KFUM Oslo secures 100 million kroner for new family arena at Ekeberg

KFUM Oslo has received 100 million kroner in funding to build a new arena at Ekeberg. The funds come from Oslo municipality and billionaire Trond Mohn, who are both giving 50 million kroner.

The Oslo city council plans to allocate 25 million kroner in the 2027 budget and the same amount the following year for the larger part of the project. This ends a very long effort to get a modern home. The club, which is currently in the Eliteserien, has for a long time faced criticism for very poor facilities despite playing in the top division.

• It's fantastic, said head coach Jørgen Isnes. I can really feel it in my body, and I imagine those who have worked since 2006 to make this happen feel it even more.

The facility, to be named KFUM Familiearena, will have stands for 3,000 spectators with plans to expand to between 4,000 and 5,000. It will include a main pitch, new training pitch, changing rooms, club rooms, storage, a kindergarten, training centre, indoor football hall, an environmental station for the city's environmental agency, offices, health service rooms, and flexible rental areas. Construction could start as early as this autumn.

• It means a great deal for both children and young people, and also for us who are aiming a bit higher, said captain Robin Rasch. It creates a different infrastructure and it becomes easier to build a top club when you have a proper stadium and don't have to cross the road.

Rasch is currently injured along with Ayoub Aleesami, according to the club's injury list. The team won its last match 2-1 at home against Aalesund, and they face Sarpsborg 08 FF away on September 18th. This is the first time Trond Mohn has made a major donation to a sports club in Oslo, after he met KFUM representatives by chance at Brann Stadion.

This story first appeared at NRK Sport (nb)