Who are we?
Ungmennafélag Íslands is the national federation of youth associations. UMFÍ is a service and coordinating body for its member federations and their member clubs. UMFÍ emphasises professional working methods, positive communication and cooperation, guided by united strength. Joy, trust and cooperation are UMFÍ’s values. The values are reflected in the youth association spirit, which means improving yourself and society at the same time.
How do we work?
UMFÍ’s approach is twofold. On the one hand, UMFÍ supports its member federations and their member clubs and provides advice. On the other hand, UMFÍ runs its own events and projects that focus on the physical, mental and social development of members in line with the federation’s policy. UMFÍ emphasises that everyone should be able to take part in sport and physical activity and be part of a strong team, for the good of society.
How did it all begin?
Jóhannes Jósefsson from Akureyri and five other young men got together one summer day at Þingvellir and founded a national federation of youth associations in Iceland. The federation was named Ungmennafélag Íslands and has been the standard-bearer of the youth association movement ever since.
