Floorball in Germany is still growing. In 2008, the growth of members of the German Floorball Federation (DUB) was again 20 per cent, which leads to an overall of some 30 new floorball clubs and 1.000 new players between Flensburg and Münich.
New Floorball State Association founded in Hesse and Bavaria
There are now 11 Floorball State Associations out of 16 in total. The organisational structure of sports in Germany is unique as the 16 Länder (states) are highly independent of the Federal German Government especially in areas like sports and schooling. With the Associations founded in Hesse and Bavaria DUB now has state associations in all large states.
Increasing number of clubs
Efforts have been made in order to increase the number of clubs the total number of clubs now being 140 in Germany. The following projects were organised in 2008: School projects in Berlin, Workshop for structuring material for PE teachers, Increasing number of School Cups and expanded Leagues for children.
The DUB also participated in the Youth Festival Series, “Kinder- und Jugendfestivals”, where Floorball was presented. The festival was organised in five cities with a total of 450,000 visitors.
In addition the DUB has cooperated with the IFF in organising the interactive Floorball Village during the ispo trade fair in Münich in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
The third appearance of floorball at the ispo sports fair in Munich gave very positive feedback to the DUB and their volunteers.
As Mathias Liebing, Vice President for Marketing of the DUB stated, the world of sports is now recognizing floorball as a “sports revolution”, not as a no-future trend sports. The DUB is happy to be able to take the opportunity to make and strengthen contacts all over the world of sports in Münich.
Philipp Hamann in ispo 2009/
Final Four Event in Leipzig 16th – 17th of May 2009
The Final Four of the German Cup founded in 2008 is the key event for media and sponsors to improve the recognition of Unihockey in the German public. From 2009 onwards, the event will be held in Leipzig, which is one of the centre regions of German floorball.
The DUB is planning to arrange live coverage in German television – additionally, local TV and radio stations have already confirmed to show reports from Leipzig.
DUB aiming to have 10 000 Licensed players
The German Floorball Association (Deutscher Unihockey Bund, DUB) elected Prof. Dr. Oliver Stoll as new president for Germany on the 1st of February 2009 during the winter ISPO 2009.
The Interview with Mr. Stoll about the future goals of the German Floorball Association is found here.
