Pelle Fosshaug, a prominent figure in Swedish bandy, embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career, taking on the role of head coach for Villa Lidköping, the reigning Swedish champions. Despite a career filled with accolades, including five World Championship gold medals and six Swedish Championship titles, Fosshaug embraces this new challenge, driven by a profound love for the sport and a desire to contribute to its evolution. He acknowledges the financial realities of coaching bandy, often a part-time endeavor, but emphasizes the intrinsic rewards of working closely with the game and nurturing player development. The formation of a strong coaching team further fuels his enthusiasm, creating a collaborative environment for success.
Fosshaug’s transition from player to coach presents its own set of challenges. He candidly admits the difficulty of relinquishing direct control on the ice, yet finds solace in the exceptional abilities of his players, who often execute plays even better than he envisions. The decision to accept the coaching position at Villa Lidköping wasn’t taken lightly, requiring a considerable commute from his home in Västerås. However, the allure of coaching a thriving and respected club like Villa Lidköping proved irresistible, simplifying the choice.
With Villa Lidköping dominating the league, boasting an impressive record of 15 wins in 16 games, Fosshaug settles comfortably into his coaching role. He describes his leadership style as ”almost extremely inclusive,” emphasizing collaborative decision-making within the coaching staff and actively soliciting input from the players. Recognizing the exceptional talent within the team, he adopts a hands-off approach, trusting in their skills and abilities to drive success. While the pressure to secure another Swedish Championship looms large, Fosshaug maintains a balanced perspective, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of a single-game final while remaining fully committed to pursuing the ultimate prize.
Beyond his coaching responsibilities, Fosshaug remains engaged in various pursuits. He explores business ventures related to sustainable energy, including batteries and solar panels, while also considering a return to public speaking. His previous experience as a motivational speaker, drawing upon his personal journey with ADHD, provides a compelling platform for sharing his insights and experiences. However, the demands of coaching, including pre-game preparation and travel, limit his available time for these endeavors. He acknowledges the need for additional income sources to ensure financial stability but remains focused on his primary role as head coach.
Fosshaug’s openness about his ADHD diagnosis adds another layer to his story. Diagnosed in adulthood, he has publicly addressed his experiences, including the emotional outbursts that sometimes marked his playing career. He reflects on the challenges of managing ADHD, particularly the difficulty in initiating new tasks and projects. While acknowledging that he hasn’t actively pursued extensive self-improvement, he believes the passage of time and increased maturity have contributed to greater emotional regulation. He credits age, rather than conscious effort, for the noticeable changes in his behavior and demeanor.
The enduring passion for bandy remains a defining characteristic of Pelle Fosshaug. Despite the physical demands of the modern game, which he describes as ”almost a different sport,” he maintains a youthful enthusiasm, often feeling decades younger than his actual age. While he occasionally ponders how his career might have unfolded had he been born in a later era, he ultimately embraces the present, finding fulfillment in his coaching role and the continued connection to the sport he loves. He acknowledges the universal desire for a second chance, a chance to rectify past mistakes and make different choices, but ultimately finds contentment in the journey he has traveled, both on and off the ice. His dedication to bandy, whether as a player, coach, or advocate, suggests a lifelong commitment to the sport that has shaped his identity. The dream of a peaceful retirement in Jämtland, filled with skiing and tranquility, awaits in the future, but for now, the ice beckons, and Pelle Fosshaug answers the call.
