With just months remaining before the Solomon Islands men’s Floorball Team makes its debut at the Men’s World Floorball Championship 2026 (Asia-Oceania Floorball Confederation) AOFC Qualifications in Wellington, New Zealand from January 12-19, preparations are progressing well.
Speaking to Star Sports, the President of the Floorball Federation of Solomon Islands (FFSI) and team head coach, Adam Olofsson, said the squad has been working hard and that the final team announcement will be made soon.
“Preparations have been going well for some time now, and the players have been really great. This will be our first appearance on the international stage, so it’s a huge step for us. All the players are very excited and this is the highest level of competition you can reach,” Olofsson said.
Despite the sport being introduced in the Solomon Islands only three years ago, Olofsson is confident his side will be competitive in their quest for a place at the world championships.
“It’s a huge step for the Federation and for Floorball in this country. Since the sport is just three years old here, competing in an international tournament is a big milestone,” he said.
“We’ll be facing players who have been playing since childhood, so it will be technically challenging. But our boys have learned and improved a lot over the years. Like every other team, our goal is to secure a qualification spot.”
The Solomon Islands have been drawn in Group F, alongside hosts New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and China, with four qualification spots up for grabs in the AOFC qualifiers.
“The boys have been training together for a long time, so team chemistry is one of our strengths. The players are also much fitter now,” Olofsson added.
“A lot can happen in a floorball game and it’s an extremely fast sport but my players are developing well. It’s great to work with them almost every day. Not many national teams have that opportunity.”
Olofsson confirmed that the final 19-player squad is expected to be announced by the end of this week or early next week.
Meanwhile, the country’s National Floorball League will resume this Sunday, with matches scheduled to run until April 2026 for both men’s and women’s divisions.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
