Sometimes Floorball can be found in the most unexpected of places. In the small Ghanian town of Frankadua, 3 hours drive north of the country’s capital Accra, the cheers and laughs of kids and young adults can be heard whilst they play Floorball. This is the story of how a sport with no background in Ghana found it’s way into the daily lives of the youth of Frankadua, Ghana.
The work of bringing Floorball to Ghana was mainly undertaken by a single Swede, Albin Borg. Albin writes below on his unique experience as a whole and why he decided to embark on this journey and mission.
In the late evening of January 14, I was greeted by a 30 degree heat as I landed in Ghana. With me, I had 120 Floorball sticks, 150 Floorballs, 63 vests, multiple tactics boards and a medical bag. But above all, I had a dream to introduce Floorball in the village of Frankadua.
My name is Albin Borg. I’m a sports consultant from Sweden, and for several years I’ve had a dream of developing Floorball in an African country. After over a year of planning, I am now living that dream. I write this from Frankadua, Ghana, where I’m currently undertaking the task of introducing Floorball to the local community.
Without really knowing what to expect as I arrived here 9 weeks ago, I can now confirm that the reality has managed to far surpass my imagination. With only a few weeks left of what can only be called the adventure of a lifetime, I’m now looking back at this journey with pride and an increased love for the sport.
When I first arrived in the village at the beginning of the year, no one here had heard of Floorball. We were starting from scratch in every sense. Not only with the material and techniques, but also with understanding the sport and gameplay. Nonetheless, I was met by a community with an intense curiosity, excitement and eagerness to learn which has only increased exponentially since then. Thanks to that dedication, we now have 70 recurring students from three different schools, 35 girls and 35 boys, practicing Floorball at least 2 times a week each. So far, we’ve completed over 100 practices and hosted two tournaments where the schools battle it out against each other to crown the local champions.
Of course, it hasn’t been smooth sailing all the way. Compared to the way we’re used to playing Floorball in Sweden, radically different conditions apply. The playing field is an outdoors basketball court, with cracks and uneven surfaces. We’re building our own goals from metal frames and mosquito nets. And beyond the intensity of the game, we are also facing an ever present sun and average 34 degree heat with each practice. But none of that is stopping these kids from playing. In fact, bonus practices have become such a regular request that we’ve added them to the schedule. And all that training? It’s giving fast results! From one session to another, we’ve been able to see great improvement in stick handling, passing and shooting – not to mention all of the amazing goals that have been scored throughout these weeks. A true testament to the fact that Floorball is both easy to learn – and to love.
From being something completely foreign, Floorball has now become a natural part of the school week and something the kids look forward to every day. We’ve managed to engage an entire community – both in the locals, and in other international volunteers who, as they leave Frankadua, continue to spread the word about Floorball around the globe. But the work doesn’t end here. For my remaining weeks here in Ghana, I’m focusing on building a Floorball organization to help the people in Frankadua carry on the responsibility of developing the sport and fostering new players. And before I return home to Sweden at the end of the month, we will once again crown the champions of the Frankadua Floorball Games in our biggest tournament yet!
If my expectations prior to this adventure were hard to define, then at least the results are crystal clear: The people in Frankadua have fallen in love with Floorball!
And as we continue to spread the love for the sport, I want to emphasize that I have not been doing this alone. There have been lots of people and organizations that have helped me with everything from preparations, to logistics and support here on site. From contributing with Floorball sticks, to social media and donating to the construction of a local Floorball school.
Having seen in real time the impact that Floorball can have on bringing a community together and giving both kids and adults a new venue to develop, I’m now more excited than ever to see what the future of Floorball holds!
