The Norwegian town of Bryne, Erling Haaland’s hometown, is celebrating the striker’s impact as he continues to make headlines in global football. Residents and former mentors in the small farming town near Stavanger express immense pride in Haaland’s achievements, noting his significant influence on the community and young aspiring athletes.
Olinda Haaland, who shares the same surname but is not a relation, runs a fabric shop in Bryne and observes the town’s widespread enthusiasm for football. She noted that the town has experienced “pure joy” watching Haaland’s ascent, highlighting his positive contributions to Bryne. Her shop, located on Bryne’s central square, is a gathering point for fans, with many seeking Haaland merchandise.
Though born in Leeds, England, Bryne is where Haaland spent his formative years and developed his football skills. The Manchester City striker, who stands at 1.95 meters, maintains strong ties to his hometown. He frequently visits his old haunts, donates football equipment to local children, and organises reading competitions. A 16th-century book of Viking sagas, acquired by Haaland, is also set to arrive at the local library in the autumn.
Haaland’s Early Years and Community Impact
Andreas Vollusund, the mayor of Bryne and Haaland’s former schoolteacher, spoke about the 25-year-old’s substantial impact on the town. Vollusund, who taught Haaland when he was 10, described him as a child who was “funny, he loved joking with others, lots of energy, loved sports, loved football.” He recalled that Haaland, even at that young age, expressed his ambition to become a professional footballer, demonstrating early focus.
Vollusund attributes Haaland’s success partly to Bryne’s grounded, hard-working farming culture and the characteristics he inherited from his parents. His mother was a national heptathlon champion, contributing to what Vollusund described as “good genes.” This background, combined with Norway’s emphasis on fostering fun in youth sports, has been instrumental in nurturing world-class athletes across various disciplines, including football, handball, and athletics.
The mayor also noted that Haaland’s presence has elevated Bryne’s status, humorously stating, “Now Bryne is the capital of Norway, not Oslo.” He highlighted Haaland’s visible affection for his hometown, which further fuels the community’s pride. On Saturday, Vollusund plans to serve hotdogs to 3,000 children and families at an alcohol-free screening of Norway’s World Cup quarter-final match at Bryne’s football stadium.
Haaland serves as a significant role model for the town’s youth. Vollusund emphasised that Haaland demonstrates that individuals from a small town like Bryne can achieve global recognition in sports. This message resonates with young boys and girls who aspire to become footballers.
A Rising Star’s Influence and Personality
Alf Ingve Berntsen, who began coaching Haaland when he was eight, observed Haaland’s extraordinary passion and ability from an early age. Berntsen noted that Haaland’s personality and goal-scoring prowess were evident even then, describing it as a “glowing” fire and passion. This early talent has translated into an impressive career, with Haaland scoring 62 goals in 54 senior international matches.
Haaland’s impact extends beyond his on-field performance. His personality, characterised by a self-deprecating and smiling demeanor, has made him a popular figure. He has been described as having a unique blend of professionalism and a relaxed, fun-loving attitude. This is particularly evident in his genuine joy when teammates score, a trait that sets him apart.
His physical presence, standing at 196 cm, combined with a diet that includes cow hearts and liver, aligns with a modern interpretation of Norway’s Viking heritage. However, his formative years were notably ordinary. During a talent camp in Stavanger in June 2014, coaches were asked to identify a player likely to achieve full international honours, and none selected Haaland, who was then still with hometown club Bryne.
It was after this camp that Haaland experienced a rapid growth spurt, gaining 20 cm in height and 20 kilograms in weight within a year. Despite this late physical development, Haaland never lacked confidence. Brede Hangeland, Norway’s assistant coach and former national team captain, recalled Haaland, as a 14-year-old, confidently outlining his plans to become the best forward in the world. This unwavering self-belief, coupled with his remarkable talent, has propelled him to the forefront of international football.
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Source: theguardian.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter