Fifty boys and girls aged 14-15 are taking part in the second annual Statoil Football Academy in Kristiansund with Norwegian Manchester United player Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Running from 2-8 July, this week-long training programme aims to help develop talented young Norwegian soccer players.
Clausenengen Football Club, which used to number Mr Solskjær in its team, is responsible for implementing this project.
Norwegian national coach Åge Hareide will be taking part along with a coaching team from Manchester United.
Mr Solskjær says he finds it fun to participate in a scheme for talented youngsters, who are due to learn training principles and put them into practice.
The programme for the physical coaching has been approved by the Manchester United player and the Norwegian Football Federation.
“Last year’s academy whetted my appetite, and I think it’s important that talented youngsters are able to show what they can do in this way,” says Mr Solskjær.
“It’s also good that I can contribute my knowledge and pass on something of what I’ve personally experienced over the years.”
Apart from soccer, a number of other activities are planned in Kristiansund this weekend.
These include a free concert open to the whole mid-Norwegian port on 4 July, when Norway’s Sondre Lerche will entertain as part of the local Tahiti festival.
“We want to help develop talented players through our soccer shirt campaign and the academy,” says Oddvar Høie, marketing manager for Statoil’s promotion and media unit.
“We’re doing this to give youngsters an opportunity to become good players at an early stage.”
He hopes the participants will have an interesting week which will increase their enthusiasm for a commitment to the game.