Atlantic Floorball Open: The Impact
The Atlantic Floorball Open: What Richmond Built Together
The inaugural Atlantic Floorball Open brought nearly 50 players together across four blended teams, representing Richmond, Chesapeake, Charlottesville, New York, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and even Belgium. For two days, the Powhatan Ice Den became something bigger than a competition: it became the Atlantic’s classroom.
Learning Before Competing
Each morning began with instruction from USA Floorball staff. On Saturday, Head of Referees Vince Faso led an engaging referee clinic where players didn’t just study the rulebook — they stepped into yellow shirts, wired headsets, and officiated games alongside him in real time. For the first time, Richmond players experienced what it feels like to referee at the international level.
On Sunday, Case Connor, a USA U19 coach and a former national team player, ran player evaluations and a “learn to play” clinic. Newcomers, youth players, and veterans trained side by side, sharpening fundamentals and catching a glimpse of what’s possible on the national pathway.
Four Teams, One Heartbeat
Instead of pitting states against each other, Richmond welcomed visitors into blended squads: Richmond+New York, Richmond+North Carolina, and two all-Richmond teams. Some players had never touched a floorball stick before. Others had international-level talent. Together, they played in front of an energized crowd — with the final two games decided by a sudden-death overtime goal and a buzzer-beater with under ten seconds remaining.
The feel was electric. Strangers in the morning became teammates by afternoon.
Measurable Impact
Participation: Nearly 50 players across 4 mixed teams.
Representation: Players from VA, NC, NY, WI, and Belgium.
Record attention: RFC’s website saw ~500 unique visitors per day since Aug. 24 — the highest traffic in our history.
Community demand: Submissions for fall programming at Barton Memorial Rink (in partnership with Hanover Parks & Rec) tripled in just two days.
Thanks to this surge, Richmond Floorball now anchors a growing Mid-Atlantic network that is urging more players in the area to reach out.
Community, Partners, and Giving Back
This success is shared. We thank Richmond Times-Dispatch, 8News WRIC, and NBC12 for their coverage, which helped more families discover floorball. We thank eFloorball/Floorbee for lowering barriers with discounts and donated sticks. Through our Local Tails campaign, we’re donating $500 to the Richmond SPCA — proving that when floorball grows, our ability to give back grows too.
Special thanks to Aylla DeSantiago, our social media manager and intern from VCU helped drive awareness all summer. She also had the privilege to don the stars and stripes for the USA Women’s National Team in July, a surreal experience for all of us in Richmond. Next, we’ll be working with the University of Richmond Spider Business program to keep expanding healthy, active play across the city.
Pathways Forward
Because of Vince Faso and Case Connor’s investment, several participants — including five Richmond players — are now eligible to pursue International Floorball Federation (IFF) Level 1 referee certification. Even more players left with the knowledge to teach and grow the game in their own communities.
Our Mission Continues
The Atlantic Floorball Open was about teaching and educational lessons first, competition second, and community always. With that, fall programs and open play begins at Barton Memorial Rink September 8th at 7pm. Join us and be part of what comes next.
Editorial By Nick Baldaino, on behalf of Richmond Floorball Club
