Men’s Coach Andre Ballantyne Steps Down After Much Success

Head coach of the men’s national team Andre Ballantyne is stepping down after the conclusion of the 2024 World Floorball Cup Qualifiers. Andre dedicated his life to the role over the last three and a half years; introducing new tactics, championing innovative approaches to floorball, and focusing on developing the resilience of his players. While the team did not reach the World Cup, massive improvements saw several milestones under his leadership. 

During his first campaign as coach this showed with a best ever fifth place at the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers and wins over Korea and Malaysia, the first in the team’s history. Following this campaign Andre continued to work with the team with the aim of qualifying for the 2024 World Cup. This included taking a development team to the 2023 Asia Oceania Floorball Confederation Cup and traveling for several training weekends with players from across the country. 

In May, the team aimed to qualify for the world cup in Malmo in December and knew that a top two finish in the group would be required. With close losses in the first two games against the Philippines and Thailand, who proved to be the best teams at the tournament, New Zealand could no longer qualify. However, in these games Andre’s influence was clear as a disciplined defensive and high possession offensive game that allowed his team to go toe to toe with players from the best leagues in the world. After an unfortunate loss to Korea, a powerful final performance against China secured seventh place meaning that the coach could leave on a winning note. 

With his departure Andre emphasised the importance of developing floorball players and coaches in New Zealand as the key to achieving sustainable success.

Andre will continue as president of Floorball New Zealand and the organisation thanks him for his service as coach and wishes him the best of luck as he starts a new floorball club in his new home of Tauranga with his young family.