From UNCG fields to local bakeries, Norway's stay energizes Greensboro
· Yahoo Sports
A World Cup team training in Greensboro has sparked excitement across the city, drawing international attention, energizing local soccer fans and giving area businesses an unexpected chance to be part of the world's biggest sporting event.
Visit afsport.lat for more information.
Norway's men's national soccer team selected Greensboro as its training base ahead of the FIFA World Cup, bringing players, coaches and international media members to the city for several weeks.
Richard Beard, president of the Greensboro Sports Foundation, said the significance of the moment extends far beyond the Triad.
"This is a big deal for Greensboro because the World Cup is literally the planet's largest sports event," Beard said.
The World Cup is expected to draw billions of viewers worldwide, and Beard said dozens of international journalists are following Norway during its stay in Greensboro.
The team's decision to train at UNC Greensboro is the result of months of planning and coordination among local leaders, tourism officials and UNCG staff. Beard said Norway ranked Greensboro as its top choice among training sites across North America.
"For Greensboro and Winston-Salem to have Norway and Germany, two premier teams in the Triad, that speaks volumes about our place in international sports," Beard said.
At UNC Greensboro, preparations for the team's arrival became a source of pride for staff responsible for maintaining the facilities.
Matt Kirkman, UNCG's sports field supervisor, called the opportunity a career highlight.
"This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, once-in-a-career opportunity for us," Kirkman said. "The last time the World Cup was in America, I think I was 10, and the next time I plan to be retired by then."
Kirkman said he and his crew spent days fine-tuning the fields and facilities before the team took the pitch.
"We're super grateful that Norway chose us for their home base for the next month," he said.
The excitement has extended beyond the university and into the local business community.
Sarah Billups, a High Point cookie artist and home baker, was selected to create custom cookies and treats for Norway's coaches and team leadership. The cookies featured designs connected to the Norwegian national team and were included in welcome gifts.
"Well, I freaked out, and I immediately texted my older brother and said, 'Guess what I get to do?'" Billups said. "I never thought that this would happen, and I'm just very excited to have the opportunity."
City leaders say the enthusiasm surrounding the team's stay has been evident throughout the community.
More than 20,000 ticket requests were submitted for a public training session with the team, despite only about 3,500 spots being available through a lottery system.
The overwhelming demand reinforced what Beard believes about the city's connection to the sport.
"It's much bigger to the world than it might be for the United States, but Greensboro is a soccer city, so Greensboro is embracing it," he said.