– What makes the partner model so appealing to me is that NF Academy already has a well-defined and proven methodology, as well as a strong team of experienced coaches ready to go, says long time partner and recently appointed country manager for Norway, Rune Bjørnødegård.

Rune has been involved in all aspects of the delivery for almost two years, hosting several camps in his region. The feedback from parents and players has been, as he puts it; “overwhelmingly good.”

– After each camp, we send players and parents a feedback form where we ask them to rate their experience, and with a current average around 9 out of 10, we’re thrilled with that. There are many reasons for this success, but I want to attribute the majority of the credit to the coaches. All our coaches are UEFA licensed, and some of them have backgrounds from leading academies in Portugal. Add to that a strong motivation to teach and the ‘NF-way’ and what we’re delivering are life-changing experiences for the kids.

Do you want to be a partner and create a positive impact on football talent development in your region?

Click here and learn more about the partner model.

How does it work?

So what is an NF Academy partner, exactly, and what does it involve?

In the NF Academy partner model, you work in a specific geographical area where you host a set number of camps per year. For every event, we provide you with a team of coaches, organisational support and marketing services needed for success.

The partner’s responsibilities are to locate and rent the venue, provide the equipment needed and be the contact person for the camp. You’ll also need to recruit local assistant coaches who can support the Portuguese coaches during the camps.

Bookings, sales and local marketing are provided by the NF Academy head office and the country manager, giving you expert guidance for every step of the process.

– The support services from NF makes it easy to plan, promote and sell, allowing the partner to focus on the local delivery, says Rune.

In short: NF will provide you with the tools, the expertise, and the content for you to deliver a top-notch event in your region.

To highlight this point, Rune gives praise to the dedicated work by NF Academy’s technical directors and their network of football educators who live and breathe for football development. Operating from this foundation provide local talent with the opportunity to learn, develop and ultimately get the chance to show themselves to some of the best football academies in the world.

You can learn more about how NF Academy events can be a stepping stone for up-and-coming players here.

What does it take?

Although Rune lives and breathes soccer, he makes a point to say that it’s possible to combine the partner role with a full-time job and family life.

– The workload involved, especially in the lead-up to the camps, will require your commitment, but it’s fun work! I’m very motivated by providing local kids with tremendous learning opportunities and socialising with like-minded parents, coaches and partners.

For Rune, there is also added value by having his son participating in several events.

– It’s very rewarding to see my son, and other kids in the region, thrive on the football pitch with the help of NF Academy. The camps have grown into being social events for both players and parents in the area.

Lasting impact

– It’s a proven fact that players get better by playing in a competitive setting with other talented, motivated players. The Portuguese coaches push them with constructive and personal feedback, often more direct than what they’re used to. Most players are left with new skills and work-out regimes to continue the progression, also after the camp is finished.

Even parents and local coaches also pick up a lesson or two from the camps, according to Rune.

– Our camps are open for the public, and a lot of local coaches come out to follow them. Here they might pick up a few pointers in the drills, and even some teaching techniques. For instance, I coach my son’s team, and I have implemented a lot of things I have seen under the NF Academy events in my coaching, he says.

Opportunities in your region

By being an NF partner, you get a percentage of the revenue generated in the events you are hosting.

– For me, it started like a paid hobby. I never expected to get wealthy by doing this on a regional level in Norway, but did it to spread the joy of football and to provide kids in my region the best possible opportunities, says Rune.

As a result of his hard work and devotion to the ‘NF way’, Rune is now working full-time as Country Manager Norway.
Similarly, there are still many markets with enormous potential around the world, where only your personal aspirations set the limits for success. If you’re interested in making a change, we are excited to hear from you.

Learn more about opportunities for aspiring partners in the Nordic countries and beyond here!