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Why I Play series: Floorball player Glendon Phua

Floorball was supposed to be Glendon Phua’s fourth co-curricular activity (CCA) in primary school and, even then, his mother was initially apprehensive and against the idea. Fortunately for him, he was encouraged to pick up the sport by his friends and teacher, and has not looked back since.

The 29-year-old has represented Singapore in floorball at the World University Games, winning the gold medal at the 2015 SEA Games and even competing among the world’s best in the World Floorball Championships. And he thinks he still has a few more years of top-level floorball in him.

Glendon Phua first picked up floorball as a co-curricular activity in primary school. The 29-year-old has since gone on to represent Singapore in the sport at numerous competitions. (PHOTO: Stefanus Ian)
Glendon Phua first picked up floorball as a co-curricular activity in primary school. The 29-year-old has since gone on to represent Singapore in the sport at numerous competitions. (PHOTO: Stefanus Ian)

Q: How did you pick up this sport?

A: I first picked up the sport as a CCA in primary school. It was one of my four CCAs that I had in Pasir Ris Primary School.

Which muscle groups are most involved in this sport? Which part of your body ache the most after a floorball match and why?

It would be the thighs and hamstrings. Floorball is a really fast-paced sport involving plenty of sprinting, stopping and quick changes of direction. Therefore, these muscles bear the brunt of the action.

Tell me the biggest misconceptions people have of this sport.

Most of the older Singaporeans think that floorball is a really new sport. But in fact, I have been playing it for close to 21 years now. I dare say that it is one of the most popular sports in primary schools.

Phua’s lowest moment in the sport was when his side lost 37-0 to Switzerland in the 2010 World Cup. (PHOTO: Stefanus Ian)
Phua’s lowest moment in the sport was when his side lost 37-0 to Switzerland in the 2010 World Cup. (PHOTO: Stefanus Ian)

In your experience so far, what has been your most amazing experience?

The most amazing moment for me has to be when the floorball national team won the gold medal at the 2015 SEA Games held in Singapore. Words cannot describe how happy that I was able to bring home the gold medal in front of the home crowd and my family.

What about the lowest moment?

The lowest moment was during my first ever World Cup in 2010, when we played against Switzerland. We lost that game 37-0 and I nearly felt like giving up on the sport after that game.

Can you share with me a failure that you have had in your career which led to later success?

From that same game against Switzerland, I came back to Singapore and reflected on that really lousy feeling of being so helpless in a competition. It spurred me on to train even harder than before.

Phua has been playing floorball for over 21 years. (PHOTO: Stefanus Ian)
Phua has been playing floorball for over 21 years. (PHOTO: Stefanus Ian)

Was there a time you felt like walking away from the sport? What made you stay?

It was the same event from the above. Knowing that I have much room for improvement, the encouragements from my teammates and coaches, and the close bonds between my teammates and I kept me in the game.

How frequent are your trainings? Does the national team train regularly? Do you play in a club?

We train around four times a week for the national team. All of us play in a club, and there is one designated training on a Friday for my club, Skools Innebandy. On the weekends, we usually have a league game whereby we represent our clubs.

What life lessons has this sport taught you?

It has taught me the value of hard work and never giving up. On the court, things are very dynamic, so if something doesn’t work, I’ve learnt to be creative and always try to think of a solution to get myself ahead in any situation.

Besides taking part in the World Floorball Championships, Phua also earned a gold medal at the 2015 SEA Games. (PHOTO: Stefanus Ian)
Besides taking part in the World Floorball Championships, Phua also earned a gold medal at the 2015 SEA Games. (PHOTO: Stefanus Ian)

Can you elaborate on the floorball leagues in Singapore? How frequent are the matches? Who are the teams? Is there promotion and relegation? And how can people pick up the sport if they are interested?

Currently there are five divisions for the men’s and ladies’ categories. The teams have representatives from the following clubs, Skools Innebandy, Merahans, Black Wondersticks, Victoria Schools, Perhe Wolves, Tazillian Piranha, Jansenites and NUS Nemesis.

From what I know, there is quite a big group of people who have picked up floorball by playing at the courts at Valhall on weekday nights. For the younger Singaporeans, they can always join a school CCA or attend one of the classes conducted by ActiveSG at selected sports and recreational centers.

Can you tell me in one sentence why you love this sport?

For those who came before me, for those who started out with me but could not finish this journey with me, for the teammates who are constantly beside me, for the loved ones and friends who have sacrificed together with me, and for the youths who sees my reality as their dream, this is why I play.