Alexander Edin: Floorball is a fantastic sport

A few years ago, when Alexander Edin was 14, he was introduced to floorball. His father, Sean Edin was one of the first to play floorball in Fresno around 1999. And now some six years later Alexander has been selected to the first ever Team USA to play at the Men's U19 World Floorball Championships.

- At first, I wasn't the best at playing this sport.  But being the only kid in my league and playing against adults all the time, it motivated me to keep playing until I got better, and until I started beating them of course, Alexander Edin reveals.

Over the years Alexander has played in numerous tournaments up and down California such as the California Cup, Golden Gate Cup, and the US Open. And now he has been selected to be part of the Men's U19 team that will compete in Helsingborg in Sweden.

Alexander is a mature and technically skilled player. He also has a great understanding of the game and is a hard worker according to General Manager Daniel Palm.
- He was selected due to his skills but foremost, his routine. Alex is one more senior players on the Team and he is by far one of the most experienced floorball players in his age group here in the United States. He will bring valuable skills and experience which he can share with the rest of the team, says Daniel Palm.

How did it feel to be selected for the first ever U19 Team USA heading to a WFC?
- It feels surreal to be selected for this team; it's hard to believe that I will be representing my country playing in a World Championship! Says Alexander Edin.

What are your personal goals for the WFC in Sweden?
- One of my personal goals for the World Championships is to be a team player and to promote selfless play.  Of course, taking a few goals to go wouldn't hurt either.

What do you think will be important for the team at the WFC?
- Being able to set our sights high.  Even though we are the first U19 team, there is no reason why we shouldn't go into the Championships confident as a team and hopefully come out ontop of our group!

Looking ahead do you have any long term floorball goals?
- In the future I look forward to moving to Sweden to continue playing Floorball in a bigger setting.  Hopefully I will be able to move up to the US Senior Team in the distant future, he continues.

What potential do you see for floorball in the states?
- I see huge potential.  Everyone that I have personally exposed to this game has absolutely loved it.  I even held a few Floorball game days for my school's PE program; out of all the activities, Floorball was the favorite by far.

What makes floorball a sport for all?
-Floorball is a fantastic sport for absolutely anyone to just pick up a stick and start playing.  You do not need a terrible amount of special equipment, a particular set of skills, nor a wide open field in order to play.  Best of all, you do not have to worry about getting a serious injury while playing, Alexander Edin concludes.

You will be able to follow the adventures of the Men's U19 team at the World Championships through the USA Floorball website as well as our social media channel. You can also check out the official U19  WFC website here.

You will also be able to watch all U19 WFC games on one of the IFF YouTube channels.

Team USA kick off with a game against Hungary on Wednesday the 29th of April at 15:30 CET.