Nashwaak Valley Floorball League: Welcome to Floorball

Here is a bit of background as to how we got to where we are now:
The original idea was to start a ball/floor hockey group in our area. This ended up not being as simple as it sounds. There was a lot of “red tape”, mainly about trying to find a venue that would allow such an activity. A lot of venues are concerned about damage and injuries.

There was the option to use existing floor hockey equipment at the Nashwaak Valley elementary school, currently pending approval from district. Since there was an overwhelming response of interested people, more than we would be able to accommodate just at the Nashwaak Valley school, we started researching options to make it happen. We came across what we think is a perfect alternative to ball/floor hockey. It is a sport called Floorball. (a brochure is located here:http://www.floorballcanada.org/media/leagues/5431/graphics/File/Floorball%20Canada%20Brochure-V1-Juha-13_09_01.pdf ).

Floorball is actually very similar to ball/floor hockey but it is played with specialized sticks, balls and rules to promote safety and skill. All you need to play is indoor shoes (non-marking) and a stick (potentially goggles); no helmets, gloves or extra padding is required or in fact allowed. Goalies wear helmets and some padding. It is great for improving ball control, stick handling and shooting skills. It is used as dryland training for ice hockey teams/players as well, even in the NHL! There are rules to learn but they are pretty simple. We are in the process to arrange for a number of coaches and refereees to get the certification needed to properly coach this sport.

We have affiliated ourselves with Floorball Canada and are awaiting a grant from them to help with start up. This will also allow us to apply for other grant options. We have built a strong connection with Floorball Canada and they have been a great help to get this off the ground. 

We have received a number of donations from local businesses which will help with buying the initial equipment needed to get started. If anyone is interested in buying their own stick at a later time, there will be options for that.

We originally discussed setting this up by donation but we were advised that a) we needed insurance, b) that having voluntary payment would be unfair and a potential source of friction, and c) having people handling random bits of cash would be problematic book keeping wise and the potential of theft.

We still think that the fee of $60.00 is fair and it will be used towards the cost of insurance, rental of venues, coach training and purchase of equipment. Our goal will always be to keep it affordable for all and will assist anyone who may not be able to afford this fee to find ways so they can participate.

The season will start the first week of May. Our request on the school application form is Wednesday evenings in Nashwaak Valley and Sunday afternoon in Stanley.
 
Hopefully this clarifies things. It has been a whirlwind for us but we think both ice hockey players and kids who have never played hockey before will enjoy this sport and get a lot out of it. 

Please continue to check www.nbfloorball.org as we'll be adding the bits and pieces as they get finalized.