In just a few months, Paraguay has built its first inline hockey team from players who had never touched a stick. Guided by American YouTuber Chad Uddstrom, the squad raced from a churchyard futsal court to the World Skate Games in Asunción, where it will face international opponents with decades of experience starting Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Behind the team’s rapid development is Uddstrom, who helped establish the programme and helps players get started. For many of these players, the tournament in Paraguay’s capital represents their first opportunity to compete internationally in a sport they only began learning a few months ago.
Learning the game
“Inline hockey is the alternative to ice hockey,” Uddstrom explains to The Asunción Times. “The sport is very similar to ice hockey in many ways, but main differences are the number of players, the checking, and the lack of an offside rule.”
Uddstrom began helping the team after learning that Paraguay would host the World Skate Games from 2 to 18 October 2026, an international sporting event bringing together athletes from around the world to compete in roller sports and other skating disciplines.
Starting at a futsal court
The team’s first training sessions took place on a futsal court behind a church near a shopping district. However, the outdoor setting presented challenges. Weather conditions made training difficult, and pucks sometimes flew beyond the playing area.
The team eventually moved its training to the National Sports Secretariat in Asunción, where players now practise in a space also used for figure skating. Despite the move, the team still does not have a dedicated hockey rink. “That is one of the main struggles for hockey,” Uddstrom says about the facilities. “But we are doing the best we can with what we have.”
Building a team from scratch
The players have had little time to prepare for the international tournament where they will meet some teams with 30 years of experience in the sport. Some opponents compete at a high level in the United States. Paraguay will therefore face a significant challenge.
“When the programme began, most had never played hockey, while only a few brought previous experience. We only started a few months ago,” Uddstrom continues. “That means playing at the World Skate Games in such little time. But here we are.”
Despite the short preparation period, the American has been encouraged by the team’s progress. Some players have developed a strong attachment to skating. “We built a little community out of a quick period of time. It is crazy to see how far they have progressed in such a little time.”
The cost of getting on the rink
Learning the game is only part of the challenge. Hockey equipment is expensive, and players need specialised protective gear to compete. “Hockey is arguably the most expensive sport in the world,” Uddstrom says. “Just to equip each player costs each skater easily US$2,000.”
Equipment includes helmets, elbow pads, pelvic protection, skates and sticks. Skate wheels also wear down and need regular replacement, while players require tools to maintain their equipment.
Two hours to get to practice
For players from different backgrounds, these expenses can be difficult to manage. Attending training can also require significant personal effort. One player from the city of Villa Hayes travels around two hours to get to practice in Asunción, illustrating the practical challenges some players face to remain involved in the sport.
“To help cover equipment and other programme costs, we have organised local fundraising activities, including raffles and the sale of T-shirts, jerseys and hats. We also launched a GoFundMe campaign, which aims to raise US$15,000 to help the players continue training and competing.”
Paraguay’s inline hockey team schedule
Paraguay’s newly formed inline hockey team will face Mexico on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at 17:00 at COP (Comite Olimpico Paraguayo) Velodromo. India on Monday, 12 October, at 17:00 at COP Urbano and Ecuador on Tuesday, 13 October, at 21:30, also at COP Urbano.
Those who want to watch Paraguay compete can purchase tickets through TUTI. According to the World Skate Games guide, a day pass costs ₲10,000 (approximately US$ 1.76). Spectators should check the ticket listing for the relevant match and venue before attending.
For Paraguay, advancing beyond the group stage would be a significant achievement, Uddstrom explains. “Reaching the Round of 16 would represent a successful outcome.” He also hopes the team can score a few goals during the tournament.
Beyond the tournament
For Uddstrom, the goal extends beyond the results at ASU26. “I hope the team’s participation will encourage more young people in Paraguay to try inline hockey and help establish a programme that continues after the Games.”
Developing the sport will require sustained funding, affordable equipment and suitable training facilities. “I hope to establish a foundation and attract support from individuals and organisations interested in helping new sports grow.”
For a group that began with limited equipment and little collective experience, competing at the World Skate Games is a significant step. The tournament offers a chance not only to represent Paraguay, but also to build a foundation for the future of inline hockey in the country.
Follow the team’s progress at Hockey Paraguay on Instagram and Chad Uddstrom on Instagram.
