Meteva Sport og Helse and YBBK: A Five-Year Commitment to Youth Basketball

This week, Meteva Sport og Helse signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with Ytrebygda Basketball Club (YBBK), solidifying their confidence in General Manager, Arne Ingebrigtsen and his leadership. This agreement ensures continued support for YBBK’s growth and development, remaining in place for the duration of Arne’s tenure as General Manager, reflecting his value, passion for child development, and commitment to youth basketball and the local community.

Arne Ingebrigtsen brings over a decade of experience as a BLNO player and has been instrumental in shaping YBBK into a thriving basketball club. As General Manager of YBBK and Head Coach at Metis Upper Secondary School Elite Basketball for nine years, Arne has demonstrated an exceptional ability to nurture young talent. Under his leadership, seven players have earned the prestigious BLNO Men's and Women's Talent of the Year awards. His dedication extends beyond coaching, as he also serves as a course leader for the Norwegian Basketball Federation (NBBF) and has previously coached Norway’s U16 and U18 National Teams. Arne’s contributions to basketball have been widely recognized, earning him honors such as the "Stig Hammersland Memorial Award" and "NBBF Coach Talent of the Year."

Through Arne’s leadership, YBBK has experienced a transformation, strengthening its relationships with local schools, sports clubs, and families. His focus on youth development, sportsmanship, and inclusivity has fostered a supportive environment where young athletes can thrive.

The agreement with Meteva Sport og Helse is a testament to Arne’s tireless work in building YBBK into a prosperous basketball community. "We are deeply grateful for Meteva’s support and belief in our mission to develop young players and instill lifelong values through basketball," Arne stated. "Their support will allow us to continue creating opportunities for the next generation."

Fyllingen Lions star and basketball community icon, Peter Bullock has played an important role in mentoring young players and collaborating with Arne on YBBK’s growth. His contributions, including his work with the "Hjellestad Bulls" and YBBK’s youth teams, have helped shape a solid foundation for the club’s future. Through Bullock’s dedication, Arne Ingebrigtsen, has inherited a generation of fundamentally trained players. 

Ytrebygda Basketball Club

Recently, YBBK welcomed Coach David Garcia Lopez, originally from Cartagena, Spain, to lead their After School Basketball Program at the International School of Bergen (ISB). The program emphasizes fun, focusing on the human connection and the power of role models to inspire and uplift. Whether students are beginners or seasoned players in a local club, they can enjoy a playful and safe setting where their happiness is prioritized. The After School Basketball Program’s collaboration is between YBBK and Kirkevoll Basketball, and currently engages over 300 children weekly across seven schools, including ISB. 

Role models from Bergen’s elite basketball clubs—including Fyllingen Lions, Frøya, Gimle Basket, Ulriken Eagles, and Bergen Elite Basketball—play an active role in mentoring these young athletes.

The Role Model Movement 

This type of mentorship is part of a broader role model movement where BLNO players contribute to social responsibility, while also organically inspiring and recruiting the next generation. Fyllingen Lions players—including Peter Bullock, Bouna Black N’Diaye, Eric Fongue, Lars Espe, Pol Olivier Cañadell, Karamo Jawara, and others—are leading by this very example. As dedicated youth role models and advocates for social responsibility, they are using their platform to foster positive relationships with the younger generation, mentor them, and recruit young talent to clubs such as YBBK. It is a win for the entire community as the players also bring attention to the importance of social responsibility through their ongoing collaborations with YBBK’s After School Program, IntroDM, LIM, Basketakademiet, and school visits. 

Parent Appreciation and Enthusiasm

The enthusiasm within YBBK can be felt by the gratitude of the parents as well. Their excitement has ignited a new surge of volunteer inquiries and increased interest within YBBK. This has created a unity between parents, young players, and coaches. YBBK is eager to build on this momentum, encouraging even more parents and volunteers to take an active role in shaping the club’s future and creating a supportive environment for young athletes to thrive.

Celebrating With Gratitude 

Meteva Sport og Helse AS  is committed to supporting initiatives such as YBBK, ensuring that children in Bergen and beyond have access to a safe, structured, and inspiring environment to grow both as athletes and individuals.

Arne Ingebrigtsen, General Manager of YBBK expressed his gratitude to Meteva Sport og Helse and its Founder, Louise Mohn by saying, “I seriously considered stepping away from coaching and moving into a more traditional 9-to-5 job. Louise’s support came at exactly the right time and gave me the chance to keep pursuing what I care about most—coaching and club development. Her belief in me, and in what we’re building, has meant a lot. Not just for me, but for the whole club.”

As Bergen’s basketball community continues to expand, one thing remains certain—through unity and strong role models, the future of youth sports has never been brighter. 

For more information, please contact Arne Ingebrigtsen, General Manager of Ytrebygda Basketball Club, at +47 926 83 054 // dagligleder@ytrebygdabasket.no