Beach Volleyball
Corigliano Rossano, Italy – The final Age Group European Championship of the year is set to ignite this Wednesday in Corigliano Rossano. Young and aspiring beach volleyball teams from across the continent will gather for the U18 CEV EuroBeachVolley, competing from Wednesday to Sunday. This prestigious five-day event will showcase talent from 31 countries, all vying for the coveted gold medal.
After securing a silver medal last year, Germany`s Jonathan Bungert (left) aims for gold in Italy.
Having previously hosted Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures events over the past two seasons, the vibrant city of Corigliano Rossano now extends its welcome to Europe`s most promising young athletes. The competition will unfold at the Schiavonea venue, starting with qualifying rounds on Wednesday. The main draw pool play will then take place from Thursday to Friday, leading into the intense elimination rounds on Saturday. The tournament will culminate with the semifinals and medal matches on Sunday, determining the champions.
U18 CEV European Championship – Women
The women`s tournament will feature duos representing 29 nations. Participating countries include Italy (with three teams), Poland (two teams), Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, and Ukraine.
Among the six players who reached the podium last year in Kachreti, Germany`s Anna-Chiara Reformat is the only one returning for the 2025 championship. The 16-year-old, who previously won bronze alongside Mila Jancar, will now partner with Rika Dieckmann, daughter of German Olympian Markus Dieckmann. Greek teenagers Eleni Alexoglou, 15, and Myrto Paschalaki, 17, will also seize another opportunity to claim the U18 European title, having placed fifth in their home country last year.
U18 CEV European Championship – Men
The men`s competition will see representatives from 31 nations, with Cyprus and Sweden also sending duos to Corigliano Rossano. Host nation Italy is uniquely positioned with three teams competing in the event.
Germany`s Jonathan Bungert, 17, who secured a second-place finish last year with Kalle Pieper, is determined to advance one step higher this time, playing alongside 16-year-old Filo Wüst. Italy, the defending champions, will aim to repeat their success in front of their home crowd with their formidable teams: Marco Di Felice/Riccardo Santomassimo, Francesco Denina/Lorenzo Profumo, and Jack Bernardini/Nicolò Mapelli.
Finley Blackwood