EUSA Insider:
Martin Buland
Age: 26
University: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Sport: Futsal
Published 30 July 2024
1. What is the first word that comes to your mind thinking about todays game?
Togetherness and wanting the most—we had that fighting spirit that we always talk about as being fundamental to everything we do. We need to be able to look each other in the eyes and say from the bottom of our hearts, 'I do my very best to support you and the team, no matter what.' So that's my main takeaway from today.
2. How do you manage stress before and during the competition?
Well, I struggled with that when I was younger, but as I got older and more experienced, I found a few techniques and ways to embrace those nerves and the pressure I put on myself because I want it so badly. I really want to perform well, be a good teammate, and play well for my team. So, with all those nerves and butterflies, I just try to embrace them and see them as signs that my body is getting ready to perform at its best. Then, I just hope for the best, pray, and appreciate being able to play the game I love with teammates I consider brothers.
3. How would you describe the team spirit within your group?
It's like a family—the guys and the girls—because we are one big team, NTNUI Futsal. We've been traveling a lot together for different cups, partying together, and just having fun. We feel like brothers and sisters. I hope, and the more I say it, I feel like the others acknowledge it too and agree with me. This is me speaking from the bottom of my heart. As I mentioned, I'm a little emotional about the whole thing since it's my last, so this is a good time to ask me how much this group means to me.
4. Do you have a signature symbol?
The colour green kinda is our symbol. This is because our jerseys are so ugly that we embrace them, identify us with them and eventually love them. We also yell “green” after the final words in our pre-match huddle before every match. Also, our futsal leader is everything to us. We have a term in Norwegian, ildsjel. His dedication is a blessing for the team, he goes above and beyond simply because he loves what he does and wants the best for the team. It's closely related to volunteering, as it involves doing more than expected for the benefit of many.
5. Can you share an anecdote or a memorable moment with your team?
There are many, very many, so which one should I choose between them? Can't pinpoint one because there are so many, so I will just say the combination of partying together as the futsal family with the boys and the girls and lifting each other up, on and off the pitch.
6. How is this competition compare to those you have participated in before and is this your first time participating in an EUSA event?
This is our second time participating in the EUSA event. I was on the men’s team several years ago, but that was before the current team. Two years ago, we won the Norwegian qualification for the first time. Our second team, which was phenomenal, beat the first team in the semifinals with two quick goals and then defeated the defending champions 3-0 in the final. It was an incredible achievement, and we finally returned to the EUSA games. Unfortunately, I wasn't part of the winning 14 players. I was an assistant coach last year, but I was hoping we’d win again in the fall of 2023. We did, and I was thrilled to be one of the 14 players who won this year. In our regional championships, although we trained as one big group and supported each other, we competed individually. If one team won, everyone celebrated. I was lucky to make it into the final 14 this year and am very grateful for the opportunity.
7. How has sports influenced your personal and academic life in terms of mental strenght, discipline, skills etc.?
That's what I wrote about in my master's thesis, on dual careers, trying to combine elite sports and academics. I love it, and I have to admit that my priority would be the sports and futsal family first, then being a student, and then my studies. I'm a little stressed out about the results, but I believe my real-life experiences helped me understand what I read and how I discussed it, using the insights from my interviewees.
Combining both is really beneficial, and I would advise anyone facing the choice between the two to consider it. There will always be two platforms where you can perform. If you are extremely engaged in sports, it can mean the world to you, and maybe you won't always succeed in every match. But then there's always a lecture on Monday or something else to take your mind off the intensity. This allows you to perform in both areas. If one week isn't great on one platform, you can excel on the other and find mental relief from one of the stressors. For example, two nights ago, we had a free day off the next day, so we had fun with the whole family. We recuperated and slept in a bit longer. Prioritization is key. Academically, I should have attended dual career forum, but maybe I can get some main takeaways another time.
What sports teach you is invaluable—respect, togetherness, and discipline. Togetherness is number one. There’s a huge difference between a group and a team. A group might just be random people on a bus going the same direction. A team is made up of people with a main goal, pulling in the same direction with a deeper purpose. Everyone wants to be there of their own will, not because they are forced. They want to do their best for the team, enjoy the results, and achieve more together than they would individually. Togetherness and team spirit can make a team greater than the sum of its parts.
8. How long have you been practising this sport and what advice would you give to your younger self?
Enjoy it—that's what I would say. Embrace and enjoy it, and never stop having fun with it. I've been playing football my entire life. I love playing football. I only started playing futsal properly when I started studying, five years ago. We've had an adventure of development since then, and it's been really cool. At first, we just played indoor football but now, we play real futsal with our head coach, who couldn't be here. He's so invested and wants the best for each of us. We miss him, but we will do our best for him and for each other.
9. What is the most exciting thing related to this event?
Since I didn't play last year, it would be playing, I'll tell you that. That and togetherness again.
10. Besides sports, what else have you done while being at the EUG 2024?
We had a great time with the rest of the family. We went out to eat and then had our own party at a place that was supposed to close. However, because we were having so much fun, and it was good for their sales, they let us stay open longer. They even had a speaker for us to enjoy our own music and just have fun, like we always do when we’re together.
We also explored the town a bit, and the opening ceremony yesterday was really impressive, especially the dancing performance. But overall, the main thing is the playing and the fun we have together.
11. Will you come back to another EUSA Games or Championship in the future?
Oh, I'd love to. As I mentioned earlier, this will be my last chance since I'm moving seven hours by train away from where we train and play. We also travel around Norway to compete in the elite division. I’ll try to support as much as I can at the matches, but without the opportunity to train with them, I'm afraid I won't be able to be as involved.
However, there's always the possibility of playing the following year. I would absolutely love to join them. So, hopefully, that could be the case, but I’m afraid it might not happen.
12. Would you like to add something/ to say something?
I should have thought a bit more about this because now feels like the time to express what I really mean about the team. But I think I’ve already touched on it—the family aspect, the togetherness, and the genuine empathy we have for each other. We’re not just here to play for ourselves and have fun because we like playing. We truly have confidence in each other and in the team. When we all pull in the same direction and do our best, we can achieve anything.
So, it circles back to that togetherness and the sense of family. A little shoutout to the NTNUI football team as well—they're terrific, and it's a family there too. For anyone reading this, go seek out those moments. The best moments in your student life are the ones you share with your team. The moments I’ve had with this team are the best of my life. So embrace it and enjoy it.