as possible.

Norwegian Football has decided that NFF will be a change agent in international football politics. We will be vocal in value-based debates and work to protect Norwegian Football's interests. This includes ensuring access to international competitions, sharing experiences and knowledge about grassroots and elite Football, and safeguarding players' health from being compromised for commercial interests, such as excessive match scheduling.

NFF will also collaborate with other nations and federations to promote good governance, transparency, fair play, and universal values such as human rights and sustainability.

The ambition to influence international football development requires prioritisation and hard work. All international efforts must be based on expertise and sound professional practices. To succeed, Norwegian Football must be represented in key decision-making forums and actively build alliances with federations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that share our values and goals.