Sarasota FL — Sarasota Paradise is proud to announce the signing of Norwegian midfielder Jørgen Pettersen, who joins the club ahead of its first professional season in USL League One in 2026. Pettersen brings years of experience after spending 5 seasons playing professionally in Iceland.
Pettersen’s career has been defined by steady growth and a willingness to embrace new challenges. After graduating from the Fredrikstad FK Academy, he moved to the United States at 18 to play college soccer. His college career began at Maryville University before he moved to NCAA Division One soccer at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His time in college helped him adjust to the American game and prepared him for the next stage of his career.
Following his collegiate years, Pettersen began a 5 season professional run in Iceland. He played for ÍR Reykjavik in the second division in 2021 and 2022, Throttur Reykjavik in the first division in 2023 and 2024, and ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar in the top division in 2025. Across those seasons he appeared in 124 games and scored 26 goals, gaining experience in multiple competitive environments and growing into a reliable and versatile midfielder.
Pettersen is known for his hardworking and adaptable style of play. He is comfortable on both sides of the ball, reads the game well, and knows how to score goals. His versatility fits naturally with the proactive identity Sarasota Paradise aims to build as it enters the professional era.
For Pettersen, joining a club at the start of its journey carries special meaning.
“It is an exciting opportunity to build a winning culture from the ground up and shape what soccer in Sarasota looks like. This first year will go down in the history books and we will make sure it is something special for the club and the fans.” Pettersen said.
He also emphasized his desire to contribute beyond the field, sharing that he wants to help younger players develop and give back to the next generation.
Head Coach and Technical Director Mika Elovaara welcomed Pettersen to Paradise and shared his thoughts.
“Signing key players with European first division experience is strategically aligned with our club vision and ambition, and Jørgen is a perfect next step in that process. His familiarity with the game in the US combined with his European experience are assets to us on and off the field. I expect Jørgen to provide us with consistent leadership and reliable performances throughout the season, and I can’t wait to get to work with him”
Pettersen now joins a growing roster of players who will define Sarasota Paradise as the club begins its first professional season in 2026.
Catch Pettersen and the Paradise squad in action this season — contact our ticketing team at 941-207-5873 to secure your tickets!
