Inside the Bodø/Glimt Academy: Culture, Curiosity, and Player Development
- Gary Curneen
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Over the last few years, Bodø/Glimt has become one of the most fascinating clubs in European football. Operating north of the Arctic Circle and without many of the advantages enjoyed by larger clubs, they have built a culture and football identity that has allowed them to compete consistently at the highest levels of the game. On the latest episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen was joined by Academy Director Olav Øverli, who shared a fascinating insight into how the club approaches talent development and the environment they are building inside their academy.
One of the most striking ideas from the conversation was how Bodø/Glimt views standards. The things many clubs describe as “non-negotiables” are simply the starting point. Taking care of yourself, being a good teammate, eating well, and sleeping well are considered baseline behaviors rather than elite habits. From there, the club focuses on creating curious and engaged footballers — players who constantly look for ways to improve themselves and the environment around them. Instead of relying solely on top-down leadership, Bodø/Glimt empowers players to take ownership of standards and culture within the group.
At the academy level, the philosophy begins even earlier. For the youngest players, the focus is simple: love of the ball. Before systems, tactics, or identity, the priority is developing a genuine connection with the game and an environment where young players enjoy playing and competing. As players move into the older age groups, the demands increase, but that sense of curiosity and enjoyment remains central to their development.
This episode is packed with insights for coaches, academy leaders, and anyone interested in building better learning environments for young players.
You can watch the full interview below. Please 'like' and subscribe if you enjoy it!
Supported by Zone 14 Coaching
This episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast is supported by Zone 14 Coaching. Zone 14 creates high-quality coach and player journals designed to help coaches plan sessions, reflect on performance, and build better habits throughout the season. Their resources are built around intentional coaching and the idea that players learn faster when they actively reflect on their development, rather than simply repeating drills. Click here to learn more.
If you are looking for a simple way to bring more structure, reflection, and accountability into your coaching environment, Zone 14 provides a practical tool to support both coaches and players across the season.
