EYUC 2024 Preview: Ghent to Host European Youth Ultimate Championships
The European Ultimate Federation proudly presents the upcoming European Youth Ultimate Championships (EYUC) 2024. Scheduled from August 6th to 10th, the event will take place at the Sportcomplex Blaarmeersen, with the city of Ghent providing support. This tournament will showcase the U17 national teams from across Europe.
Event Details:
Date: August 6th - 10th, 2024
Venue: Sportcomplex Blaarmeersen, Ghent, Belgium
Access: Free public entry on the ground
Participating Teams and Division Previews
Countries are sending teams with a diverse range of ages, skill levels, and experience. Across all divisions, there are players with multiple years of national team experience, alongside newcomers making their debut at the international level. The format for U17 also varies depending on the country, with some teams accustomed to playing 5v5 while others are familiar with the 7v7 format used at the EYUC. This variation in format can influence team dynamics and strategies, making the competition even more intriguing as teams adapt.
Mixed Division
The Mixed Division promises to bring intense competition with teams from Belgium, Israel, Italy, Poland, and Romania. Belgium prepared by attending the Belgian national championships for adults and the G-Spot tournament. Romania is making its debut in the EYUC Mixed Division and the youth stage as a whole. With young players from across the country, they have prepared through the Romanian indoor winter league and various summer tournaments. Italy stands out as a strong contender based on their consistent performance in past tournaments, making them a team to watch.
Open Division
The biggest division in numbers is in the Open Division. The participating teams are all known names in the youth department and promise a close competition. You will witness Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Italy (defending champions), Sweden, and Switzerland. Austria brings a relatively young team (and also the youngest player in the open division) that aims to gain valuable experience. Only Switzerland will bring a younger squad with an average age of 15,4 years. Their balanced roster includes about five players with previous EYUC experience. Belgium, Germany and Switzerland have prepared together in a joint camp for this five-day competition. Both France and Sweden’s teams are a mix of different experience levels. France has trained together for four weekends, and are excited to play together, especially after cheering for their U20 team at the WYUC. Sweden on the other hand has been training their 7vs7 play at Rising High and the U17 Summit. They are more custom to 7-7 than many before them.
Women’s Division
In the Women’s Division, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy (defending champions), Sweden, and Switzerland compete. Austria and Switzerland will bring the youngest rosters in the Women's Division, whilst Belgium has significantly evolved from the young team of 2022. With more experience and a stronger roster, they aim to make a significant impact in this year’s tournament. Germany has prepared diligently with five training weekends, scrimmages against the Swiss U17 team, and video analysis. They are ready to compete with high intensity and aim to perform well. France is also well-prepared and is sending an experienced team with a similar goal to excel. Sweden's team is the second generation of the 2022 national team, with only ⅓ of the players in their last year as U17, while in the background, the next group of U14 players is ready to step in.
The European Youth Ultimate Championships provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, gain valuable experience, and take the national competition stage for the first time. The 2024 event in Ghent promises thrilling matches and a glimpse into the future stars of Ultimate.
You can also purchase your own EYUC merchandise either in the headquarters of the tournament or online: https://force-ultimate.com/euf
Event schedule:
Tuesday: 6.8.
9:00 Opening Ceremony: Blaarmeersen
10:00 Start games
18:40 End of first day
Wednesday: 7.8.
10:00 - 18:40 Games
Thursday: 8.8.
10:00 - 18:40 Games
Friday: 9.8.
10:00 - 18:40 Games
Saturday: 10.8.
9:00 - 13:40 Games
12:20 Final Mixed
14:00 Final Women
15:40 Final Open
17:00 Closing Ceremony
Participants and spectators (on-site and online) play a significant role in the continued development of these athletes. Let’s all stick together to make this event an enjoyable experience for all and support all athletes alike. Join us in Ghent and online for a celebration of Youth Ultimate. Support the teams as they compete for the championship titles.
