EuroFloorball Challenge (EFCh) returns after a four-year break and takes place in Besançon, France from 23rd to 27th of August. Seven teams take part in the EFCh 2023 which will be played with the men’s teams only.
Group A
Describe your team and your aims at EFCh 2023?
UKS Bankówka Zielonka has only one goal for the upcoming EFCh 2023: to win the tournament. We are a strong team that is not afraid of rivals. We have shown in Poland that we can play very cleverly and patiently. We want the Polish league to be at the top of Europe.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#27 Kacper Szałański – young player with excellent skills and a cool head in the most important moments of the game. He brings a lot of calm to the game. Regularly plays at the highest level in the Polish national team.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#7 Jan Rydzewski – a player who is a leader on and off the pitch. He motivates many players and takes responsibility for the result at key moments in the game. Scorer of many ‘golden goals’ in extra time.
Most skilful player?
#1 Bartłomiej Wójcik – one of the best goalkeepers in Poland. Very good at saving penalty shots and positioning. He is essential part of the team and really dedicated player who always fight to the end.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#22 Igor Grabowski – a player who always respects his opponent. Igor plays very fair regardless of the result of the match. He impresses others with his self-control and calm head
Describe your team and your aims at EFCh 2023?
Our aim is to gain international experience for the first ime in the clubs 22 year history. We hope to improve our game at a higher level than the domestic league and enjoy each moment in France.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#33 Oscar Skatt – First player to come out of the Cambridge youth system. Calm on the ball.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#77 Linus Forsberg – Captain, Leader, Legend.
Most skilful player?
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
Describe your team and your aims at EFCh 2023?
Lemberg is currently a three-time Champion of Ukraine. In 2019, the team was already in Besançon and took silver in the EuroFloorball Challenge. This year’s participation of Lemberg in the tournament is already an achievement for the team and Ukraine, because the last one and a half years turned out to be dark, scary and painful for our country, people and sports as well. Therefore, the first goal is to show indomitability and strength, and the second, of course, is victory.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#12 Maksym Sheviak – he is a young and strong player. Has a really good speed and can score a lot of goals. Has good skills of a forward.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#8 Mykhailo Pryima – he is a leader on and off the field. Because he is one of the most experienced players and helping-hand when a good floorball advice is needed.
Most skilful player?
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#7 Roman Panasiuk – this player has fundamental understanding of the way how fair game should be like. He always supports the ideas of #FairFloorball.
Describe your team and your aims at EFCh 2023?
Club founded in 2004, based in Besançon, twice champion of the first league in 2019 and 2022, and vice-champion in 2023. One of the best floorball youth training schools in France. Our goals at the EFCh 2023 are to propose an international play level, plus, offering high quality show to our public and we, as a team, are aiming for the final.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#8 Emilien Thil – our youngest player, born in 2006, very skillful player and best scorer of the club (all leagues included). Very fast dribbling and good shooter. Huge potential.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#11 Simon Garnache – captain of the team, brave and exemplary. He’s always pushing his teammates to their absolute limits, winner mentality.
Most skilful player?
#23 Paul Vallar – our best striker, the second top scorer of the French first league. Fantastic long shots, huge precision in front of the goal, great penalty scorer and strong mentality.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#1 Thibault Legoff – an international class goalie with lot of experience, he’s able to save unbelievable situations. A master of calm, focus, and fair with everyone in every conditions, on and off the field. Penalty shot expert.
Group B
Describe your team and your aims at EFCh 2023?
For UFC Utrecht , the ultimate goal is to clinch victory in the EuroFloorball Challenge. With determination coursing through their veins, the team has set their sights on this prestigious championship, determined to overcome every obstacle that comes their way. The camaraderie amongst teammates runs deep, and they share an unshakable belief in their collective abilities.
While the goal is victory, UFC Utrecht also cherishes the spirit of fair play. They carry with them the values of sportsmanship and respect for their opponents, understanding that every team they face has their own journey and aspirations.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#4 Robin Swier is a young and talented player whose journey began at UFC Utrecht. Hailing from the Netherlands, Swier’s passion for the sport ignited at an early age. From the moment he stepped onto the floor, it was evident that Swier possessed a natural flair for the game.
His dedication to honing his skills is evident in every match and training session. Swier’s relentless work ethic and thirst for improvement have earned him accolades and recognition within the floorball community. Despite his achievements, he remains grounded and eager to learn, always seeking ways to elevate his game to new heights.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#23 Gijs Dieleman – the esteemed captain, coach, and team manager of UFC Utrecht 1, embodies the true essence of a leader both on and off the field. With a profound passion for floorball and a wealth of experience, Dieleman has become the driving force behind the team’s success and a source of inspiration for his fellow players.
In essence, Gijs Dieleman is the heart and soul of UFC Utrecht 1. His leadership on and off the field has transformed the team into a force to be reckoned with, while his selfless contributions to the sport and community make him a role model for aspiring athletes. As long as Gijs Dieleman leads the way, UFC Utrecht 1 is bound to achieve new heights of success and sportsmanship.
Most skilful player?
#50 Mikko Niiva is a formidable force in the world of floorball, captivating spectators and inspiring teammates with his exceptional skills and unwavering passion for the sport. Hailing from Finland, Niiva’s journey in floorball began at a tender age, displaying remarkable promise that would soon turn him into a prodigy.
What sets Mikko Niiva apart is his unparalleled technical finesse. His stickhandling abilities are nothing short of mesmerizing, effortlessly maneuvering the ball past opponents and leaving defenders in his wake. Equally adept with both hands, he possesses a unique ambidexterity that keeps his adversaries guessing and unable to anticipate his next move.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#5 Sven van der Heide is more than just a floorball player; he is a beacon of fair play and sportsmanship in the world of floorball. Representing the true essence of the game, Sven’s commitment to fair floorball sets him apart as a role model for athletes worldwide.
Known for his exceptional skills on the court, Sven’s prowess in floorball is matched only by his unwavering respect for the sport and his opponents. He believes that the spirit of fair play is at the core of floorball, and he consistently upholds this principle in every match he plays.
Describe your team and your aims at EFCh 2023?
This team has won the championship in Spain for the second time in a row. They will try to reach the final of the EFCh as they did when they last participated in 2018.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#5 Sergio Martín – young player with many technical skills and very fast on the field. His participation in this EFCh will be remarkable.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#11 Antonio Salazar – captain of the team for several seasons, he leads the team always in all matches. His presence on and off the field is critical for the team.
Most skilful player?
#9 Adrian Iñigo – always has something new to teach.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#12 Daniel Rodriguez – a player who always shows the best of himself on the field.
Describe your team and your aims at EFCh 2023?
After losing in the final last year, Dahuts won their first National Championship title this year. We are now looking forward to participating in our first international tournament.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#3 Enzo Colicchio is our young player to watch: fast, explosive and with a very good shot.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#12 Louis Morand is our leader on and off the field. Combative player he will not give up until he has recovered the ball. Off the field Louis is always there to encourage his teammates by giving voice.
Most skilful player?
#30 Thomas Basset is our most skilled player, he was the top scorer in the French championship this year.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#21 Nicolas Davy is our most fair player. Nicolas is a very physical player with a lot of experience and respect for his opponents.
*Information is provided by the teams and edited by the IFF
