Birk’s career took off after meeting Barcelona’s rising star
Birk’s career took off after meeting Barcelona’s rising star
Birk Marring’s journey from grassroots to a top club has gone through NF Academy. Along the way, he met a very special 17-year-old, who is among the world’s greatest talents.
He traveled alone to Lisbon and the High Performance program at the age of 14. There, Birk Marring was to train and play with and against boys two years older.
The eager and talented young boy has been part of NF Academy, in addition to activities in his own club. A combination that has taken the 2008-born player from the small grassroots club Dalen, via Fet, Skedsmo, and this winter to Kjelsås’ U19 elite team.
Parallel to club development, I have had the pleasure of participating in several activities organized by NF Academy, including the High Performance program, Riga Cup, and talent camp in Denmark. These experiences have provided me with valuable learning and shaped me as a player, says Birk Marring.
Read more about the NF High Performance 2025 in Portugal
Birk’s career took off after meeting Barcelona’s rising star
Birk Marring’s journey from grassroots to a top club has gone through NF Academy. Along the way, he met a very special 17-year-old, who is among the world’s greatest talents.
He traveled alone to Lisbon and the High Performance program at the age of 14. There, Birk Marring was to train and play with and against boys two years older.
The eager and talented young boy has been part of NF Academy, in addition to activities in his own club. A combination that has taken the 2008-born player from the small grassroots club Dalen, via Fet, Skedsmo, and this winter to Kjelsås’ U19 elite team.
Parallel to club development, I have had the pleasure of participating in several activities organized by NF Academy, including the High Performance program, Riga Cup, and talent camp in Denmark. These experiences have provided me with valuable learning and shaped me as a player, says Birk Marring.
Read more about the NF High Performance 2025 in Portugal
Progress Made
He has previously participated in several of NF Academy’s local and regional programs before Marring was offered to join international tournaments around Europe. That led to an offer for a spot in High Performance, but along the way, he was also noticed by a major Portuguese club.
NF Academy is Sporting’s extended arm in Scandinavia, allowing young talented players to have opportunities for training stays. Several NF Academy players have followed that path.
Due to my participation in NF Academy, I have received follow-up from Sporting CP, and I still have good contact with them. This has been a confirmation of the work and effort I have put in to develop as a player, says Marring.
Like many other young boys, Birk’s first coach was a dad – his own. He has seen that his son has taken steps both on and off the football field by being part of NF Academy’s program.
For Birk, the international programs were a very good school in English. From being the quiet boy who didn’t dare to say anything in English class, to coming back as a master. The motivation as a player has always been high, but now it has reached new heights.
NF and Sporting made it possible for Birk to play at the highest level in his age group. Training and school suddenly became more important than ever.
Grades improved even more, and he set goals in his further work to become good as a person, football player, and not least to see others at school who might be struggling, says Geir Marring.
Special Encounter
At the beginning of 2023, Birk took the step away from children’s football and signed for Skedsmo FK, which at the time played in the inter-district series.
Here I got a coach named Abdi, who had great significance for my development. Under his guidance, I lifted my game to a new level. The following season, the team got a new coach, and we continued to play both inter-district and in the first division. It was an exciting season where we qualified for the finals in both the Adidas Cup and Dana Cup.
Although it ended with second place in both tournaments, these experiences gave me unforgettable memories, educational experiences, and valuable friendships, says Birk Marring.
The follow-up he received from NF Academy alongside what happened in the daily training at home has meant a lot to Marring junior.
The journey with NF Academy has been a life experience that has made Birk noticed by the national team school and several clubs here at home in Norway. He is now on a new journey in a new club that will give him a new boost, concludes dad Geir Marring.
Read all about NF High Performance 2025 in Portugal
After his son recently swapped the Skedsmo jersey for that of the club from Oslo’s rooftop.
Now I have taken yet another important step in my career by signing for Kjelsås IL. I look forward to new challenges, further development, and exciting experiences on the field in the time to come, says son Birk.
Who has played and learned along the way so far to develop as a player. One of his best memories is from a football field in Spain.
One of my most memorable experiences with NF Academy was when we met none other than Barcelona. I got the opportunity to play on the field at the same time as great talents like Lamine Yamal and Shane Kluivert. An experience I will never forget, says Birk Marring in conclusion.
Find out more about 2025 Summer Tournaments & Programs
UPCOMING NF ACADEMY EVENTS
NF International Tranining Camps
| Date | Program | Country | Place | Age Group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 - 24 Jul 2025 | NF High Performance | Portugal | Rio Maior | 2009-2006 | |||
| 28 Sep - 04 Oct 2025 | NF Elite Experience Fall Week 40 |
Portugal | Lisbon / Estoril | 2010-2016 | |||
| 5 - 11 Oct 2025 | NF Elite Experience Fall Week 41 |
Portugal | Lisbon / Estoril | 2010-2016 | |||
| 12 - 18 Oct 2025 | NF Elite Experience Fall Week 42 |
Portugal | Lisbon / Estoril | 2010-2016 | |||
| 26 Oct - 01 Nov 2025 | NF Elite Experience Fall Week 44 |
Portugal | Lisbon / Estoril | 2010-2016 | |||
NF International Tournaments
| Date | Program | Country | Place | Age Group | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06 - 12 Jul 2025 | NF Selection Cup No.1 | Denmark | Frederikshavn | 2012-2013 | |||
| 29 Jul - 03 Aug 2025 | NF Selection Vildbjerg Cup | Denmark | Vildbjerg | 2012-2015 | |||
Check the complete Event Calendar here.
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