Floorball games start

A new indoor hockey competition, known as floorball, has been started at the Peninsula Leisure Centre.

"Floorball is a fast paced indoor sport that blends the greatest elements of ice hockey with some characteristics also found in soccer and basketball," according to organiser Mr Alan Clay.

Mr Clay said the sport started in Sweden in the 1970s as an alternative to ice hockey.

"Floorball is an indoor sport with five field players and one goalie on each team," he said.

"Each field player usually has a light carbon graphite stick, which is about three feet long.

"The ball is three inches in diameter, white, made from plastic and weighs on 23 grams.

"Matches are divided into three 20 minute periods.

"The combination of these elements makes floorball not only fast, but also safe."

Mr Clay said the game was easy to learn and play.

"It's said that floorball takes minutes to learn but years to master," Mr Clay said.

"It's suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

"It is also an inexpensive sport compared to others.

"Essentially all that you need to start playing are some sports clothes and a floorball stick."

Mr Clay said anyone interested in giving floorball a try was welcome to come along to the Peninsula Leisure Centre on Sundays from 10am to 11.30am.

"Sticks and balls are supplied and $5 is required of each participant to cover court costs," Mr Clay said.

"All you need is a pair of court shoes and a few of your friends if you want.

"We give instruction on how to play and cater for all levels of abilities."

For more information, contact Alan or Julie Clay on 0401 001 472 or at al_clay@hotmail.com for any information

Press release, 22 Apr 2010 Alan Clay, Peninsula Leisure Centre