Icelandic Championship. 2nd Division. Women
The 2. deild kvenna, or Iceland's Women's Second Division Championship, serves as a vital breeding ground for emerging talent in Icelandic women's football. Featuring regional clubs hungry for promotion to the top tier, it showcases gritty battles, tactical depth, and the raw passion that defines the sport in this football-mad nation. It's where future stars hone their skills amid fierce competition.
History and foundation
Established in the 1980s amid KSÍ's push for women's football expansion, the league evolved from informal setups to a structured second tier by the 1990s. A standout moment came in 2015 when Grindavík stormed to the title with an unbeaten run, defying predictions. The 2020 COVID-shortened season tested resilience, while 2022 saw record crowds, like the 1,200 fans at Fjörnir vs. Grindavík, highlighting growing interest in grassroots women's football.
Tournament format
Running from May to September, the league pits 10-12 teams in a double round-robin format, totaling 20-22 matches per side. The champion earns direct promotion to 1. deild, with the runner-up entering playoffs against the bottom team from the first division. Relegation battles involve clashes with third-division sides. No strict foreign player limits encourage local development, with games on artificial turf venues.
Interesting facts
Matches average 3.2 goals, peaking at 4+ in high-stakes clashes. All-time top scorer Sigríður Ingadóttir (UMF Selfoss) netted 47 in three seasons (2018-2020), famed for thunderous strikes. Standouts include dribbling wizard Hildur Antonsdóttir (now in 1. deild) and 2023's sensation Eya Gunnarsdóttir with 22 goals. Known for solid defenses and swift counters, the league breeds versatile players ready for bigger stages.