Saskia Ormak: Playing for Estonia Is Something Truly Special

One of those players was Saskia Ormak, who has since progressed through international club floorball to reach the world’s strongest league – the Swedish Super League (SSL). Now, she shares her memories of that first qualification tournament and offers a message to the next generation of Estonia’s U19 women’s national team, who are preparing for the qualification tournament in Tartu in January 2027.

A Historic Tournament That Brought the Team Together

“What I remember most about that tournament is that we were the first Estonian U19 women’s national team to compete in World Championship qualification,” Ormak recalls.

The team entered the tournament with great excitement, but also a sense of uncertainty. The players did not know each other particularly well, and no one knew exactly what to expect from the upcoming matches. However, they all agreed on one thing: they would give 100 percent in every moment.

In their opening match against Italy, Estonia quickly discovered just how much determination and fighting spirit could achieve. The Estonian girls secured a 4–3 victory, giving their tournament campaign a fantastic start. Every match that followed was closely contested, but the experience ultimately gave the players much more than just results on the scoreboard.

“Our team became incredibly close in a very short time, and the atmosphere within the group was amazing. I also made some wonderful friends there who have since become a huge part of my life,” she says.

Those shared moments – including the bus rides between the hotel and Saku – remain vivid memories even years later.

For Ormak, the tournament in Saku was her first opportunity to represent Estonia in front of a home crowd. Playing in front of her parents, friends, and the Estonian floorball community made the experience especially meaningful.

“One of the most powerful moments was singing the Estonian national anthem together before the games and celebrating goals with the fans during the matches,” Ormak recalls.

That is precisely why she hopes the next generation of Estonia’s U19 women will have the opportunity to experience those same emotions at the qualification tournament in Tartu this January.

The Impact on Her Sporting Career

During the 2021 qualification tournament, Ormak could hardly have imagined where floorball would take her in the years ahead. Yet it was this very experience that strengthened her ambition to test herself abroad.

“At the time, I had no idea that this tournament would one day help me reach Finland’s F-liiga. It was there that I realised I wanted to play abroad, and that eventually led me to EräViikingit in Finland. Now, a few years later, I’m already playing in Sweden’s SSL,” she explains.

The tournament also presented a different kind of challenge: Ormak played despite having a broken ankle. The experience taught her a great deal about herself and demonstrated just how powerful an athlete’s determination and desire to compete can be.

Her journey is also an inspiring example of how experiences gained at youth national team level can shape a young player’s future decisions and open new opportunities on the path towards the highest levels of international floorball.

Ormak’s Advice to the Next Generation

For the young players preparing for the 2027 qualification tournament in Tartu, Saskia Ormak has a simple but important message: enjoy the experience, trust one another, and support each other.

“You have worked incredibly hard to get here, and now you have the opportunity to show your skills against young players from other countries! Enjoy those butterflies and the feeling you get when you stand together before a match and sing the Estonian national anthem. Playing for Estonia is something truly special! Take in every moment and every emotion.”

Ormak also reminds the U19 players that several members of the 2021 U19 national team have since progressed to Estonia’s senior women’s national team.

“That path is completely open to you as well. Enjoy yourselves, give it everything you’ve got, and always look out for one another!”

Let’s Turn the Stands Blue This January!

Estonian women’s national team goalkeeper Saskia Ormak believes floorball has the potential to become an increasingly popular sport in Estonia. To achieve this, the sport needs greater visibility and passionate supporters who come to cheer on the next generation.

“The U19 men’s World Championship qualification tournament in Jõgeva showed just how much interest there is in youth sports in Estonia and how much people want to support our young athletes.”

“Estonian fans helped our boys qualify for the World Championships – now it’s time to help the girls reach the World Championships too! I truly hope people will come to Tartu in January to cheer on our girls. Let’s turn the stands blue and show them that they are not alone on the court!”