The FIB Development Camp 2025 returned to Uppsala, Sweden, after several years without this type of educational activity within the Federation of International Bandy -FIB-. The programme came back in a modernised format, aligned with the organisation’s updated educational framework. From 28 to 30 November, a total of 24 participants from Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and Switzerland took part in a weekend designed to strengthen the development of players and coaches through on-ice sessions, theoretical instruction and international cooperation.
The camp was structured into two parallel pathways: a programme for players and a dedicated training pathway for coaches. Each group followed an intensive schedule that combined practical sessions, analysis and methodologies adapted to their respective levels.
Technical development and multidisciplinary learning
Players completed several high-intensity on-ice sessions, focusing on skating, decision-making in game situations, teamwork and individual skill improvement. Coaches completed the practical component of the new three-step certification structure of the FIB, which included technical lectures by Johan Ganebro of Västerås SK and Hans Gradin, as well as match analysis and the leadership of their own training sessions.
Several participants noted that from the very first day they felt “on the same wavelength” as the rest of the group. They described the weekend as “a very positive experience” and expressed their hope that the FIB Development Camp will continue regularly in the coming years.
Uppsala, an optimal host for international development
The choice of Uppsala had a direct impact on the success of the programme. The proximity between the arena and the accommodation—less than three minutes on foot—simplified logistics for international participants. In addition, the short distance to Stockholm Arlanda Airport facilitated travel arrangements, allowing participants to focus fully on their training activities.
The camp was made possible thanks to the coordinated work of the local team and the FIB’s Education and Development sector. Local organisation in Uppsala was led by Ludvig von Polgar, while overall supervision fell to the FIB Education and Development Committee, chaired by Mikhail Entaltsev, with contributions from Michael Bratt and Janet Duke.
New initiatives within the FIB’s development strategy
According to Entaltsev, collaboration between the committee, KOSA Sport and the local organisers was essential to the project’s success. “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 committee,” he stated. He added that in the coming months the FIB will offer online sessions on anti-doping, rules and theoretical coaching education, with the aim of establishing these camps as a sustainable tool for international bandy development.
These efforts will be complemented by new educational initiatives expanding the reach of the programme. Digital content will allow more federations to benefit from the training structure without requiring physical attendance, maintaining a coordinated and internationally aligned approach.
The FIB expressed its gratitude to KOSA Sport for its support and for providing equipment to all participants, an appreciated contribution that added value to the programme. The Federation also recognised the dedication and positive attitude of the participants, as well as the professionalism of the organising team in delivering a high-quality international training event.
