Floorball for all! - floorball4all.info

The current in-charges in Mozambique keep calling for material and ask about a possibility of offering training for coaches. We were able to pass on another Floorball kit through a community service person that has started community service in Malawi. We are told that things have come up well in Mozambique. Regarding training for coaches, we haven't had a green light yet since there are still some loose ends to tie regarding preparation, employees and finances.

(by Mirjam, e-mail excerpts)

A detailed report on the extremely successful project by Mirjam in Mozambique is available with the “Unihockey für Strassenkinder” secretary. Quite recommended for people interested in our projects because it gives a good peek into the events.

27.7.07/Floorball in Mozambique

I have come to know about Floorball4all. I find it quite an ingenious thing. I will start a project for 5 months in Mozambique (Africa) at the start of October. Floorball4all gave me the idea of starting Floorball training.  It would be something they have not heard of yet and does not have a negative connotation like football, for example. Would you support such a venture? Can it be run under the name of Floorball4all? I cannot guarantee that it will continue after my stay (I must first see whether I can even start it in the first place...) Could you give me some tips for starting such a project? Do you have some experience regarding the transport of Floorball sticks?

13.9.07

I contacted the travel agency once again regarding the transportation of Floorball equipment. The best that they could offer was 12 Fr. per kilo of excess baggage. This is apparently a good offer. Should I once again inquire with the airlines? Anyway, thank you once again for the great material. It's great! ;o)

16.10.07 / 1. Newsmail

Here is some news from the warm Africa :o). It’s worked out brilliant for the excess baggage (Floorball equipment)! I almost don't believe it that I didn’t have to pay anything for 14 kg of excess baggage! I have met some people who have paid a lot for excess baggage.

23.10.07 / 2. Newsmail

I have already been here for a week and have settled quite well. The long summer holidays will begin next week and I will then try to begin with Floorball. I have already located a few probable places where one could play. I know Portuguese relatively well but have some way to go when it comes to speaking. I am sure this will not be a problem with time and practice.

29.11.07

Floorball training started off quite well. We have got a great place that we can use. In order to create optimal playing conditions, I along with the young people here would like to make two goal posts out of wood. I would like to ask you if you have any thing like building instructions and measurements.

11.12.07 / 4. Newsmail

The Floorball project has been going great guns ;o)! To start with, we played at an outdoor location near a primary school. We had to even out the playing surface by filling cement in the numerous holes that were there. The result was a really cool playing field. Some youngsters showed me a kind of a gym that we can use any time. I now train with the children (10-13 years) twice a week at the outdoor location and with the youngsters (14-20 years) thrice a week in the indoor gym. In both groups there is an enthusiastic bunch that is always on time. We always have new ones joining in each time. In any case, the first 18 can join in as we have that many sticks. The most important thing is to pass on the correct technique to the trainees. I draw on my Floorball knowledge to the extreme for these sessions… (Fortunately, there are sites on the internet that have good training material).  
Last week the young trainees made two goal posts out of bamboo and used fishing net for the goal post netting. Really cool! I had never imagined how this entire incredible thing would pan out. It would be really great if somehow things could continue like this after my return to Switzerland. I hope that we would be able to find a good solution for the entire situation.

28.01.08 / Last Newsmail from Mozambique

We were able to realize another personal dream that I had on the day before I was to leave. A Floorball tournament could be organized in the central sports center. The person who was the sports authority for Lichinga was pretty kicked when he heard that there is a hockey team in his city. Radio and TV reporters were present to cover the event. Youngster Celio, who had been helping me for much of the training stint, took over the equipment. He has expressed his desire to carry the program further with the children and the youngsters there.