Teams
Rosenborg Women
Valerenga Women
Lillestrom SK Women
Stabaek Women
Røa Women
SK Brann Women
Kolbotn Women
Arna Bjornar Women
Avaldsnes Women
Lyn Women
Klepp Women
Medkila Women
Grand Bodø Women
Asane Women
Amazon Grimstad Women
Bodo/Glimt Women
Honefoss Women
Uraedd FK Women
Fart Women
Tromso Women
Byasen Women
Grei Kvinner Women
Wikipedia - Toppserien
The Toppserien is the top level of women's association football in Norway. It was founded in 1984.
History
Women's league football was introduced on a county basis in 1977. These leagues acted as qualification for the regional (South) league in 1979. Regional leagues were in operation until the formation of the First Division 1984, when the league was divided into three regions, Group Eastern-Norway (Østlandet), Group Western-Norway (Vestlandet), and Group Mid-Norway (Trøndelag). No teams from Northern-Norway (Nord-Norge) played, however. The winners of the three groups met each other for a play-off. Regional leagues for women had been played before 1984, and a championship play-off had been done between the winners of Mid-Norway and Eastern-Norway in 1983 (Trondheims-Ørn beat Setskog 2-1), but this championship was considered unofficial by the Football Association of Norway. In 1986, a group for Northern-Norway was added, and in 1987, the groups and play-off matches were dropped, and one single league with teams from all over the country was played.
The league was known as 1. divisjon (Norwegian for 1st Division) from 1984 to 1995, the Eliteserien (Norwegian for The Elite League) from 1996 to 1999, and the Toppserien (Norwegian for The Top League) from 2000.
Traditionally, Trondheims-Ørn and Asker was the two power-houses of Toppserien, with 7 and 6 championship wins respectively. Trondheims-Ørn finished in the top three 16 out of 23 times from the beginning in 1984 to their current last medal in 2006. In 1998, Asker managed the almost unthinkable, winning every single one of their 18 league games that season (Asker didn't win the double that season, however, as the club was knocked out of the semi-finals of the cup by Trondheims-Ørn). However Asker FK, the women's team within Asker Fotball, became bankrupt at the end of 2008 and most of the players were transferred to a new team within the nearby Stabæk IF, named Stabæk FK (FK = Fotball Kvinner (Football Women)). Asker finished among the top three 18 out of the 25 seasons the club existed. The new Stabæk team began playing in the Toppserien from the 2009 season and won the league in 2010 and 2013. Røa won Toppserien five times from 2004 to 2011. Lillestrøm SK Kvinner won six consecutive titles from 2014 to 2019.
The Norway Toppserien Women is the premier women's football league in Norway, showcasing the country's top talent and fostering the growth of women's soccer. Established in 1987, the tournament has evolved into a highly competitive league that attracts both local and international players, making it a key event in the women's football calendar.
**Format and Structure**
The Toppserien features a league format where teams compete in a round-robin style, with each club playing against every other team twice—once at home and once away. The league typically consists of 12 teams, with matches held from April to November. Points are awarded for wins and draws, and at the end of the season, the team with the most points is crowned the champion. The bottom teams face relegation to the lower division, ensuring a dynamic and competitive environment.
**Clubs and Players**
The tournament is home to some of the most successful clubs in Norwegian football history, including LSK Kvinner, Rosenborg, and Stabæk. These clubs not only compete for the league title but also for qualification to European competitions, such as the UEFA Women's Champions League. The Toppserien has been instrumental in developing talented players who have gone on to represent Norway on the international stage, contributing to the national team's successes in various tournaments.
**Community and Impact**
The Norway Toppserien Women is more than just a competition; it plays a vital role in promoting women's sports and inspiring the next generation of female athletes. With a focus on community engagement, many clubs actively participate in outreach programs, encouraging young girls to take up football and pursue their dreams in sports.
**Conclusion**
As a cornerstone of women's football in Norway, the Toppserien not only highlights the skill and passion of its players but also serves as a platform for promoting gender equality in sports. With its rich history, competitive spirit, and commitment to development, the Norway Toppserien Women continues to be a celebrated tournament that captivates fans and elevates the profile of women's soccer both domestically and internationally.