World Footy News

The Finland Icebreakers are about a 75% chance to be at the 2011 International Cup, according to national team coach Grant Siermans.

The Icebreakers made their IC debut in 2008, but with a small initial squad and a large number of injuries, it was a tough first-up tournament. They eventually broke through for their first win against India, finishing 14th overall from a field of 16 nations. Finland also appeared at the inaugural full-field European Championships in 2010, but finished the tournament without a win.

However, Siermans says there is a core of new Finnish recruits who are keen to represent their country on the world stage, and with some steady growth in domestic Finnish footy since the last IC, they are still hoping to make it down under.

Photo courtesy of Alban Schieber.

"The Icebreakers are doing pretty much all we can at the moment to try and get a team to Australia for IC11, but it is proving to be a difficult task. Many of the guys that attended IC08 won't be able to make the trip again, as the first one was such a financial burden that they just wouldn't be able to do it. Some have also left the game entirely due to age or injury."

"We did have a pretty tough time at IC08, with a small initial squad and then suffering injuries, it meant numbers were at the bare minimum, and we don't want that to happen again, so if the numbers are not there, neither are we."

"Having said that though, there are a few positives, with many new guys very excited about not only being able to play for their country in a world tournament, but also just the chance to visit Australia. Also, there are a few eligible players that are already living in Australia making it somewhat easier to try and convince those here in Finland that we are good chance of getting a team together."

"I think there might be a little trepidation amongst the guys also, as many who played in Denmark/Sweden Euro champs would be making the trip to Australia and the thought of going that far for a winless tournament also seems to holding some back."

The Finnish national league only really kicked off around the time of the International Cup, with the clubs in Helsinki and Salo. Since then, the national league has added new power side Turku, and the national club tournament at the end of 2010 saw the debut of a club from the northern city of Vaasa.

"Since the 2008 tournament there has been growth in the sport, as there was just the two teams in Finland then, but now 2011 could see 4-6 teams depending on preseason recruiting drives," Siermans says.

"At this moment in time I would say we are about 75% likely to make the tournament. We just need to get the numbers a little higher, we've got about 16 confirmed at the moment with quite a few 'maybes', then the players will feel more confident buying flights and arranging time off from work to make the most of the trip."

"I for one am desperately, and somewhat selfishly, wanting the team to make it, as I am leaving Finland to travel Asia and move to Australia before the tournament begins, and due to me being appointed coach and with a winless Euro Champs, I want my first 18 a-side Icebreakers win and maybe a couple more!"