Hammarby IF

Today’s Off the Pitch comes in a slightly different format than you might be used to on Queenballers. This time, we’re turning the spotlight on the Bajens — the fans of Stockholm-based club Hammarby. And since I am one of them, it only feels natural to tell their story from my own perspective.

Sparta Prague host Hammarby in the first leg of the Women's Europa Cup semi-final on Wednesday, March 25 at Fortuna Arena, with the return leg set for April 2 at 3Arena in Stockholm. Here are the players from both sides to watch, selected by Queenballers.

After a 1:0 win in Lisbon, Hammarby headed into the home second leg against Sporting as favourites. But the visitors levelled the tie in the second half, forcing the contest to be decided by a penalty shootout. The match was, as they would say in Sweden, spännande — tense, dramatic and decided on the finest of margins.

She keeps shining at the club level, is a regular part of the starting eleven, and already at such a young age, one of the biggest top clubs wants her. But let’s start from the beginning. What is Smilla Holmberg’s story?

William Strömberg, who has served as assistant coach under Martin Sjögren, will take over as head coach of Hammarby IF at the end of the season.