Richmond Floorball Club to host first-ever Atlantic Floorball Open

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Floorball Club is hosting the first-ever Atlantic Floorball Open later this summer after claiming permanent floor space at the Powhatan Ice Den two months prior.

This week, the Richmond Floorball Club announced it will host the Atlantic Floorball Open, beginning at 10 a.m. on both Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24, in partnership with USA Floorball, at the Powhatan Ice Den, located at 1580 Oakbridge Terrace.

“We’ve built something special here,” said Nick Baldaino, the president and founder of the Richmond Floorball Club. “Now we’re giving it the structure it deserves — coaching, rules, player development. This weekend’s about making that next leap, together.”

“USA Floorball has been quietly doing the hard work — traveling, teaching, and helping programs like ours build real systems from the ground up," Baldaino added.

According to a release, it's the first time their national staff will lead multiple clinics in Virginia, as well as the first time Richmond hosts a tournament of this scope.

The open tournament, Richmond Floorball Classic, which begins at 10 a.m. on both days, is described as a "high-tempo, open-draft tournament welcoming free agents, first-timers, and regional teams," per a release.

The tournament reportedly runs alongside clinics for a full weekend of certified training for players, coaches and officials -- regardless of level.

"Playing floorball with my dad makes it fun to push one another and show up for each other,” said Courtney Cooke, a local floorball and field hockey athlete who's represented Richmond at national tournaments in both sports. “Floorball is one of the few sports my dad and I actually get to play, not just watch. I’d tell anyone to try it — even without experience, it’s easy to learn and the community is super welcoming.”

The following is a breakdown of the floorball weekend clinics:

• From 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23: A youth fundamentals clinic (ages 6 to 14) -- led by Case Connor, US Men’s U-19 Coach
• From 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23: A referee certification clinic -- led by Vince Faso, the director of officials of USA Floorball
• From 8 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24: Adult player development clinic (ages 13 and up) -- led by both Vince Faso and Case Connor

The club emphasized that all levels of experience are welcome, with gear to be provided on-site. Prices are $75, which includes a USA Floorball 30-day membership and insurance coverage, per a release.

Baldaino said the opening of the Ice Den back in June led to quick growth, with 70 weekly players and more than 2,500 unique monthly viewers on its website. He added that the event also gained the attention of the USA Floorball Association.

In June, Baldaino said the June event would open doors for the public to access floorball, a growing sport, in the Powhatan community.

Until Sunday, Aug. 23, the Richmond Floorball Club is donating all profits made from merchandise on its online store and all direct event sales to the Richmond SPCA, supporting adoption and animal care initiatives in the area.

For more information on the event and how to register, visit the Richmond Floorball Club's website.