Two Estonian teams, Jõgeva SK Tähe/Olivia and EMÜ SK/Tartu will join the men’s 1st division (second highest league) in Latvia. In addition, the teams will also play in the Estonian men’s league.
The President of the Latvian Floorball Union (LFU) Mr. Ilvis Petersons is glad that Estonian teams Jõgeva SK Tähe/Olivia and EMÜ SK / Tartu have decided to join Latvia’s 1st division championships in the upcoming season:
– We will have two strong teams more in the league that will raise the overall level of play and will provide more interesting and competitive matches that will help players’ growth. In my opinion, it’s a win-win situation for both countries. This move will freshen up the championships, add some extra excitement for fans and increase the opportunities for clubs to attract sponsors based on wider reach as well. We’ve always had good relations with our northern neighbours from Estonian Floorball Union and I’m pleased to see our cooperation moving forward in directions that can be helpful for both organizations.
Also Mr. Meelis Aab, the President of the Estonian Floorball Union, sees this as a way to continue successful cooperation between Estonian and Latvian floorball:
– Jõgeva SK Tähe and Eesti Maaülikooli SK (EMÜ SK) are participating in the Latvian league first division in season 2019/2020 in addition to Estonian championships. Both teams have previously taken part in the Latvian highest league as well – Jõgeva SK Tähe during seasons 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 and EMÜ SK in season 2017/2018. Participating in Latvian league gives both teams and their young players the opportunity to meet different opponents and to gain more experience. Teams being located in the Southern-Estonia face almost the same distances either having away matches in Northern-Latvia or in Tallinn for example. We’re happy to see our next generation to grow stronger and more competitive.
– In the last seasons Team Eesti (women) participated in Elvi league’s regular season in order to have high level matches on regular basis, and thereby have a good preparation for the international tournaments (WFCQ, WFC). There has been a great cooperation between the floorball unions and just like any partnership, there are benefits for both sides. Estonia and Latvia have been cooperating in many disciplines – basketball, volleyball and handball, and teams from both countries have competed to be champion of Baltic league. And we don’t rule out the possibility to organise the united Estonian-Latvian floorball league in the future as well, Mr. Meelis Aab concludes.
In total 20 teams will play in the men’s 1st division this season in Latvia. The first match will be played on the 18th of September between Talsu NSS/Zerorisk and Saulkalne. The reigning champion is Irlava/Avant who won the final against Impar Limbaži 7-6. The final was a real thriller, since the winner was only decided by penalty shootout.
More information about the Latvian leagues can be found here
