“What makes our Forza Tromso special is that over the past few years under the new board and leadership, we have developed a really strong bond with the club.“
FORZA TROMSO
Throughout my time in Tromsø, the community spirit that exists between the club and supporters was as clear as the white snow that covers much of the Arctic Capital.
I had arrived in the city the night before their huge clash against Strømsgodset Toppfotball. It would be the last home game of the season, and defeat would plunge the club into a relegation dogfight.
Having not won a home game since October, you may be fooled into thinking that relations between supporters and the club would be frayed. Nothing could be further from the truth. in fact, any adversity strengthens the bonds that tie this club together.
On the game day, it was evident that many fans likely had to clear snow from their homes before heading to the stadium.
From the city centre, you wind your way uphill, navigating icy and frozen patches of sidewalk, occasionally trudging through thick layers of snow to reach the top.
You find yourself in a picturesque residential neighbourhood perched on the hill, reminiscent of those you’d see in Christmas movies. Soon, the Romssa Arena comes into view, though most fans will tell you it’s really the “Alfheim Stadion.” History prevails.
The dedication of these fans to attend the match is what makes this club special. What would football be without supporters making their way to the stadium, right? But since 2013, Tromsø IL has asked themselves the question: what would they be without their loudest fans? Meet Forza Tromsø.
“In Tromsø, the media closely follows everything the club and supporters do,” smiles xxxx lead Capo of Forza Tromzo. “We have two local newspapers that cover every little thing—positive and negative. No other supporter club in Norway gets as much media attention as we do.”
In 2013, a group of young friends with a heart for TIL began supporting the club with their own banners, flags, and self-composed songs.
They were a big surprise at the stadium. Despite a rough start, with Forza struggling to grow and the club facing both financial and sporting problems, they persisted.
Now, the group has grown to 900 fans who, from the first second until the last, chant the words “Eya TIL! Eya TIL! Eya TIL!” Their songs reverberate from corner to corner, and they never stop singing, no matter the result.
Being part of Forza Tromsø isn’t just about cheering from the stands though; it’s about building a partnership with the club. “We’re very close to the management, and it feels more like a family,” one fan shared, highlighting the unique relationship between the club and its community,” explains xxxxx
“The Forza Tromsø fan group has been incredible, says Wiggo CCO of Tromso. “They started in 2013, and they’re mostly young people with amazing energy. They’ve transformed the atmosphere.
“I remember travelling to Drammen last year for a game against Strømsgodset. As the players prepared, we could hear fans gathering outside the hotel, singing and chanting. When we got on the bus, they surrounded it, cheering and banging on the windows. It gave the players chills—it was a whole new level of support.
“Away games are really special for our supporters. Even with small numbers, they make a huge impact. I remember sitting next to a Manchester United fan during a trip and telling him about Tromsø. At away games, even with just 50 fans, we’re often louder than the home supporters. You can hear Forza Tromsø through the TV, no matter the size of the home crowd.”
Geography shapes much of the experience of being a Tromsø fan. Tromsø’s remote location means long journeys to away games and challenges like training in harsh winters. Yet, these hurdles foster a deep bond. “When you talk to the players, it feels like a big family,” explained xxxx, contrasting their camaraderie with rival clubs like Bodø/Glimt.
“One of the best things about Forza Tromsø is their positive attitude. Ten years ago, if a player missed an easy goal, they’d get booed,” Wiggo tells us.
“Now, fans cheer them on, singing their names, encouraging them. It’s a huge shift, and it sets a great example for kids. It’s easy to be a good supporter when things are going well, but this year has shown the quality of our fans. “
“They’ve been there through the tough times, giving their all, and the players feel it. That energy, those small percentages, can make a difference—and it might just help us stay up this year.”
Football can sometimes feel paradoxical: it’s the sport I love most and find immense joy in, yet it can also be hostile, aggressive, and distant at times.
While the loudest fans and ultras create the best atmosphere, they can also cause the most havoc. In Tromsø, there is no trade-off for having fans who scream, shout, sing, and create an amazing atmosphere.
During the game against Strømsgodset, I felt welcome, completely at ease, and in no way concerned about looking over my shoulder.
My mind kept wandering to the thought: “Why can’t football be like this everywhere in the world?” The atmosphere shouldn’t come at the cost of good norms and values, and Forza Tromsø has figured out how to do just that.
From the youngest fans to the oldest ones, everyone sings their lungs out to support the club that lies so deeply in everyone’s heart and identity.
TIL is an extension of their northern pride, a club that shares the same norms and values and that shows the same passion. Forza Tromsø reignited this deeply rooted energy back into the Romssa Arena, in the best way possible.
We sat down with xxxx Lead Capo of Forza Tromso to learn more about the club, life in Tromso and what makes the club so special
A REALLY STRONG BOND WITH THE CLUB
We are the northernmost professional football club in Norway and the world. The distances here are enormous.
For example, our biggest rivals are Bodø/Glimt, and they’re about eight and a half hours away by car—it’s crazy. That match is the biggest one of the year for us. For all our away games, we usually need to take a two-hour flight.
What makes our Forza Tromso special is that over the past few years under the new board and leadership, we have developed a really strong bond with the club.
We’re very close to the management, and we have a lot of influence as supporters. It feels more like a partnership where we can agree and disagree while still working together.
THERE IS A SENSE OF FAMILY HERE
Looking at other clubs, like Bodø/Glimt, who have had a lot of success recently—winning the league and even playing in Europe. But their supporters don’t have the same connection with their club that we do. They get banned from the stadium or are ignored by their management.
It’s like the club is way above them. For us, it’s different. We’re on equal footing. When you talk to the players, it feels like a big family. People here enjoy being part of Tromsø IL.
We aim to be a club that develops young players and sells them for good money, and we’ve been successful at that in recent years. But it’s also clear that players miss Tromsø after they leave because of the sense of family here.
People in Tromsø are known to be warm and welcoming. If you ask someone in Oslo to describe us, they might joke about how much we curse, drink, and fight—it’s a stereotype. But the truth is, people here are generally kind and warm.
‘US AGAINST THEM’
Historically, Tromsø wasn’t even allowed to play in Norway’s top league because of our location in the North. It was almost like discrimination. It always felt like it was “us against them.” Even now, we still feel a bit like underdogs.
We’ve had some notable achievements, like winning the Norwegian Cup twice and playing in Europe against big clubs like Roma, Chelsea and Galatasaray. I’ll never forget the famous snow game against Chelsea—that was legendary.
Despite being a small club with a limited budget, a modest stadium, and no star players, we’ve proven that we can compete.
Last year, we finished third in the league and qualified for the Conference League. It’s been ten years since we last achieved that, so the club is in a good place now.
THE CLUB WORKS HARD TO MAKE PLAYERS FEEL WELCOME
Forza Tromsø, our supporter club, has grown significantly. Our section is often sold out, and we bring energy to every match.
Even if we’re losing 3-0 or 4-0, we never stop singing. After matches, we applaud and thank the players, no matter the result.
One challenge we face is the lack of training facilities in Tromsø. We don’t have a full-sized indoor pitch, so the team has to travel two and a half hours to find one.
During the preseason, we often have to train in Spain or Turkey because it’s impossible to train here in the winter.
Living here in Tromsø, the dark season can be challenging. When the darkness sets in, you can feel a little down—not exactly depressed, but tired and maybe a bit sad. You never fully get used to it.
On the other hand, the summers can be hard to sleep through because it’s always bright, but that’s not so bad.
When you’re young, it’s great because you can play outside all night. The summers are fine, although the weather isn’t always great. Sometimes you just need a vacation to somewhere warmer.
The club is incredibly committed to helping players adapt, especially those from different countries and cultures who aren’t used to such dramatic changes in the climate.
For example, if a player comes from Senegal to Tromsø, it’s a massive adjustment—from warm weather to snow and cold. The club works hard to make them feel welcome and supported. We even have a former Senegalese player who has stayed in Tromsø to help new players settle in.
THOSE WERE SPECIAL TIMES
Some of the best moments as a supporter, I think, were as a kid, when we played in Europe. Those were special times. I remember the games against Galatasaray. Back then, we had a grass pitch—not the artificial pitch we have now—and the pitch was brown, just dead. I think it was November or something like that, and the grass wasn’t in great condition at all.
I also remember, just two weeks later, Roma came to play on that same pitch. It was the same situation—completely dead. Then, in 2013, we played Tottenham here, which was also very special.
Looking back, the games from when I was younger are the ones that really stand out. In recent years, we’ve had some incredible moments as well, like when we won against Bodø. There have been so many special moments.
Even though Tromsø IL doesn’t win many trophies. we’re proud of our history, and all the challenges we have faced.
ALL OUR THANKS TO XXXXX
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