Idrettslaget Hødd (often referred to simply as Hødd) is a Norwegian multi-sports club based in Ulsteinvik, Møre og Romsdal county. Founded on August 1, 1919, the club is primarily known for its men's football team, although it also has departments for sports such as handball, gymnastics, swimming, and athletics.
History
IL Hødd was established in the coastal town of Ulsteinvik, initially focusing on a range of sports. Over the decades, it grew to become a central institution in the local community. While various sports have been part of the club's offering, football gradually emerged as its most prominent and successful section.
Football
The football team plays its home matches at Høddvoll Stadion, a modern stadium with a capacity for approximately 4,000 spectators. The team's colours are blue shirts and white shorts.
Honours and Achievements
Hødd's most significant achievement in its history came in 2012 when the club won the Norwegian Football Cup (NM Cupen). In a surprising final, Hødd, then playing in the second tier (1. divisjon), defeated top-tier club Tromsø IL 4–2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1–1. This victory qualified them for the UEFA Europa League qualifiers for the 2013–14 season, where they were eliminated by FC Aktobe from Kazakhstan in the second qualifying round.
League Performance
Historically, Hødd has largely competed in the second and third tiers of Norwegian football. They have had limited spells in the top division (Eliteserien, formerly Tippeligaen), notably in the 1960s and early 1990s. The club has experienced promotions and relegations between the 1. divisjon (second tier) and 2. divisjon (third tier) throughout its modern history.
Other Sports
Beyond football, IL Hødd maintains active sections for:
- Handball: With teams participating in regional leagues.
- Gymnastics: Offering training and competitive opportunities for various age groups.
- Swimming: Providing a local swimming environment and competitive teams.
- Athletics: With a focus on track and field events.
These departments contribute to the club's role as a broad-based sports organization within the Ulsteinvik community.