Magic when Ellen plays floorball

What’s happening at eight o’clock on a Monday evening in Skaraborg? That’s when Varnhem’s mixed adult floorball team has practice. Everyone is welcome here, and having fun is just as important as scoring goals.

It’s Monday evening and the clock is approaching eight. The first chill of autumn has just caused the trees to let go of their yellowing leaves, which now swirl in the wind as darkness settles. In the village of Varnhem, between Skara and Skövde, calm has fallen for the evening, and a cosy glow shines from the windows of the houses.

Then Sebastian Åberg arrives at the sports hall next to the school. Slung over his shoulder is a bag full of floorball sticks. He unlocks the door to one of the changing rooms and switches on the light. Outside, voices can be heard, and one by one the participants in tonight’s training session step inside.

One of those who plays floorball with Varnhems IF’s mixed adult team is Ellen Bergstrand.

“It’s an important part of everyday life! Even though I’m busy with work, children and everything else, it feels important to come here and have this moment. Here, I can let go of everything else.”

“We have fun together”

The mixed team has been playing together for a couple of months and is signed up to take part in a pool-style tournament during the winter. But for Ellen, competition isn’t what matters most.

“Of course it’s fun to play matches! But it’s this - meeting once a week - that really matters. It’s the sense of community, getting to move your body, and the fact that we have fun together that makes me come here.”

Playing for the joy of it is something that comes up again and again when participants explain why they show up at the hall every Monday. And the fact that it’s such a diverse group of people adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The youngest players are 17, while the oldest is 60. Men and women play together.

They agree that Varnhems IF is a club that aims to be open to everyone. In addition to floorball, the club offers training in football, table tennis, children’s gymnastics, and walking football. They also organize a range of other activities throughout the year, such as pilgrim walks.

Much of the club’s activities are focused on children. Ellen explains that it was through her son’s training that she first made connections and became involved in the club.

“I got in touch with Varnhems IF when my son started football practice. We adults would stand by the sideline and chat. Suddenly, I found myself part of the group that organizes and arranges various activities. The club made me feel very welcome and invites you into the community in such a wonderful way.”

Like something out of Astrid Lindgren's Bullerbyn

Ellen is originally from Uppsala and moved to Varnhem five years ago, after first living in the nearby town of Skara for five years. She and her family live in a terraced house in the village.

“I usually say it’s a bit like living in Bullerbyn! The kids can run over to their friends’ houses, and it feels safe and peaceful. And we have nature all around us. For me, it’s very different from how I grew up, but I’m happy that my children get to grow up in this environment!”

What tips does Ellen have for someone who has moved to a new place and wants to get to know people there? It’s not that complicated, she says:

“Start by saying hello to people! In a small community like Varnhem, you run into the same people often. Soon a simple hello can turn into a conversation - and then you have a new acquaintance. And if you have an interest, like sports, you should of course get in touch with the local sports club as well!”

This text has been translated with the help of AI.