So, what exactly is Floorball?
Floorball is an indoor variation of the game of hockey. The game originates from off-season training by ice hockey players in the United States and Canada, but was formally codified as a separate sport in Sweden in the 1970s. Since then, the game has spread globally and is enjoyed by thousands of players around the world. The sport is governed by the International Floorball Federation (IFF).
The sport is relatively new to the UK and Ireland. In Northern Ireland in particular, the sport is more commonly known as 'unihoc' which is reflected in our team name. We are one of the only adult teams in Northern Ireland.
Material Intellectual Copyright of International Floorball Federation
What are the rules of Floorball?
A team may field five (5) players at a time, not including a goalkeeper. The aim of the game is to score more goals than the opponent over three (3) periods of twenty (20) minutes. During the game, rolling substitutes are used like in ice hockey.
Whilst Floorball is similar to ice hockey, it is much a much safer and more accessible game.
Floorball is a non-contact sport and body checking is strictly disallowed. The sticks used are lightweight carbon-fibre and so are less likely to hurt players if accidentally struck. The only player who wears any protective gear is the goalkeeper, who wears a helmet to protect their face.
What do I need to play Floorball?
The QUB Unihoc-Floorball Club is a well established club which has been running since 2015. To join our team, you don't need to bring or purchase any specialist equipment (unless you want to!)
We have a range of professional grade unihoc-floorball sticks, balls and tournament-quality goals. For budding goalkeepers, we also have helmets, gloves and kneepads should you require them - all you need to play is the time, appropriate sportswear and a pair of comfy running shoes!
No prior experience is necessary to join us and play, but it helps to have played another hockey variant or GAA Hurling before.
Whilst we are a student society at Queen's University Belfast, you do not have to be a student or member of staff at the University to join our team! We offer Associate Membership to willing players who are not a part of the University.
QUB Unihoc-Floorball Club invites willing players of any age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, or cultural background to join our club.
If you are interested in joining QUB Unihoc-Floorball Club connect with us by signing up below!
