2016 World Futnet (Nohejbal) Championships in Brno

Brno recently hosted the World Futnet (Nohejbal) Championships over the weekend at Nov 18-20 at Vodova Hala.  For those of you who do not know, the Czech Republic and Slovakia utterly dominate this sport, which makes sense since they invented it.  At times Hungary and Romania might challenge, but usually not for first place.

Games were played in the old hall (built in the 1970's with a capacity of 900) and the new hall (built in 2001).  The old hall had the classic 1970's look complete with what I assume to be the original wooden seats.  Most people didn't games in the old hall because the 'lesser' were playing.  The new hall is a great facility and seats around 3,500.  For the qualifiers on Friday (which I attended) there were probably around 500 people.  The final day had a sell out of 3,500.

I made the short trip to Brno to watch minnows Canada play.  They were clearly out of their league against the top nations, but competed quite well with the other nations in Division B.  Nohejbal is a great sport to watch, especially at the top level.

Oct 30, 2016 - Okresní Přebor Prostějov - Výšovice 0 Haná Prostějov 1

October 30th, 2016 - Okresní Přebor Prostějov - 8th tier

Výšovice 0 Haná Prostějov 1

Attendance - 65

Výšovice is located close to Prostějov, but it is quite difficult to reach with public transportation on the weekends.  I took a bus to Žešov and from there I walked 3km along a path through the field to reach Výšovice.  It has a population of 486 people.  The facilities were not too bad for the 8th tier, and the pitch was in fantastic condition.

Výšovice were promoted from the 9th tier last season, and they had surprised a few people this season with their strong start.  The match was quite physical throughout, and a second half goal was the difference.

Oct 28, 2016 - OFS Prostějov Cup Final - Plumlov 5 Konice 1

Oct 28th, 2016 - OFS Prostějov Cup Final
Plumlov 5 Konice 1
Attendance - 85 (in Smržice)

The winner of the OFS Prostějov Cup Final advances to the Olomoucký Kraj Cup with the winner of Olomoucký Kraj advancing to the 2017/18 Czech Cup.  The Czech Cup main rounds are open to clubs in the 1st to 4th tiers.  If clubs in the 5th to 10th tiers want a chance to play in the main round, they must go through the regional qualifiers.

In my opinion, the OFS Prostějov Cup Final should be played in Prostějov at the SK Prostějov stadium.  However, for whatever reason, the OFS usually plays in the final in a village.  This year two 6th tier sides were playing in the final, with Konice probably going in as favourites.  It was a strange game, as Konice were in it for the first quarter, but after that Plumlov took over and scored on almost every chance that they had.

With the victory, Plumlov advances to the Olomoucký Kraj Cup stage.  They will be joined by the winners of the OFS Olomouc Cup, OFS Přerov Cup, OFS Jeseník Cup and OFS Šumperk Cup.