The first promotional Floorball match in Serbia took place in Belgrade, on May the 26th when the Slovenian team FLORBOL.SI played against the Serbian team BEOGRAD. The Slovenian team won the tight match 5-4.

The Serbian team consisted of recreational players – some of them related to various forms of hockey: ice hockey, inline hockey, field hockey, but they all regard Floorball as their sport, and want to be part of the Floorball development in Serbia. The Slovenian team consisted of Floorball players who play in elite Floorball clubs.

Two local TV stations announced the promotional match and there were approximately 50 spectators watching the match on place. Some of them, children mostly, were fascinated by the game and wanted to give it a try. All the spectators were invited to the floor after the promotion – they were playing with sticks and balls for the first time.

The IFF has supported the Floorball development in Serbia by donating a package with Floorball sticks and balls. The Slovenian Robert Namar also gave two complete goalie equipments as a gift to the Serbian team.

The players from two countries were delighted to meet each other and the Slovenians invited their Serbian friends to visit them in Slovenia in July this year.

The general opinion is that the event was a great start. Now, the Serbian Floorball enthusiasts will work hard in order to establish Floorball clubs and hopefully to become a member of the IFF in the near future.

Text & Picture: Milan Mihaljčić/Serbia