The Federation of International Bandy (FIB) successfully hosted the FIB Development Camp 2025 in Uppsala, Sweden, from 28–30 November. After several years without such events, the Development Camp returned in a renewed and modernized format, bringing together 24 participants representing both genders from Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The camp offered a full weekend of high-quality on-ice training, theoretical education, and international cooperation.
A Full and Engaging Program
The camp consisted of two parallel tracks – a player program and a coach education
program – each designed to provide intensive training and meaningful learning opportunities.
Players completed multiple high-intensity on-ice sessions focusing on skating, game situations, teamwork, and individual skills. Coaches followed a dedicated education pathway, completing the practical component of the new three-step coaching education structure. Their weekend included lectures from Johan Ganebro (Västerås SK) and Hans Gradin, pre-game discussions with Elitserien coaches, match analysis, and leading their own training sessions.
Several participants remarked that they immediately felt “on the same wavelength” with others – one of the strongest indicators of the positive and friendly atmosphere throughout the camp. Many described the weekend as a “very positive experience” and expressed hope that the camp will continue in the future.
Excellent Organization in Uppsala
The location contributed significantly to the success of the event. Uppsala’s arena and hotel are just a three-minute walk apart, making logistics extremely easy for international participants. The city’s close proximity to Stockholm Arlanda Airport provided an additional advantage.
The camp was the result of strong teamwork: Ludvig von Polgar managed the local organization with great professionalism, while the overall project was led by the FIB Education and Development Committee (EDC) – chaired by Mikhail Entaltsev, with key contributions from Michael Bratt and Janet Duke.
Voices From the Camp
Mikhail Entaltsev, Chair of the FIB Education and Development Committee:
“I am very happy that the close cooperation between the FIB Education and Development Committee, KOSA Sport, and Ludvig von Polgar made this project a success. This Development Camp marks the first step in a larger series of initiatives we are launching within the EDC. In the coming months, we will follow up with online lessons on topics such as anti-doping, rules, and theoretical coaching education. Our goal is to make FIB Development Camps a regular and sustainable part of international bandy development. Outstanding work from everyone involved.”
Ludvig von Polgar, Project Leader:
“Bringing together players from several countries is always an exciting challenge, and this camp was no exception. The players worked hard on the ice and connected quickly off it, despite different languages and backgrounds. The atmosphere stayed positive from start to finish, and everyone left with new skills, new friends, and strong motivation. We consider the camp a real success and look forward to more initiatives like this to keep developing our sport.”
Michael Bratt, Head Coach:
“This camp marked the start of our new three-step coaching education pathway. The coaches took part in expert lectures, observed an Elitserien match, and led their own on-ice training sessions. The engagement was high and the quality of work impressive. Every coach leaves with new knowledge, practical experience, and clear motivation to continue developing.”
Acknowledgements
FIB extends its sincere gratitude to KOSA Sport for their generous support and for providing equipment to all participants – a contribution that was highly appreciated and added significant value to the camp.
The Federation also thanks all participants for their dedication, energy, and positive attitude, as well as the organizing team for their professionalism and hard work in delivering a high-quality international event.
