Christer has been involved in all GIC editions since 1997
Svenljunga IBK's leader Christer Abrahamsson has not missed a single edition of Gothia Innebandy Cup since 1997.
Christer Abrahamsson is truly a legend in Gothia Innebandy Cup context – after his 26-year commitment as leader of Svenljunga IBK teams at the tournament.
Christer, who is called "Clibbe", has been active in the club since its start 34 years ago and trained players such as former national team star Kimmo Eskelinen. To call "Clibbe" a legend is almost an understatement.
– I've been with Svenljunga IBK since the club was formed in 1989 and has been loyal to the club the whole time. If it hadn't been for me, this club wouldn't have existed today, says Christer Abrahamsson, who does many different tasks at the club.
He tells us how he ended up at Gothia Innebandy Cup from the beginning, in 1997:
– We participated in Göteborg Cup, which admittedly wasn't played at the same time, and wanted to try a new tournament with slightly more serious floorball matches. I've always been in charge of a team during these tournaments.
How does it feel to been to every single GIC edition since 1997?
– It feels very good and it has been a lot of fun almost every time. I always look forward to the next tournament, answers the leader.
What does the Gothia Innebandy Cup mean after all the visits to the tournament?
– It means a good time with the gang and that we get to see how we stand against other teams. We don't have high expectations for most of the tournaments we participate in, but we have fun and that's the most important thing, I think.
How do you think the tournament has changed over the years?
– It has gotten better and better. It's a place where the kids really can play and have fun and it's good that you can use the tram and public buses. It's also good that more combined matches in the group stage means that you don't have to travel to too many different halls.
Kviberg Arena is a new venue for 2024. Christer Abrahamsson thinks it will be fun to visit Kviberg Arena in January.
– It's good to have bigger arenas, so there's room for the audience and it won't be so crowded. And it's fun for the players to play in bigger arenas, with more spectators.
This time, Svenljunga IBK is participating with a boys' team with players born in 2008 and 2009.
– We're coming with only one team this year. There is a very poor turnout for floorball in Svenljunga right now, but I hope for a change. We have no real goal but going to the A playoffs is always fun and to win at least one playoff game, otherwise it's better to go to the B playoffs and win more playoff games, which are always nervous to play, says Christer Abrahamsson.
