At the FIH Nations Cup 2 in Wałcz, while top athletes competed on the field, a dedicated group of young Polish volunteers stood proudly on the sidelines — the Ball Patrol team.

Twenty young athletes, some just 10 years old, made an 16-hour round trip in a single day to be part of the tournament. For them, it was a chance to be close to the sport they love, to learn, and to dream of one day playing on that very field.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram remarked: “Our sport lives through the dreams of the youth. The commitment and spirit shown by the Ball Patrol team in Wałcz was incredible. They are not only part of the event — they are the future of hockey. We thank them, and we believe in them”

Their energy and belief lit up the sidelines — a powerful reminder that the next generation is already stepping forward.