It started with Utah Royals midfielder Gunnhildur Jonsdottir teaching owner Dell Loy Hansen the Viking clap.
“It means a lot to me that they’re bringing an Icelandic tradition here to Utah and just having the supporters be down for that I think is awesome,” Jonsdottir said of a celebration she had been doing since the early days of her career at Stjarnan FC. “I like having something that connects us with the fans like that.”
The Royals have adapted the iconic Icelandic celebration, replacing the traditional “Huh,” between claps with “Utah … Royals … FC.” Every time the Royals win at home, it’s a reminder of the impact Jonsdottir has already had, no only on the field, but on the identity of the Royals.