As Norway prepares to face England in a highly anticipated World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, one former Norwegian international footballer living in West Yorkshire has made her allegiance clear. Monica Simmons, who moved from Naerboe 19 years ago and now resides in Ilkley with her family, is firmly rooting for her home nation, despite the friendly rivalry with her English friends.
Norway's journey to this stage of the competition marks a historic milestone, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever. Simmons describes the atmosphere in Norway as celebratory, akin to winning the entire tournament. "It is a massive achievement what they have done so far, so I'm just kind of enjoying it and taking it all in," she remarked, expressing no divided loyalties ahead of the crucial match. "I am 100% on the Norwegian side, it's very clear."
The passion for Norwegian football runs deep within her family, particularly with her six-year-old son, Jake, who is a devoted fan of Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland. Jake, who was born in Leeds before moving back to Norway, celebrated Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil by performing the 'Viking row' in the street, a popular celebration among Norwegian supporters worldwide. Simmons herself joined a neighbour in the celebratory row after the Brazil win and has vowed to repeat the spectacle if Norway triumphs over England.
Haaland's connection to Yorkshire is notable; his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Leeds United from 1997 to 2000, and Erling himself was born in the city. This link has fostered a strong local fanbase for the Norwegian star. Svend Karlsen of the Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia (LUSCOS) highlighted Haaland's impact, stating, "Both teams have a lot of good players, but he is the standout man."
Monica Simmons's own footballing background is extensive, having played at the top level for women in Norway and representing her country at various youth levels. She even trained in the same sports hall as Haaland, Jaerhallen in Byrne. Now working as a personal trainer, she finds comfort and familiarity in Ilkley, drawing parallels between the Yorkshire landscape and her Norwegian homeland, further cementing her life in the UK while maintaining a strong connection to her roots.