One thing has always been clear: the team wins. Not the individual. Especially not in country field hockey. The announcement of the U21 squad was all the more eagerly awaited. Of the almost 30 boys originally in the extended squad at the kick-off, 24 players and goalkeepers were shortlisted by the end of September.

This was followed by further training courses, base training sessions and test matches with RWW and HC Olten in October. At the end of October, the big final in the preparation: the test matches against Austria. In the FIH Juniors Ranking in 19th place, Switzerland in 26th place.

But despite the difference of 7 places, the Helvetic Boys put up a good fight: a 0:2 in the first game, then a hard-fought second game the next day (unfortunately the fighting spirit of the Helvetians was not rewarded, the game went 1:3 to the boys from Austria) and on the final day our boys played out a 1:1 draw.

“Overall, I am satisfied with what the boys showed over the three days,” said Jair Levie, head coach of the Helvetic Boys. “Especially compared to last year, our starting level is definitely higher. We will continue to improve from here and present ourselves in top form for the World Championships in India.”

Together with his coaching team and based on the observations of the last 6 weeks, Jair was spoilt for choice. In the end, he was allowed to take a total of 20 players (including 2 substitutes) with him. “The boys have really given their all in the last few weeks: Ambition, confidence, discipline. I’m proud of everyone in the team. And: It’s always good to have a good and broad selection,” adds Jair.

On Monday morning, the boys’ phones were ringing off the hook. “Is it a good sign when I get the call so early? Or am I one of the ones not in the line-up?” – These and similar thoughts plagued the boys as their smartphones rang. And yet: even those who didn’t make the squad this time – their journey doesn’t end here. Their development into the men’s team will continue.

But now we come to the U21 squad for India. Respect and applause for our boys, who will be making Swiss field hockey history in India from November 28 to December 10. Here are our Helvetic Boys:

First Name	Name	Position	Number
Alessio	Brunold	Defense	29
Cedrix	Eichenberger	Defense	46
Clement	Thijs	Defense	2
Freddy	von Stranz	Striker	13
Jens	Flück	Midfield	12
Jonathan	Baumbach	Midfield	17
Jonathan	Kleschin	Striker	40
Leonard	Kraxner	Striker	8
Lionel	Krneta	Goal Keeper	21
Louis	Thijs	Midfield	6
Matteo	Spada	Striker	47
Mattia	Ribaudo	Midfield	5
Maurizio	Ribaudo	Defense	39
Max	Fischbach	Midfield	41
Pascal	Gremlich	Defense	24
Timo	Graf	Goal Keeper	32
Victor	Herzog	Defense	34
Yannick	Hug	Stricker	20
Ben	Gasser	Striker (Reserve)	19
Fritz	Eickhoff	Defense (Reserve)	26