The inaugural day of the U20 Snow Volleyball European Championships 2025 in Karpacz has concluded. Friday saw a total of 20 preliminary round matches played across the women`s and men`s competitions. With perfect weather conditions, spectators and players alike enjoyed the action unfolding in southern Poland.
Following its debut in Georgia last year, #EuroSnowVolleyU20 is being held for the second time in history and marks its first appearance in Poland. Snow Volleyball, although a relatively new sport, is quickly building a significant fanbase. The entry list includes nine women`s teams and nine men`s teams, with a strong Polish representation of seven teams across both genders.
The morning session delivered two particularly thrilling matches. The men`s encounter between home side Poland 2 and Italy was a fiercely contested battle. Italy initially seemed more comfortable, adapting quicker to the Karpacz conditions, and took the first set 21-19. Poland 2 fought back, and the following two sets were also decided by the narrowest margins, but ultimately, the Polish team consisting of Szymon Kobyliński, Alan Robak, Oliwier Pawlicki, and Jakub Zdrojewski secured the victory.
Another high-quality match featured the women`s teams Poland 1 and Poland 3. Poland 1, represented by SMS Spała players Wiktoria Leśniewicz, Zofia Preweda, Paulina Łabuz, and Zuzanna Rapczyńska, were considered favourites. However, their opponents presented a surprising challenge. Emilia Żurawska`s effective attacks, supported by solid defence from Wiktoria Surażyńska and Maria Pietrin, powered Poland 3 to take the first set 11-9. They nearly clinched a 2-0 win in the second set before Rapczyńska`s three crucial serves saved it. Nevertheless, Żurawska`s continued strong play in the tie-break led Poland 3 to their first tournament win.
The afternoon session kicked off after a two-hour break. The Turkish team delivered an impressive performance, playing near-perfectly against Poland 2. Damian Kostrzewa, the coach of Poland 2, commented on the challenging conditions: “The conditions are tough, but they are the same for everyone. Those who can move well, are mobile, have good coordination and technique, seem to perform better. On the other hand, taller players may struggle. We made crucial attacking errors in the first set and did not put up much of a fight in the second. It’s a shame, but we have another day ahead, and we will keep fighting.”
Meanwhile, the Poland 1 men`s team continued their winning streak, defeating Moldova 2-0 after previously overcoming Poland 4 without dropping a set. Reflecting on their performance, Tomasz Warych, Marcel Wanat, Michał Kucharski, and Wiktor Musiał shared their excitement: “We felt great, especially with such a crowd and in such weather. It was a lot of fun. It is an interesting variation, something new for us. What sets Snow Volleyball apart from Beach Volleyball is mainly that it is harder to move. You could see that we struggled at times, but match by match, we are becoming a better team in terms of communication,” they stated, emphasizing their goal of competing for medals in Karpacz.
Friday`s play concluded with further victories for two other Polish teams, Poland 3 and Poland 4, who secured wins against Ukraine and Moldova, respectively.
Tournament Schedule
The group stage matches will continue on Saturday starting at 10:00 am, with the knockout rounds scheduled to begin at 4:20 pm. The tournament will culminate on Sunday, March 9th, with the women`s final at 2:20 pm and the men`s final at 3:00 pm.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood