Brno, Czech Republic. The first of three CEV under-age Beach Volleyball European Championships will start on Thursday in Brno, Czech Republic, involving players under 20 years of age. All 64 participating teams – 32 per gender – have reached Brno already, where – as per the protocols in place – they all had to undertake COVID-19 tests immediately upon arrival.
The young players representing the future of European Beach Volleyball had their first training sessions as well, right at the venue offering a beautiful view on the Brno dam. Preparations are in full swing, and the local organisers will do their best to guarantee perfect conditions as well as a safe environment for all teams and participants.
When such a European Championship took place for the last time in Brno, back in 2018, there was an amazing atmosphere around the matches played on the centre court, so everybody is looking forward to experience that again. The weather forecasts are good, with the temperature expected to rise up to 25°C, so the organisers hope for ideal conditions for the players as well as for the spectators. As per the rules currently in place in the Czech Republic, fans are able to attend the tournament on site, but they will have to follow strict security rules as well as health and safety protocols, avoiding any direct contact with players and members of the official delegations.
Sweden’s sensation David Ahman and Jonatan Hellvig are the favourites of the men’s competition, with the Youth Olympic champions from 2018 travelling to Brno on the back of the historic World Tour gold medal they won in late August in Montpellier, France. Two years ago, the Swedes claimed the U18 title at the very same venue, so they are for sure be happy to return to Brno again.
There will be no qualification round, so the competition begins on Thursday with the pool stage, featuring eight groups of four teams in each gender. This stage of the tournament will end on Friday, followed by the knockout stage at the weekend. The semi-finals and finals are scheduled for Sunday, with live broadcasting and streaming of these matches available as well.
“We hope that everyone will enjoy Brno and despite the strict hygiene measures, they will enjoy the tournament. Good luck to everyone!” reads a statement of the local Organising Committee.
Click here for further information.
Sources:
CEV – European Volleyball
CVF – Czech Volleyball Federation
