KRINGSJÅ: Norway has not had a national volleyball team since 2008.

Therefore, 19 May 2011 was a special day, when Koll was given the honorable task of organizing Norway’s international match against Great Britain at Kringsjåhallen.

– We don’t have much training in it, but it’s a fun and important challenge. “We are certainly proud to be tasked with hosting the first international match since 2008,” said Koll volleyball club manager, Idar Ingebrigtsen.

Top atmosphere

And the crowd found out it was time for their visit during Norway’s first international match.

250 spectators attended and created a great atmosphere at Kringsjåhallen.

Norway led 1-0 in that set, but lost the next three sets (25-21, 19-25, 22.25 and 21-25).

However, there are two Koll players who are satisfied with making their debut in the national team, along with nine other players.

– It’s great to have the opportunity to play in the national team. Plus, it’s fun to be included in a team. It’s an honor to play with the flag on your chest, say Lars Lehre Løvberg and Martin Bahr of the Koll volleyball club.

This match is one of four against Great Britain, ahead of the Universiade in China in August.

– The aim is to be there and joke a little with the Chinese, says Lars Lehre Løvberg.

Narrow sport

The Norwegian Volleyball Association has been struggling with poor financial conditions for years, but is now one step behind.

Now they hope that the national team can continue to survive in the future.

– Volleyball is a narrow sport in Norway. There is little sponsorship money and many volunteer hours. A volleyball player trains just like a top athlete and they deserve a national team to play on, Ingebrigtsen said.

Indo national team coach Haruya felt happy after the match even though he lost against England.

– This is a learning process. “We met with the teams taking part in the Olympics and we need to be more coordinated,” he said, boasting about the event in Kringsjåhallen.

– The atmosphere was good and it was fun for many people who came to the match, said Indo Haruya.