Floorball Denmark (FD) has increased its membership by 7,5% since 2015, while the number of clubs have risen by 20 % in the same period. The living proof that the so-called vision project is working.
Where are we now?
2016 has been a very exciting year, as many new local associations and clubs have seen the light of day. Among the 40 new associations and clubs, a majority have been multisport clubs under the Danish Gymnastics and Sports Association (DGI), who have shown a keen interest in adding Floorball to the range of club activities. Newly established, yet still extremely well run clubs is, according to Floorball Denmark President Thorbjørn Ovedal, one of the key ingredients in realising the full potential of Floorball in Denmark:
– We sincerely hope that new local associations are able to establish themselves as floorball clubs, all with a stable and sustainable membership and step by step build on this solid foundation. Continuity, patience and continues coaching is key to securing a successful journey for Floorball Denmark.
Basic Model
Floorball Denmark is very satisfied with both strategic and operational aspects of the DGI partnership:
– Our focus have been on getting more DGI regions to take part in the project partnership – expanding it from the original four regions who has participated from the beginning in 2015. DGI Copenhagen, DGI South Jutland, DGI Middle Jutland and DGI Northern Jutland all taken part from the beginning. In 2016 we have allowed the project to expand by two further regions. Redirection of budget has made it possible, for DGI Middle and West Zealand and DGI Eastern Jutland to join the project team by adding a part-time employee each. All this have created an expectation of member mobilisation, says Floorball Denmark Secretary General, Nils-Ola Nilsson.
This solid foundation is based on the successful mixture of Floorball Denmark as the strategic lead, having all the floorball specific knowledge, while DGI add their competencies on club development, via strong local networks and knowledge. With this partnership, Floorball Denmark believes it found the right combination to the benefit of the local member clubs:
– We have received huge support throughout this process, by the National Olympic Committee and Sport Confederation of Denmark, to complete this journey of development. We are very proud that we have been chosen to be one of the first sport federations to be picked to complete such a vision project, says Nilsson.
Focusing on key areas
All resources invested in growing Floorball in Denmark are focused in three key areas: RecreationalFloorball (3 on 3, in all age groups, from children, youth, to adult and senior 60+), SchoolFloorball and FamilyFloorball. However, it is not all focus solely on growing the number of clubs. Projects with already existing clubs have identified more than 30 so-called spearhead-clubs, from all over Denmark. Spearhead-clubs are the engine of the projects, as role models for other clubs and other stakeholders. Spearhead-clubs have already gathered vital experiences within all three focus areas. Experiences which will be used proactively as examples and inspiration to others. Both President and Secretary General agree that the spearhead-clubs’ passion will serve as an inspiration to all other areas of Floorball Denmark:
– Spearhead-clubs is of huge value to the future development of Floorball Denmark. The dedication to which these spearhead-clubs are working is nothing less than impressive.
Visibility and RecreationalFloorball keys to releasing potentials
Ovedal, is clear about his ambition when it comes to realizing Floorball’s potential in Denmark:
– It is of vital importance, that we continue to work strategically and in an orderly and structured fashion, when it comes to our clubs and the membership potential which lies within them, but it is of equal importance to target the potential growth within the Danish population as a whole. Here RecreationalFloorball plays an increasingly important part. RecreationalFloorball contains a unique combination where joy, intensity and little required technical ability of the participant, makes RecreationalFloorball an easy entry to Floorball.
In 2017 focus will be in using the spearhead-associations, to make even more people aware of this option. RecreationalFloorball is one of the healthiest – and social – team sports. If efficiently promoted, as offered by an increasing number of clubs, this kind of Floorball will be established as an option countrywide
