Norwegian football star visits Afghanistan

- This is a unique opportunity to see Afghanistan with my own eyes, the former football goalkeeper for the Norwegian National Team and the Tottenham Hotspurs says in an interview on the Norwegian Armed Forces’ website.

During his stay in Meymaneh, Thorstvedt attended a football game between the Afghan football team Faryab United and a team of Norwegian and Latvian soldiers. The game was organized by the Norwegian PRT in Meymaneh, as an effort to help the boys prepare for Norway Cup.
- Faryab United have been practicing with the Norwegian Soldiers at the PRT several times a week. It is a good opportunity for us to get to know the locals better, and show them some aspects of what our work in Afghanistan is about, says Press Officer for the Norwegian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, Fredrik Tandberg.

This is not the first friendship match between the Norwegian PRT and the inhabitants in Meymaneh. Both football and volleyball matches have been arranged, and representatives from Afghan government and media have been very supportive in attending these events.
- Soccer contributes in a very positive way, making it easier for the Norwegian forces to connect with the local population. This is an important step towards achieving stability in Afghanistan, Erik Thorstvedt comments in an interview with the newspaper Aftenbladet.


Erik Thorstvedt hands out gifts to the boys in Faryab United
Photo: Fredrik Tandberg/Forsvaret




The Norwegian soldiers and Erik Thorstvedt getting ready for the football match
Photo: Fredrik Tandberg/Forsvaret




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