Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships are approaching and two more teams are to secure their spots in the final round in Zurich, Switzerland this April. The EUR2 Qualification event is played in Latisana, Italy from the 29th of January until the 2nd of February 2025 with six teams: Austria, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Ukraine.
Austria
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during U19 WFCQ 2025?
Our team is a motivated and talented group of players who are eager to showcase the progress we’ve made since the last qualification round. We’ve focused on improving our tactics, physical fitness, and team chemistry, and we believe this will reflect in our performance during the U19 WFCQ 2025. You can expect us to play with passion, discipline, and determination as we aim to secure our spot in the World Championships. We’re excited to compete at a high level and demonstrate that we’re ready to take the next step forward as a team.
Players to watch
Who is your most dangerous attacker and why?
We see floorball as a true team sport, where success comes from strong teamwork and well-coordinated line play. Every attacker benefits from the support of their teammates, making it difficult to single out just one player. However, if we had to highlight one, #6 Jakob Rainer stands out. He has already proven his scoring ability in the IFL, showing great composure and precision in front of goal. His skillset, combined with the support of the team, makes him a constant threat to any defense.
Who is your strongest defender and why?
We believe that defense is a collective effort, and our success comes from strong teamwork and communication on the field. However, if we were to highlight one player, #15 Paul Steinbichler stands out as our strongest defender. His positioning, physical presence, and ability to read the game make him a key asset in our defensive structure. He’s not only reliable in stopping attacks but also contributes to building plays from the back, showcasing his all-around defensive qualities.
Who is your toughest player and why?
Floorball is a team sport, and toughness comes in many forms—whether it’s physical strength, mental resilience, or the ability to perform under pressure. That said, #12 Nino Forelli stands out as our toughest player. He’s relentless on the court, never shying away from challenges, and consistently gives 100% in every situation. His determination, grit, and willingness to battle for every ball make him an inspiring presence and a key player for our team.
Who is your face-off champion?
*Austria replied to the same questions what was sent to the Women’s WFCQ teams, that is why those are different.
Great Britain
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during U19 WFCQ 2025?
We have a very good team sprit. You can expect hardwork and fair play.
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#10 Adrian Rutkowski – young player with a lot of technical skills who will continue improving through out the tournament no doubt.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#36 Martin Horry – experienced player who is respected by all of the team.
Most skillful player?
#32 Oscar Skatt – he has a lot of tricks up his sleeve.
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
#12 Noah Erkes-Gray – always with a smile on his face, both on and off the pitch.
Italy
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during U19 WFCQ 2025?
A great team mixed with rookies and experienced players. We have built a team that knows exactly how to work for each other on and off field. You shold expect a team that will rise to another level and are here to show what they can do. Everybody has one goal, and we’re here for that!
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#22 Livio De Icco – playing his first qualifications with the national team but is bringing a lot of experience from his team SV Wiler-Ersigen in Switzerland. Our rookie that will help the team to take the next level.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#41 Nicola Zimmermann – already has experience with the national team from the last qualifications and is a great leader. He’s bringing good energy and good attitude to his teammates.
Most skillful player?
#9 Tiziano Polisciano – a magical player that brings both speed and surprising moves on the field. He works hard and is important to the national team.
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
#97 Philipp Bonenti – the perfect mix of a player who is calm but goal-oriented. He motivates his teammates with calm, self-confidence and great skills. He enjoys being on the field and it shows.
Netherlands
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during U19 WFCQ 2025?
A mixture of experienced and new players eager to write history to become the first Dutch men’s team to ever qualify for a WFC final round. And should they not win, then for sure they will beat all others in the karaoke bars!
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#19 Steven Hoogenboom – He already started practising with the U19 team at the age of 13, but was too young to play during the previous WFCQ. Last season Steven went to play in Switzerland to gain experience and now he is ready to give it all for the national team.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#6 Matteo Mura – One of the most experienced players of the team. Matteo was already part of the team two years ago and is now our captain without a doubt!
Most skillful player?
#11 Gian Leuenberger – Always playing without nerves, showing his incredible skills both inside and outside the rink.
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
#2 Gijs Bomer – Has a smile engraved on his face, always respects his opponent, and would even point out his own fouls to the referees. So not a surprise, Gijs was recipient of a Dutch blue card (fair floorball award) in his debut season in the highest league.
Slovenia
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during U19 WFCQ 2025?
A very young team, who is aiming to claim one of the top two spots and qualify for the WFC.
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#3 Gašper Drnovšek – Our younger player who has a bright future. He has a good technique and good vision.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#29 Aleksander Bogataj – Our captain who always gives everything for the team and never gives up. He always sets an example for other players.
Most skillful player?
#79 Jaka Volk – A tall and quick player with a powerful and precise shot. This year he is playing in Sweden where he continues to improve on his game.
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
Ukraine
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during U19 WFCQ 2025?
Young new team, which is coming to fight and show unbreakable spirit of Ukraine.
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#8 Stepanyuk Luka – the player who was very technical from his early childhood (when he started floorball). Very talented player and each year this floorball talent is opening more for all of us.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#30 Miroshnychenko Yehor – very powerful player. In his home team was always as example of hard working player. At the beginning of war moved to Sweden, where he plays now and where his floorball and leader skills are transferring for the team and National Team.
Most skillful player?
#29 Sheviak Maksym – the player who is always spending his time with the stick. Showing his skillful play from the beginning of his career. In the matches always trying to show his powerful and well-placed shot.
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
#24 Lemeshko Adrian – the player who understands what the fair sport means. He understands all the values of fair floorball and confidently shows it on the arena during the games.
