– When the weather and wind, closed bridges, conditions, and autumn darkness are at their worst, we sometimes wonder why we drive mile after mile to train and play in Blesthallen. But those wondering thoughts don’t last long; it’s because it’s so incredibly fun and pleasant!, say the handball girls Oda, Milla, and Stine from Vågan.
– Vågan + Vestvågøy = True?
– Yes, you could say that, at least in this context, laugh the girls who are doing some volunteer work before the Blest-TSI 2 match; “preparing” school pastries and other treats for sale in the café.
10–12 miles no obstacle
10–12 miles twice a week to get to practice is no obstacle for the three 18-year-olds. Plus the home games.
– We knew what we were saying yes to when we decided to join Blest in northern Norwegian 3rd division – both the mentioned and the many long trips to away games. But again; it’s the desire to play handball at this level that drives the project, the girls continue.
– Stine played for Blest last season too, she told us about many good experiences and brought us along this season, says Oda and Milla.
And they quickly add that everything has lived up to expectations.
Great environment
– A great environment in Blest! We have been warmly welcomed in every way. It’s easy to integrate into the environment and become a part of it.
Purely sporting, it’s obviously a different level than we have played at previously, but it’s not intimidating to play in northern Norwegian 3rd division, it is reported.
Oda Helmersen Esperø, retrained as a goalkeeper, and Milla Arntsen Småbakk, a left-handed right back, are both in their additional year of high school this academic year – after health and welfare studies and health worker training beforehand.
In their free time, they focus on friends and social life, in addition to handball.
Draw and loss
This weekend was about home games in Blesthallen against Tromsø students 2 and Tromsø students 1. A draw on Saturday evening against the former – just like it ended in the away game against TSI 2 earlier in the season. 20–20. A big loss against TSI 1 on Sunday morning. 21–33.
We let Rikke Reppe summarize the weekend’s matches:
– Against TSI 2 we ought to have won. We led 20-17, but messed it up in the final stages of the game. Against TSI 1, we delivered well in the first half – 14–18 at halftime. But later in the second half, it became more stressful, more technical errors, and missed opportunities. We are learning all the time and building on what we are already achieving in this division.
Difference in tempo
Lofotposten, which was present at the Sunday match, shares Rikke’s summary. A decent first half. In the second half, the difference in tempo between the teams became apparent. But a lot of positives to build on for Blest, which is currently sitting in seventh place in the standings, which counts a total of ten northern Norwegian teams. Three draws so far this season.
Lofotposten wants to report on the small and large in Lofoten, but we can’t cover everything. Did we miss something? You can contribute here!
Time.news Interview: Exploring the Passion for Handball in Northern Norway
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the heart of sports culture in northern Norway and discussing community, commitment, and sportsmanship. We have with us an esteemed expert in community sports programs, Dr. Ingrid Solberg. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Solberg!
Dr. Solberg: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the vibrant handball scene in Vågan and Vestvågøy.
Editor: Recently, I came across a fantastic article featuring three young handball players—Oda, Milla, and Stine—who shared their experiences of traveling long distances for practice and games in Blesthallen. What do you think drives such dedication in young athletes?
Dr. Solberg: It’s really fascinating, isn’t it? The passion and commitment displayed by Oda, Milla, and Stine highlight a crucial aspect of youth sports: community. For these girls, the joy of playing handball and being part of a supportive environment far outweighs the challenges they face, such as travel or challenging weather conditions.
Editor: Absolutely! The article mentioned that the girls drive 10-12 miles twice a week just to practice. How do you think this commitment impacts their personal development?
Dr. Solberg: Engaging in activities like this can have a tremendous impact on personal growth. It fosters discipline, time management, and resilience—qualities that are beneficial both on and off the court. Plus, the teamwork and camaraderie they experience at Blest create a strong sense of belonging that can boost their confidence.
Editor: Speaking of community, the girls talked about the great environment at Blest and how welcoming everyone has been. How important is a positive club culture in youth sports?
Dr. Solberg: A positive club culture is vital! When young athletes feel welcomed and valued, it enhances their motivation and enjoyment of the sport. This can lead to longer participation rates, promoting not just skill development but also emotional well-being. The bonds formed in such environments can create lasting friendships and encourage lifelong participation in physical activities.
Editor: They also mentioned that despite the level of competition being higher than what they were used to, it wasn’t intimidating. What’s your take on that observation?
Dr. Solberg: That speaks volumes about the culture of normalization in sports. When clubs emphasize growth, learning, and enjoyment over just winning, it helps mitigate intimidation. It allows young athletes to embrace challenges. Such environments encourage them to push their limits, which is essential for skill advancement and personal satisfaction.
Editor: The girls indicated that their previous experiences motivated them to join Blest. In your opinion, how significant is mentorship from experienced players in youth sports?
Dr. Solberg: Mentorship is incredibly significant! The transition from previous levels of play to higher competition can be daunting. Mentorship from more experienced players, like Stine for Oda and Milla, provides the guidance and support that helps reduce anxiety and enhance skill development. It’s essential for building confidence in new players.
Editor: what do you envision for the future of youth sports, particularly in smaller communities like Vågan and Vestvågøy?
Dr. Solberg: I believe we’ll continue to see a growing emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement. As more clubs embrace the idea of being community hubs, we can look forward to a more holistic approach to youth sports. The focus will likely not only be on physical skills but also on nurturing mental health and building social connections—something we are already witnessing in places like Blest.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Solberg, for your insights. It’s heartening to see how sports can have such a profound impact on youth development and community strengthening. It’s clear that in places like Vågan, the love for handball is more than just a game; it’s a way to connect and grow together.
Dr. Solberg: Thank you for the great discussion! It’s truly inspiring to see the passion these young athletes have for their sport.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us on this journey into the heart of youth sports! Until next time, keep supporting your local teams!