Distinguished guests and Floorball friends,

On behalf of the International Floorball Federation, IFF, I have the pleasure and honour to announce the second U19 Women organized in Germany, with as many as 11 countries. Once again we have the pleasure of being in Germany where the first historic U19 was organized in 2001. In 2001 we recall good organization, a friendly atmosphere and good coverage in media locally as well within the State. These are good signs for this edition!

The IFF is very pleased with the German Floorball Association as an organizer, and the DUB has developed good skills in organizing at the earlier events at the U19 in 2001 and at the EC Finals in 2004. All events were organized in the eastern parts of Germany where DUB has developed a broad base, which has been the starting point for the jumpstart of development in all the 16 member states of Germany. In the recent years both IFF and the major manufacturers within Floorball have supported this important work. We all look at Germany as an important country both in sport in general and for attracting the media and sponsors and co-operating partners at large.

On the international level the “family” has grown to 38 member associations, and Armenia was the latest country to joint the IFF. The IFF has laid down the program and roadmap with a number of more then twenty potential member candidates as one of many steps in order to achieve the objective to be recognized by the IOC.

Looking forward to seeing you all and a thrilling tournament. The IFF conveys many thanks to Germany and the German Floorball Association in co-operation with the cities of Grimma, Naunhof and Leipzig for hosting the WFC U19.

Yours sincerely,

Tomas Eriksson

IFF President