Sustainability, Northern Lights
and attractive football
PUMA´s cooperation with Norwegian football club FK Bodø/Glimt
April 15, 2024PUMA´s cooperation with Norwegian football club FK Bodø/Glimt
April 15, 2024Have you ever heard of the Norwegian football club FK Bodø/Glimt? The club is very special in many ways, and we are proud to have been working with them since this season. Together we share our views on sustainability and values. It is the current #1 club in Eliteserien, the Norwegian top division. CATch Up spoke to Oskar Valdmaa, Teamhead Sports Marketing Nordic, about the club’s special atmosphere. He also explains why FK Bodø/Glimt, which is located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, and PUMA are a perfect match.
Bodø is one of the northernmost cities in the world – it lies 200 km north of the Arctic Circle and is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. While cod fishing is the historic currency of the region, it now has a modest football club that is making a splash on the European stage with attractive, modern football.
Their genuine and strong focus on sustainability fits perfectly with our strategy and products. We are looking forward to implementing some of our sustainability initiatives such as RE:FIBRE with the club. We feel that we are on a promising path together.
Oskar, what makes Bodø a special club?
Oskar: Bodø is one of the northernmost cities in the world – it lies 200 km north of the Arctic Circle and is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. While cod fishing is the historic currency of the region, it now has a modest football club that is making a splash on the European stage with attractive, modern football. The town is so isolated that the club was not allowed to play in the first division until 1972 because it was too complicated to get there. The nearest major city is 9.5 hours away by car. Hard work is in their DNA, as historically it was the only way to survive in the harsh conditions of northern Norway. Despite the geographical challenges they have been incredibly successful recently. They have won the league three out of the last four years and made quite an impression in European competitions – not to mention by beating AS Roma 6-1.
Why is Bodø/Glimt and PUMA a perfect match?
Oskar: They are very ambitious on and off the pitch with fantastic people throughout the organization. Their genuine and strong focus on sustainability fits perfectly with our strategy and products.
We are looking forward to implementing some of our sustainability initiatives such as RE:FIBRE with the club. We feel that we are on a promising path together.
Can you tell us a bit more about FK Bodø/Glimt´s Sustainabilty Program?
Oskar: Over the past three years, the club has implemented its self-developed Action Now initiative. Its aim is to raise awareness of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and inspire the local community in Bodø, a town of around 50,000 inhabitants on the west coast of Norway. All members of the club are involved in Action Now. The first-team players, academy youngsters and staff are just as willing to take part in the campaign as the commercial partners and the city’s residents. One of the five pillars on which the project is based is increased collaboration with commercial partners to promote sustainable practices and the creation of networks where different businesses come together to discuss wider issues.
Many thanks for the exciting insights, Oskar!
