Fyllingen Lions: It Is Time To Unite
At Fyllingen Lions, we believe in the power of community, the potential of youth, and the importance of creating safe, engaging spaces where children and teens can thrive. As our club continues to grow and evolve, we have welcomed both support and feedback from various corners. We understand that any rebrand and shift, no matter how positive, brings with it different views, and we value that open dialogue.
Criticism and comments are inevitable—whether they come from a place of skepticism or focus on the notion of the amount of our import players. These concerns are noted, and we believe that such conversations only serve to strengthen the work we are doing. After all, a society where multiple viewpoints exist is one that grows and learns from each other. As we work to build something meaningful, we recognize that change invites resistance, but that resistance also opens the door for deeper understanding and a long-term solution.
While some may argue that investment in sports or initiatives like ours might be better spent elsewhere—perhaps on even more shopping centers —we respectfully suggest that focusing on youth development through sports, mentorship, and community engagement is one of the most powerful ways to address some of the most pressing challenges facing young people today. The statistics on local youth crime, suicide rates, bullying, and mental health issues aligns with the urgency of creating more helpful opportunities and solution based platforms for our youth to engage in positive activities.
We fully acknowledge the critiques regarding the presence of imported players on our team roster. However, it's important to emphasize that we are not only focused on recruiting athletes from abroad, but have been fully dedicated to fostering and onboarding local talent. Our approach goes beyond merely building a competitive team; each import player is selected not only for their skills on the court but also for their commitment to community involvement and youth mentorship. By training alongside our local youth, these players offer guidance and hope, sharing valuable insights from their own journeys in sports. Our BLNO players train children and young basketball players at Fyllingen, Hop, and Ytrebygda Basketball Clubs. Due to limited training slots and facilities for Fyllingen Basketball Club, we have established a cooperation with these clubs to support and train their young members. This collaboration is a valuable contribution to the basketball community in Bergen, a place that many call home and where there is a strong sense of belonging. Fyllingen Lions' player Peter Bullock trains children at both Hjellestad School and Ytrebygda Basketball, while Eric E. Fongue and Karl Otabor train young players at Hop Basketball. Pol Olivier Canadell works with children at Ytrebygda, and several of our BLNO players are also involved in Basketakademiet, nurturing talents from all eight basketball clubs in Bergen.
Another perfect example of our commitment to local talent is embodied in the dynamic relationship of Calix Black N'Diaye, our Head Coach, and his younger brother, Bouna Black N'Diaye. Bouna, born and trained locally, has emerged as Fyllingen Lions’ MVP and top scorer over the past two games, showcasing the example of nurtured and grown talent within the local community. Calix has not only coached Bouna but has also served as a role model, demonstrating their family bond and passion for basketball. Their collaboration is more than just brotherhood, it’s a powerful testament to what happens when local athletes are given the support and space to grow.
Playing basketball is just a piece of the puzzle. All of our players, no matter where they are from, bring experience and a unique perspective that transcends basketball. They are here to mentor, train, and inspire our local youth. What would elevate this process and reach across the community even further is more space.This is about making a positive impact together. We’re not just training athletes, we’re shaping the leaders of a better tomorrow in all areas of life.” - Calix Black N’Diaye, Head Coach, Fyllingen Lions
Fyllingen Lions, like many clubs, faces challenges in securing adequate training facilities. With only four slots available weekly for practice, we have to maximize our time in the gym—whether at Fyllingsdalshallen or elsewhere. If we had access to more training time and space, we could focus even more on developing local talent and nurturing the next generation of basketball players. Without proper facilities, we are limited in our ability to run comprehensive training sessions and outreach programs effectively. It is not just about accommodating our players; it’s about creating an environment where young athletes can thrive and aspire to greatness in the sport of basketball and beyond the court.
Fyllingen Lions is committed to being part of the solution. We are here to provide opportunities, support, and a safe environment for our youth to flourish. Let’s unite our efforts to foster a future where our young people are empowered, engaged, and are surrounded by positive role models.
Together, we can create lasting change and ensure that every child has the chance to succeed.
