So, what exactly is Floorball?

Floorball is an indoor variation of the game of hockey. The game originates from off-season training by ice hockey players in the United States and Canada, but was formally codified as a separate sport in Sweden in the 1970s. Since then, the game has spread globally and is enjoyed by thousands of players around the world. The sport is governed by the International Floorball Federation (IFF). Floorball is particularly great because men and women can play together in the same team!

What is Unihoc? Is that different from Floorball? 

The sport is relatively new to the UK and Ireland and so the name varies from place to place. In Northern Ireland in particular, the sport is more commonly known as 'unihoc'. We are one of the only adult teams in Northern Ireland and are seeking to help other teams establish themselves in Belfast and beyond.

What does a game of Floorball look like? 

A team may field five (5) players at a time, not including a goalkeeper. The aim of the game is to score more goals than the opponent over three (3) periods of twenty (20) minutes. During the game, rolling substitutes are used like in ice hockey.

Whilst Floorball is similar to ice hockey, it is a much safer and more accessible game. 

Floorball is a low-contact sport and body checking is strictly disallowed. The sticks used are lightweight carbon-fibre and so are less likely to hurt players if accidentally struck. The only player who wears any protective gear is the goalkeeper, who wears a helmet to protect their face.

Sounds great! Will I need to buy any equipment to play? 

The QUB Unihoc-Floorball Club is a well established club which has been running since 2015. To join our team, you don't need to bring or purchase any specialist equipment (unless you want to!) 

We have a range of professional grade unihoc-floorball sticks, balls and tournament-quality goals. For budding goalkeepers, we also have helmets, gloves and knee pads should you require them - all you need to play is the time, appropriate sportswear and a pair of comfy running shoes! 

Anyone can join us and play, but it helps to have played another hockey variant or GAA Hurling before. We have players of all fitness and experience so there's no excuse not to come along!

Whilst we are a student society at Queen's University Belfast, you do not have to be a student or member of staff at the University to join our team! We offer Associate Membership to willing players who are not a part of the University. We invite willing players of any age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, or cultural background to join our club.

When and where do you play?

We play every Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm in the PEC Main Hall.

Our sessions are usually divided up between skills based training drills for the first 45 minutes followed by a fun mini-match.

Let's cut to the chase: there's lots of great societies at Queen's I'm interested in. Why should I join you? 

We have a great community of players from all around the world who have forged lasting friendships and enjoy keeping fit and active. If you want to try something new, make lifelong friends, stay fit, and enjoy a little healthy competition, there is no better club or society for you!

This year, we have joined UK Floorball Federation (UKFF) where you can be part of a team travelling and competing to win the League.

We won the Most Improved Club award from the QUBSU in 2020 for our progress and we're only getting better! Why not come and find out why we're so highly rated?

Come and join us for 2024/25, we're just getting started!