Norway's Kidderminster Fans
January 30, 2023 · 21:58 4 min read 3 views
On Norway's west coast, Ålesund is a town with a unique appeal. Once destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt in stone by Norwegian and German architects. From its colourful houses to its harbourside promenades, Ålesund draws thousands of visitors. One road, in particular, is home to a notable oddity. At the junction of Kaiser Wilhems Gate and Harald Torviks Plass, the Brooklyn Bar stands out. Inside, a corner is dedicated to Norway's only supporter group for Kidderminster Harriers, an English National League North side.
To learn how this came about, These Football Times spoke to the group's founder, Lars Andreas Vegsund. He said the idea started as a joke when their old boys team needed an English club without a Scandinavian supporter group to attend the 2019 Supporters Cup. Given English football's popularity in Norway, the Supporters Cup is a major event, with dozens of fan groups competing. The 2022 edition was won by Ipswich for the third time.
Lars explained that they browsed English leagues on their phones, looking for a team that stood out. When his friend mentioned 'Kidderminster', Lars replied 'Harriers', and that was it. He had played as the Harriers in football management games and it felt right. This chance decision between two friends quickly gained momentum. By the following week, they had found five other Norwegians interested in starting the Harriers of Norway supporters club and held their first meeting at the Brooklyn Bar.
Three years on, the Harriers of Norway boast 191 members across the country, from Bergen to Oslo. The common thread is their affection for a club last in the Football League in 2005. Lars emphasized that supporting the Harriers is part of a larger agenda - a rebellion against global football, getting back to English football's roots and connecting with genuine fans.
As the Harriers of Norway grew, so did their ambition. With Kidderminster struggling in the National League North, opportunities to watch live matches are rare.
To learn how this came about, These Football Times spoke to the group's founder, Lars Andreas Vegsund. He said the idea started as a joke when their old boys team needed an English club without a Scandinavian supporter group to attend the 2019 Supporters Cup. Given English football's popularity in Norway, the Supporters Cup is a major event, with dozens of fan groups competing. The 2022 edition was won by Ipswich for the third time.
Lars explained that they browsed English leagues on their phones, looking for a team that stood out. When his friend mentioned 'Kidderminster', Lars replied 'Harriers', and that was it. He had played as the Harriers in football management games and it felt right. This chance decision between two friends quickly gained momentum. By the following week, they had found five other Norwegians interested in starting the Harriers of Norway supporters club and held their first meeting at the Brooklyn Bar.
Three years on, the Harriers of Norway boast 191 members across the country, from Bergen to Oslo. The common thread is their affection for a club last in the Football League in 2005. Lars emphasized that supporting the Harriers is part of a larger agenda - a rebellion against global football, getting back to English football's roots and connecting with genuine fans.
As the Harriers of Norway grew, so did their ambition. With Kidderminster struggling in the National League North, opportunities to watch live matches are rare.