By Ella Tan Ray Ing (18A01B), Girls’ Captain

In Raffles Floorball, we believe that anything is possible. On court, there are no limits to what you can do – you have 45 seconds a shift to decide to pass, dribble, shoot, or create a magical playup that gets you the goal. Floorball is a fast-paced and intense game that teaches you to outwit and outdo your opponents by being the most determined and creative that you can be. Every game, each line of 5 players goes in to attack and defend, switching every 45 seconds with the next line in a rotational manner to continue the play and try to score. 45 second sprint, 45 second rest, and back at it again. Floorball will show you how in a 45-minute match, you will be pushed to your limits physically and mentally, and yet be able to have lots of fun with your teammates, advancing your way to victory.

During trainings, we learn to be fast, smart, and strong to play the game at its best. We train thrice a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with each training session lasting about 3 to 4 hours. Training is split into two sections: court time and physical conditioning. We begin with warm up and a run, then we move onto the court where we train our ball handling skills, passes, and shots; we also do various drills, as well as learn different play ups and tricks, and improve our game tactics. Physical conditioning before or after court time consists of strength, cardio and speed training to ensure that our fitness is optimal for our games. Our training is helmed by legendary coach Jill Quek, National Women’s player and all-star, and our CCA is mentored by Mr Eric Lee, our wonderful teacher-in-charge.

Yet, even with such intense training, our team can’t seem to get enough of the sport. We often play friendly matches with other JCs to be able to gain as much exposure and experience as possible. Also, our floorballers actively take part in external floorball sessions and tournaments, such as NUS Tenses and Singapore National Open. We love to hit around whenever we can, and you can always find us playing if we have our stick and a ball. All these activities seek to prepare us for our annual Floorball season (the National inter-school Championships), an intense period that stretches from April to May.

However, what ultimately makes a Floorballer? We believe that it is the team that makes the player. Beyond our individual ability, fitness, and performance, the team is the essence of this sport; it is what makes the dream work. We are nothing if not for our teammates – the people who will always be there to support us, encourage us, and push us on, both on and off court. Every floorballer is a part of this family that we have, a bunch of people passionate about the sport, but more importantly a group who will always look out for each other and strive to be our best, together. Our team has team dinners every Friday night after training (both guys and girls welcome!), and we often organise outings, camps and gatherings as well – playing volleyball or cycling or simply having a meal together. Through having fun together, friendships are formed and chemistry is fostered – and it shows on court as well, when we play with our friends whom we care for and trust.

We are proud of the team spirit and camaraderie that makes Raffles Floorball such a wonderful and close-knit community, and we invite you to be a part of this family too! Come to our Floorball tryouts to find out more about this exciting sport, and about the Raffles Floorball team. There is no limit to who can try out – everyone is welcome! There is only one requirement: an open mind and a willing attitude, to do your best and give your all. After all, in Raffles Floorball, through treasure, tenacity and teamwork, we learn to believe, hunger and fight – and that makes all the difference.