Snipers Bratislava will celebrate two anniversaries
Snipers Bratislava will celebrate that they have been a part of Gothia Cup Innebandy for ten years. At the same time, it will be the 30th anniversary of the tournament.
Two anniversaries will be celebrated by Snipers Bratislava from Slovakia, when they bring four teams to Gothia Cup Innebandy in January.
– I consider Gothia Cup Innebandy to be the largest youth floorball tournament in the world, and every floorball player should experience it at least once, says Tomas Chvala, coach for Snipers Bratislava.
The 30th edition of Gothia Cup Innebandy will be a great one. The interest for the tournament is huge and the plan is that this tournament will be our best ever. And it’s just over a month away. The players and coaches in Snipers Bratislava are very much looking forward to Gothia Cup Innebandy 2025.
– For me, when I participated in the Gothia Cup Innebandy as a player in 2011, the tournament was a perfect, life-long experience. It’s great that the tournament has maintained its high level over the years, and even improved. I consider Gothia Cup Innebandy to be the largest youth floorball tournament in the world, and every floorball player should experience it at least once, says Tomas Chvala.
They’re a relatively young club, founded back in 2010 through the merger of several smaller clubs in Bratislava.
– Over the years, we have grown to become the largest club in Slovakia, with more than 350 players. Our philosophy primarily focuses on developing young players and growing from our own base. We’re also represented in all top adult categories: the men's Extraliga, the junior Extraliga, and the women's Extraliga.
The talented coach explains how floorball is developing in the country.
– Considering the situation in Slovakia and society's attitude toward sports, floorball is still relatively small but is growing each year. However, for real progress and improvement, it should be growing much faster than it currently is.
It will be their 10th anniversary in Gothenburg and also the 30th anniversary of the tournament. That means they have much to celebrate.
– I feel like time flies by so quickly. Not long ago, I was at Gothia Cup Innebandy as a 19-year-old player, and now we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of our participation as coaches. It’s amazing, and we’re very happy about it. I believe our participation in the tournament will only continue to grow. The 30th anniversary of the tournament is also something incredible for us, as floorball hasn’t been around for that long in Slovakia. We’re really looking forward to the celebrations, especially the match at Scandinavium, where the Slovak hockey team won the World Championship title in 2002. That will be an exceptional experience for us Slovaks, says Tomas Chvala.
Why do you think more teams from Slovakia should participate in the tournament?
– We attend Gothia Cup Innebandy primarily for quality competition, to try different styles of floorball, and, of course, to experience another country and see how floorball works in the country where it originated. The players gain experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime – experiences that no one can ever take away from them, he says.
I January, they’re bringing four boys' teams and will participate in the categories for boys born in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2012.
– We don't set specific goals or expectations for the tournament. Our main aim is for the players to play as many matches as possible, have fun, and create lasting memories. We had the same mindset last year, and our team managed to win the largest category, B14. I believe that this year, too, we will play many tough matches, and we’ll see what it brings, says Tomas Chvala.
