Imagine yourself stepping into a dynamic arena, where speed, skill, and camaraderie collide to create a thrilling spectacle. The atmosphere is electric, charged with the anticipation of an intense but fun competition about to unfold.

The stage, a rectangular court resembling a hockey rink but compact and more accessible, is set. Two teams, each comprised of six players, line up on opposite ends, donning colorful jerseys that represent their unity and spirit. The sticks they wield are slender, lightweight extensions of their willpower, tools that will orchestrate their quest for victory.

As the referee’s whistle pierces the air, the game explodes into motion. The ball, a small white sphere, is released at center stage. The moment it touches the polished floor, a frenzy ensues. Players dash forward like arrows shot from bows, racing to claim the ball and seize control. The rhythm of their footwork echoes through the arena, a symphony of determination.

This is the magic of floorball, which  lies in its fluidity. The ball glides effortlessly across the smooth surface, passing from stick to stick, carried by a dance of precision and coordination. With each touch, the players weave patterns, strategically advancing towards their adversary’s territory. The seamless exchange of the ball exemplifies teamwork at its finest, a symposium of unspoken understanding.

Defenders stand like sentinels, their mission clear: protect their kingdom. With swift, calculated movements, they intercept passes, deflect shots, and maintain an unyielding wall against the impending tide. Their sticks become extensions of their minds, predicting opponents’ intentions and disrupting their plans.

Yet, in this whirlwind of action, moments of individual brilliance shine like constellations in the night sky. Players dazzle with their dribbling prowess, evading opponents with mesmerizing feints and sudden bursts of speed. The crowd’s cheers crescendo as a player breaks free, creating a one-on-one showdown with the goalkeeper. In this moment of truth, the goalkeepers become  guardians of hope, their reflexes tested to the limit as they dive, twist, and leap to deny the opposing team the sweet taste of victory.

Time dances by, and the scoreboard keeps the spectators on the edge of their seats. The ebb and flow of the game is a symphony of emotion, as goals are celebrated with exultant roars and near-misses met with collective sighs. The clock winds down, but the intensity only amplifies, as the players pour every ounce of energy into those final seconds.

And then, with the sounding of the final whistle, the court erupts. Players embrace, both victors and vanquished, united by the shared experience of a game that transcends the final score. The arena reverberates with applause, a standing ovation for the spectacle witnessed—a tribute to the skill, passion, and camaraderie that defines the enthralling world of floorball.

Well, I’m sorry if I lost you there… I was lost in this intense realm and just trying to paint you a picture of an experience you may have or haven’t witnessed yet. At least this is how Coach Meshack Senge, the big man behind the success of the Scorpions and Gladiators, the ladies and men’s hockey teams respectively at Strathmore University, painted it for me too. 

A conversation crackles to life as the Coach, with a glint of enthusiasm in his eyes goes on… “We’re about to unveil an exhilarating experience that fuses fitness, togetherness, and a whole lot of fun!”

“So, Coach, what’s the scoop?” I ask.

“Introducing floorball,” he beams, as if introducing a long-lost friend. “But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill competitive slugfest. No, this is an endeavor pulsating with Corporate Social Responsibility, designed to give back to the Strathmore community. We’re talking about a wellness revolution that is all about exercise, team synergy, and holistic well-being.”

Floorball, the brainchild of this visionary endeavor, dances on the edge of our perception. Drawing parallels with hockey, Coach’s eyes sparkle as he shares, “Now, hold your horses – this isn’t hockey’s adrenaline-fueled sibling. This is floorball, played with plastic sticks and a feather-light ball. Kiss those high school nightmares of brutal hockey incidents goodbye – floorball is all about safety without sacrificing the thrill.”

Excitement echoes through Coach’s words. “As we dive into floorball, we’re not just releasing endorphins, we’re shedding the shackles of everyday stress – whether it’s the classroom grind or the office chaos. And this isn’t just for students; this is a community game where even staff members can wield their plastic sticks and join the dance.”

Mark your calendars, because Mondays at 5:15 PM will now be synonymous with heart-pounding action at the sports complex’s handball court. “Dust-free, high-octane action,” Coach chuckles. “Floorball is our oasis of vitality, where games are brief but charged, lasting five minutes or less. It’s a quick burst of euphoria, a moment of triumph, followed by a well-earned breather.”

I guess if you’re at the receiving end of my facial expressions you’d see my eyes widen, as I realise the multi-dimensional magic of floorball.

“So, it’s not just about the game?”

“You hit the nail on the head,” Coach grins. “Floorball’s synergy of team play isn’t just a physical feat; it’s a journey of personal growth. It’s about communication, leadership, and the sheer joy of working together. The friendships forged on the court transcend into everyday life, creating a network of support and unity.”

But what about attire? “Sportswear is the canvas of this masterpiece,” Coach proclaims. “When you’re dressed for action, you’re ready to conquer!

Rules?

We’ve trimmed them down to the essentials. It’s about instinct, it’s about heart – it’s all about having a blast!”

With a gracious smile, Coach concludes, “So, dear community, brace yourselves for the surge of adrenaline, the wave of exhilaration, and the bonds that will shape the Strathmore narrative. Floorball isn’t just a game; it’s a lifestyle. Join us, and let’s etch our stories on the canvas of this heart-pounding adventure!”

As the curtain falls on this conversation, the air crackles with fervor. The countdown begins – to a vibrant chapter of wellness, unity, and the soaring spirit of Strathmore.

This article was written by Francis Kabutu.