Cardinia Leisure is proud to support local talent, with young champion Jacob McKinsley, a player of the Pakenham Floorball Club, set to represent Australia in the 2025 Under 19’s Men’s World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland (29April-4May). Jacob’s journey highlights both his dedication and the important role of the Pakenham Floorball Club in shaping his career.
Floorball is a dynamic indoor sport, similar to hockey, where teams compete to score goals using lightweight sticks and a plastic ball. It’s a fast and fun way to stay active, and with stars like Jacob McKinsley leading the way, the sport is growing fast at Pakenham Floorball and beyond!
Jacob’s passion for floorball began at the age of 6, thanks to his father, David McKinsley, a former hockey player and one of the pioneers of Australian floorball. David’s involvement in the sport naturally led Jacob to follow in his footsteps. After joining the Pakenham Floorball Club at a young age, Jacob quickly rose through the ranks competing in multiple tournaments and consistently challenging himself by playing in higher age groups.
The support from his coaches and teammates, including his father and experienced former players from the Australian team, has been crucial in his development. “Being part of the Pakenham Floorball Club has allowed me to challenge myself more and learn from some of the best players and coaches. I’m grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me,” Jacob shared.
Jacob’s selection to represent Australia at the 2025 World Championships follows a rigorous selection process, where he faced some of the country’s top talents. The final selection camp in Western Australia involved intense fitness testing and practice scrimmages, where Jacob impressed selectors with his skills and composure. When the news of his selection came through, Jacob was thrilled. “It’s always been a dream of mine to represent Australia, and now that dream is coming true,” he said.
Looking ahead to the World Championships, Jacob is eager to compete against top-tier players. “I’m really looking forward to seeing the level of competition in Europe and learning from these players. It’s a huge opportunity to improve my game,” he explained. His personal goal for the tournament is simple: “Play your best.”
Jacob also has words of advice for younger players in the community who aspire to follow in his footsteps. “Floorball is a fun sport and a great way to get fit. Watch the games, learn from them, and keep practicing. If you love it, keep going,” he encourages.
Cardinia Leisure is excited to support Jacob and the Pakenham Floorball Club, where local players can train and develop their skills.
To support Jacob and the Australian U19 team on their journey to Zurich, the community can follow the team’s journey on the Australian Men’s U19 Floorball Team Facebook page
We wish Jacob and the Australian team the best of luck at the World Championships and look forward to watching his continued success in the sport.
