I introduced myself to Mattias Ewald from the Karlstad Dragons (Sweden) during the week on the track and couldnt help but notice the sweat on his brow, top lip, arms etc..etc.. and yet he still positively commented on his preference for training in Noosa to an indoor session in Karlstad with it being a balmy -3C outside.
Mattias is the first player on a footy exchange program between a Swedish and Australian club and will spend eight months with us learning more about the game and the Noosa Tigers.
Certainly Mattias needs some work on his skills, which is to be expected, but what a fantastic experience for this young man to come to our great Country and the Sunny Coast in the name of footy. Good Onya Mattias.
The exchange program was initiated by a former Dragons coach in Kevin Anderson last year while visiting relatives in Noosa. The Tigers were positive to the suggestion of bringing over a Swedish player and the Dragons are looking forward to a prosperous and long-term relationship between the two clubs.
In fact Mattias became a local celebrity before he left and is quoted as saying "The press is after me... They wont leave me alone. I wish I could be a normal person and not this celebrity that I have become."
CLICK HERE for the Karlstad Dragons Website
I am sure the media will be less intrusive on the Sunshine Coast
For those wondering, Karlstad is a city in Värmland, Sweden. The city has 58544 inhabitants and the boys train indoors
Make sure you chuck on the sunscreen and Aerogard Mattias and we look forward to you enjoying a wonderful stay here!
Last Modified on 06/11/2009 10:27