What can Ireland learn from Bodø/Glimt and Norway's sporting model? 

Bodø/Glimt stand on the brink of the Champions League quarter-finals, a symbol of Norway’s ability to punch above its weight in sport.

TOGETHER: Patrick Berg, Sondre Brunstad Fet, Kjetil Knudsen and Jostein Gundersen of Bodo/Glimt before kick off during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match clash with Sporting Clube de Portugal at Aspmyra Stadium on March 11, 2026 in Bodo, Norway. (Photo by Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images)

NORWAY has consistently performed at a very high level in international sport, particularly in winter sports and endurance disciplines, despite having a relatively small population of just over five million people. Key factors contributing to Norway’s success include a strong child-centered philosophy in youth sport, a focus on late specialisation, a robust community-based club system, significant public investment in sport, close collaborations with academic institutions, and a cultural tradition of physical activity.

Children’s rights in sport