National Youth Games

The UMFÍ National Youth Games are not just about competing, but also about the experience, the atmosphere and the togetherness all weekend. From morning to evening the area is full of life, and everyone can find something that suits them and take part on their own terms.

All young people aged 11–18 can take part – whether they practise sports regularly or not. You do not need to be registered with a sports club or bring your own team. Participants who come on their own or without a team are simply matched with others and get the chance to take part in sports such as basketball and football in a fun and positive environment.

Alongside the competitions, there are plenty of activities for the whole family. Parents, siblings and other guests can take part in games, entertainment and many events that create a unique festival atmosphere throughout the Games.

The participation fee is ISK 11,900 and includes participation in all sports at the Games, access to events and free entry to all swimming pools in Skagafjörður throughout the weekend. Siblings under 11, who are not eligible to compete, pay no participation fee. They can still take part in the wide range of activities and fun events on offer from morning to evening.

Participants compete on behalf of Iceland’s regional sports federations, so it is important to choose the right one when registering. Many regional federations fully or partly sponsor participants from their area, and some also offer special merchandise, such as T-shirts or sweaters, for their people. If you are not sure which regional federation you belong to, you can find more information here.

When you register, the participant’s email address is used to send important information about the Games and the programme. By registering, participants also agree that photos and videos taken at the Games may be used in UMFÍ’s promotional and published material. Permission is also given to publish participants’ names on the UMFÍ website in connection with start lists, results and other information related to running the Games.

At the Games, participants in team sports can put together their own teams and create a unique atmosphere. It does not matter whether team members are from the same regional federation, the same club or not in a club at all – everyone can play together.

Each participant registers individually, but the first to register can create a team and choose a name for it in the registration system. Once the team has been created, other participants simply choose the same team name when they register.

Those without a team in advance do not need to worry. Participants who register “without a team” will be matched with others and get the chance to meet new people and be part of a fun team.

Creative team names are also a big part of the atmosphere at the Games. Over the years, teams have turned up with names such as Bónusgrísirnir, Bakkabræður and Rothöggið – often with colourful costumes to match. There is of course no obligation to wear special costumes, but it adds a fun touch to the Games and makes the experience even more memorable for the teams themselves.

The 2026 Games take place in Sauðárkrókur, a town that is exceptionally well suited to such a large family and sports festival. Most of the competition venues are in the heart of the town, and the campsite at Nafir is just above the sports area. This makes things easy for families and participants – once you arrive in Krókurinn, you can simply park the car and walk between events, venues and activities all weekend.

About 2,800 people live in Sauðárkrókur, and the town is known for its strong community and sports culture. It has first-class sports facilities, including a sports hall, athletics stadium, grass and artificial grass pitches, an equestrian area, a golf course, a motocross track and an excellent 25-metre swimming pool with new waterslides, which is sure to be a popular meeting place over the weekend.

A large number of sports and fun activities will be on offer at the Games, so everyone can find something that suits them. Traditional sports are mixed with fun challenges and family-friendly events that create life and atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Some sports are competitive, with prizes, while others are open to anyone who wants to try something new, take part and have fun.

The final programme is being prepared, but expected sports include badminton, archery, disc golf, athletics, glíma (Icelandic wrestling), golf, grass volleyball, grass handball, equestrian sports, cycling, judo, football, cake decorating, basketball, kids’ fitness challenge, motocross, darts, chess, spelling, swimming and reading aloud.

In most sports the competition format will be traditional, but in recent years changes have been made to some of the biggest sports, and these have been very well received.

Basketball, for example, takes place on a single day, and the same format will be used in football and several other sports. This makes it easier for participants and families to plan the weekend, take part in more sports and enjoy everything the Games have to offer.

This means fewer clashes between sports, less stress and an even better atmosphere at the venue all weekend.

A varied programme of activities will be on offer all weekend, so all guests can find something fun to do.

During the day there will be many events and activities for young and old alike, including an adventure park with the scouts, a family run on the sandy beach, blind football, LED badminton, cornhole, yoga, putting, a children’s programme, swimming games, a guided town walk, a talent stage, a dance competition, an art workshop, a pool party and sandcastle building.

Parents, siblings and other guests who are not competing can therefore fully join in the atmosphere and enjoy a varied programme from morning to evening.

In the evenings there is music and entertainment open to all guests.

The Games campsite will be at Nafir, just above the sports area in the heart of Sauðárkrókur. There will be plenty of space for families and guests who want to be at the centre of the atmosphere all weekend.

The fee for each camping unit is ISK 9,900 and covers the whole weekend, from Thursday to Monday. The fee includes access to electricity, toilets and running water.

Those planning to stay at the campsite must register and pay before arriving at the venue. Registration takes place through UMFÍ and opens on 15 June 2026.

The campsite is divided by region. See a map of the area here (PDF). During the Games, rescue team members will be on duty around the clock to ensure safety and a good environment for all guests.

The Games service centre will be open every day of the Games, where you can get information about the programme, sports, the venue and everything related to the Games.

Participants also receive wristbands there, which are required to take part in competitions and events.

The service centre will be located in Árskóli on Skagfirðingabraut.

Ómar Bragi Stefánsson, Games Director. Email: omar@umfi.is. Phone: 898 1095.