FARNHAM Fireballs have made history by being the first ever British team to take part in the world’s biggest floorball hockey tournament, the Storvreta Cup in Uppsala, Sweden.

In all, 740 teams played on 20 indoor rinks from 8am to 10pm each day. Teams came from as far away as Singapore and Russia.

The Fireballs competed in the under-14 category and matches were streamed live for fans and parents. Farnham’s coach and several players were interviewed on web TV.

The action took place in the prestigious £30 million IFU Arena, built specially for floorball in 2016 and which is used regularly by the professional Storvreta and Sirius teams for their Swedish Super League matches.

The occasion was daunting for the Farnham youngsters, but they gave it their all. Nerves did get the better of them early on, even after scoring two spectacular goals in their first match.

In one of the later games, Fireballs managed a 4-4 draw against a top Swedish side following a decision to play a counter-attacking style, resulting in a superb breakaway goal.

During the five-day trip, the Farnham party found time to watch an ice-hockey match and go on sight-seeing trips around Stockholm and some of the islands that make up the Stockholm Archipelago.

Floorball is played at Farnham Sports Centre on Saturdays. New players are always welcome. More details at www.fufc.net