Pääjoukkue

Pääjoukkue is a Finnish term that translates to "main team" or "first team" in English. It is most commonly used in the context of sports, particularly team sports like ice hockey, football (soccer), and basketball. The pääjoukkue refers to the primary roster of players who participate in the highest level of competition for a club or organization. This is the group of athletes considered to be the most skilled and integral to the team's success.

The selection of players for the pääjoukkue is typically based on performance, skill level, and strategic fit within the team's play style. Players on the pääjoukkue often receive the most playing time, are the highest-paid (if applicable), and are the most visible to fans and media. In contrast to a pääjoukkue, a club might also have reserve teams, junior teams, or development squads, which serve to nurture talent and provide opportunities for players to gain experience and potentially advance to the main team. The term emphasizes the central importance of this core group of athletes to the identity and competitive aims of a sports organization.