This week, Richfield, Minnesota, will host one of the largest youth bandy camps in the world. A record of 154 young athletes from USA, Sweden, Canada and Russia are attending the camp under the leadership of Steve Jecha. This is not a FIB event, but it is of course a very positive initiative in the effort to attract more young players and develop them in our sport.
Steve Jecha
Six elite coaches from Sweden will spend the week teaching young athletes while sharing Swedish bandy culture and traditions.
Although many Americans have never heard of bandy, even if the sport is growing quickly, millions play it throughout Scandinavia and parts of Europe and Asia. Minnesota has become the center of the sport in the United States. And maybe as you all know, bandy is the worlds second biggest winter sport after Ice hockey, when it comes to active performers.
This isn’t just a sports story. It’s about kids from different countries becoming lifelong friends through athletics and celebrating Minnesota’s Scandinavian heritage.
The camp offers outstanding visuals:
- Fast skating action
- Swedish coaches working with the players
- International campers
- Great interviews with kids, parents, and coaches
The camp started yesterday, Monday 3rd of August, and continues with the last camp day on Friday 7th of August at Richfield Ice Arena.