2012
International student Espen Primstad majored in creative writing at Concordia College in Moorhead, USA, before dedicating his studies to sports and physical education at Bryne VGS in Norway. But this football studies student is serious about his passion for the beautiful game; he played for Norwegian club 'Bryne Footballklubb' in Norway's second highest division and his ambition is to aid the development and growth of women’s football in Norway.
“When I realised that I lacked the necessary knowledge and proficiency to evolve in women’s football I immediately applied for the Football Studies with Business course at Southampton Solent University. The affiliation to Southampton FC and the qualified staff made my choice simple.
“I feel privileged to be an undergraduate researcher in football; I wake up in the morning with the knowledge that my day will be devoted to football and that’s a great feeling! The lectures on the sociology of football are enlightening, persuasive and inspiring.
“Without my Football Studies course at Solent, I probably wouldn't have been able to establish important contacts within the football industry. It's opened many doors for me. I've worked as a goalkeeping coach for 'Bryne FK U19', conducted a case study on 'Notodden FK' and I've carried out performance analysis for both the Norwegian women’s football club 'Klepp Elite' and Southampton FC, a once in a lifetime experience.
“I’ve established contacts with different stakeholders in Norwegian football and I’ve been involved in the development and growth of women’s football in Norway which was what I was hoping to do!”
When asked what attracts him to women’s football instead of men’s football, Espen replies: “I think of it this way: when the little known NY Cosmos tried to convince the great Brazilian player Pelé to join them instead of signing with the prestigious Real Madrid, the odds were almost certainly in favour of the Spanish club. However, Cosmos’ argument to Pelé was that he could either join Real Madrid and win another trophy, or join the Cosmos and win a whole country...
“I aspire to take the road less travelled… it makes all the difference!”