By Michael Roberts | posted on March 7, 2020
TRAVELLING more than 800km most weekends to compete in the sport she loves, 16-year old Molly Dickson won’t let geographical restrictions get in the way of her representing Australia.
The Albany local drives up to Perth each week with her mum to play in the state’s premier floorball competition – an absolute must if she wants to sharpen her skills for the upcoming World Cup.
Dickson was recently selected to play for Australia in this year’s U19s World Floorball Championships in Sweden – the second time she’s represented the nation at such an event.
For the uninitiated, floorball is similar to ice hockey, with five players plus a goalie on each team.
In the fast-paced indoor game, players can use their body to block shots, and even pass the ball to a teammate with their feet.
“The rules are quite different to field hockey,” Dickson said.
“It’s very physical, you use your body a lot. It’s easy to pick up a few bruises.”
Originating from Sweden, floorball is a big deal in European countries like Finland, Switzerland and Czech Republic – and they will be the teams to beat at this year’s championships, according to Dickson.
Finding the cash to fund her trip to Europe has been no easy feat though, with an estimated of cost of $7000.
“The Finish and Swedish national teams get paid to play at the Championships, but we don’t get a single dollar,” Dickson said.
Hearing of Dickson’s plight, the Great Southern Regional Association Sporting Fund (GSRASF) decided to step in and contribute $500 towards the trip.
“It’s a big burden to get to top level when you’ve got to find your own funds,” GSRASF Chairperson Barb Wilson said.
“If you need financial assistance competing at a state or international level, contact us through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.”
Apart from hoping a floorball competition pops up closer to home, Dickson said it was amazing to receive local funding.
“It means so much to me to have the support,” she said.
“Every little contribution makes a big difference.”