Formed in 1993 following the merger of Rovaniemen Reipas and Rovaniemen Lappi football clubs. They are the official team of Father Christmas and in 2010 they won their league and and have gained promotion to the Finnish Ykkonnen league for 2011.(Photo/Agencies)
Formed in 1993 following the merger of Rovaniemen Reipas and Rovaniemen Lappi football clubs. They are the official team of Father Christmas and in 2010 they won their league and and have gained promotion to the Finnish Ykkonnen league for 2011.(Photo/Agencies)During this holiday season, many young footballers around the world are hoping for soccer-related gifts to be found under the tree on Christmas day. And if they have not been naughty, they just might receive something from Santa's favorite team.
During this time of year, this could be the busiest place on earth. It is the North Pole and the home of Santa’s workshop.
Inside this building you will find numerous elves, who help Father Christmas answer the letters sent to the Jolly old Elf from children all over the world.
But that is not the only thing that keeps Santa’s helpers busy.
Santa’s helper Jukka Markkanen said, "This is the main post office of Santa Claus, and I came here to read the letters from the kids all over the world, and that’s something nice to do once in a while when not playing football."
He is not joking, the elves and others make up a football team known as Santa FC.
Juha Etelainen, president of FC Santa Claus, said, "It was founded in 1992 with two clubs from Rovaniemi, two old clubs and we started playing in the second division, which is third highest level in Finland and yeah. Since then we have been playing with the FC Santa Claus name in mostly the third highest level."
The league that the team plays in finished its season in October, so on this day, members of the club and the elves, decide to take the four-wheel drive sleigh to the pitch for a simple game of five-a-side.
And it is a competitive match -- that sees plenty of acrobatic goals.
Even the celebrations are worthy of some Christmas cheer.
Etelainen said, "Santa is a fan of all sports and, of course, he follows the FC Santa Claus closely when he has time and sometimes it is a good time for Santa Claus to watch our games also."
Pere Noel did not have an opportunity to watch this day’s event, but some of his more notable helpers were in attendance.
But with less than a week till the big day, you can understand Saint Nick’s absence, instead trying to save his energy for the big day.
(Agencies)