Kristianstad is an exception in an elite trainer world that is very male-dominated. Linköping's ice hockey ladies are another. Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, who has been the head coach in Kristianstad since 2009, believes that a mix of men and women is worth seeking.
- We have tried to identify good leaders along the way. In our leadership team I am the head coach, one of the assistant coaches is a girl, the five coach is a girl and the team leader is a girl. It is actively recruited in that way. We would love to have men too. I think it's good to mix the sexes, ”she says.
In Linköping the head coach is called Madeleine Östling and she is recruited by sports manager Kim Martin Hasson.
- I think the problem is usually that female players have worked non-profit and tried to get together everyday with work and school. Many people are tired of that everyday life and therefore one does not become a coach or general manager. You can't handle it, ”says Martin Hasson.
She nevertheless sees that development is moving in a more equal direction.
- I think it will be easier for sports managers and coaches in women's hockey. More clubs provide a full-time salary where you can really focus on ice hockey. It makes a huge difference when the problem in the past has been that you get to puzzle in your everyday life. It has been tough for many and that is why they have chosen not to continue their career, says Martin Hasson.