Fans returning to Brunton Park post-lockdown will have noticed the striking ball plinth, sponsored by members of our extremely loyal Norwegian Branch, which takes centre stage as the players and officials walk out of the tunnel ahead of every home game.
The Norwegian Branch, which has now been in existence for close to 18 years, has previously sponsored the club’s mini-bus, winter clothing for the under-18 squad and donated money to help with Academy projects and tournaments, taking their overall sponsorship total to close to £10,000.
Commercial manager Jenny Anderson said: "The Norwegian Branch are just a huge pleasure to deal with.
"They've become huge fans over the years and they take great pleasure in finding ways to sponsor and support the club.
"They've done that in number of ways with a ground board also in place at the stadium again this season.
"As we explained before the start of last season, the sponsorship of the plinth started as a coincidence because I was in the office talking to Pål [Meier] when the subject of securing a plinth to use before games at Brunton Park cropped up.
“He listened and, once he heard that the club was going to go forward with the scheme, he immediately said that the Norwegian Branch would like to take up that sponsorship opportunity.
"It's a fantastic way for them to visibly demonstrate their support and Pål has also been able to showcase the name of his business in Flekkefjord at the same time.”
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: "I can't speak highly enough of our Norwegian fans.
"They follow the club so closely from so far away and we're always delighted to see them when they pop over. The current restrictions have halted that, but we hope they'll be able to get to Brunton Park again sooner rather than later.
“It’s magnificent to see their branding so prominent around the ground and on the plinth.”
Pål Meier said:"Before Christmas 2018, I visited the Blues Store and met Jenny Anderson, who had been a good friend for us members of the Norwegian Branch for many years.
"As a coincidence we talked about sponsorship and how to sponser the club. Jenny mentioned the ball plinth, and I felt it was a good idea.
"At the same time we also produced a ground board with my company name for the Pioneer Stand side of the stadium.
"It is nice for us to see the ball plinth and ground board at Brunton Park when we visit, or when we see pictures on the club website.
"As the Norwegian Branch and my company, we have sponsored the club for three years and we hope to do the same for many years to come.
"We have visited Brunton Park two or three times each season for over 15 years now, and every time we come we feel very welcome and connected to the club.
"The staff and players always give us a warm welcome and we always look forward to our trip over the North Sea.
"Obviously, due to COVID, we haven't been able to visit this season, so we watch the games on iFollow and follow the news on the club website and in the News & Star.
"We all hope the COVID situation is history for the start of 2021/22 season so we can visit Brunton Park as soon as possible.
"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Carlisle United and to all the fans of the Blues, from all of us in the Norwegian Branch."
Visit the Meier + Kydland Tannklinnikk official website HERE.