The focus shifted from golf to football for JDL Sports on Saturday and Sunday when the first of five Junior Winter Series weekends kicked off at Nesttun Idrettsplass, home to Fana Football Club, just south of Bergen on Norway's west coast.

Around 1000 boys and girls aged 7-11 braved icy winds and squally rain and hail showers to compete for their local teams in this unrivalled offer of winter football for juniors in Norway.

The concept has evolved from Jonathan Loosemore's close involvement with his sons' teams and his initiative to invite a few local rivals to play friendly matches in January 2023.

Last winter, the Series took shape with matches arranged on five Sundays through the winter for the age groups that play 5v5 and 7v7 under the Norwegian FA's junior structure. This year, the Series is expanded to include 9v9 football with football action over five whole weekends, one each in the months of November through March.

"Football is a big passion of mine, alongside golf, and I get great pleasure working with Fana Football Club to provide an arena for so many young footballers to compete regularly throughout the long Norwegian winter," said Loosemore.

With over 120 teams registered and a waiting list in most age groups, Fana's Winter Series has become a big attraction for local teams to keep their players in activity during Norway's off-season.

"Motivation is so important for young players and the Series gives real purpose to train through the winter," continued Loosemore. "The matchday experience we provide at Fana is also first-class. All age groups play matches of a good length, 2 x 25 minutes, on properly-marked pitches, with young club referees for every game which really enhances the experience."

The next Winter Series weekend is scheduled for December 7-8.

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