The CEV Beach Volley European Cup, in just its third year, has surged past all expectations, cementing its place as a cornerstone event for European club volleyball. With an unprecedented number of teams registering for the 2025 edition, the competition is not merely growing; it`s thriving, showcasing the enduring appeal of club-level excellence.
A Trajectory of Triumph: From Humble Beginnings to Continental Powerhouse
Launched in 2023, the CEV Beach Volley European Cup embarked on a journey to elevate the profile of club beach volleyball across the continent. Its inaugural edition, hosted in Balikesir, Türkiye, saw a respectable ten clubs per gender from nine National Federations vie for glory. A solid start, certainly, but few could have predicted the meteoric rise that followed.
By 2024, the Cup had already expanded its footprint. Montpellier, France, welcomed sixteen clubs per gender, representing fifteen National Federations. This steady increase signaled a clear demand for a competition format that championed team depth over individual superstar power. Fast forward to the impending 2025 season, and the numbers speak for themselves: a staggering 28 men’s and 22 women’s clubs have registered, bringing together teams from 24 National Federations.
This exponential growth isn`t just about raw figures; it`s a testament to the strategic vision of the CEV and the enthusiastic embrace from national federations and zonal associations alike. For the first time, three major Zonal Associations – BVA, MEVZA, and WEVZA – are actively contributing by delivering their own qualifying events, weaving a richer tapestry of competition across Europe.
The Club at the Core: A Refreshing Focus
In a sport frequently dominated by individual duos, the CEV Beach Volley European Cup offers a refreshing, some might say `quaintly old-fashioned,` perspective: the club matters. While individual prowess remains crucial, the competition’s unique format emphasizes the collective strength and strategic depth of an entire club. This approach ensures that success isn`t solely dependent on two exceptional players having a good day, but on a robust roster, tactical acumen, and cohesive team management. It`s a subtle but significant nod to the often-unsung heroes of sports development: the clubs themselves.
The record registration figures, confirmed after a busy summer of homologated domestic club competitions in 26 countries, underscore the pivotal role this format plays. It`s an arena where established powerhouses and ambitious newcomers alike can prove their mettle, fostering a vibrant and competitive ecosystem for European beach volleyball.
A Diverse Field and the Quest for Glory
The roster of participating clubs for 2025 is as diverse as it is extensive. Many clubs will be making their historic debut, bringing fresh energy and unknown quantities to the sand. Meanwhile, several countries, thanks to their strong positions in the European Ranking or success in zonal qualifiers, have earned the privilege of entering two clubs, intensifying national rivalries on the continental stage.
While the majority of National Federations have fielded both men’s and women’s teams, some have specialized their efforts. Armenia, Czechia, England, the Netherlands, and Switzerland will exclusively feature in the men’s competition, demonstrating their particular strengths in that category. Conversely, Lithuania has chosen to focus solely on the women’s event, highlighting distinct national strategic priorities.
Key Participating Clubs: A Glimpse into the Lineup
The preliminary phase will see a formidable list of clubs competing:
Men`s Competition:
- Armenia: Yerevan
- Austria: Beachunion OÖ Linz, Aloha Beachvolleyball Club Klagenfurt
- Azerbaijan: Azerrail Baku
- Belgium: Brussels – Beach Volley Europe
- Croatia: Žnjan – Split
- Czechia: BC Strahov Praha, BK Ladvi Praha
- England: Fireball North Devon
- France: Poniente Benidorm, Volei Praia Vigo
- Georgia: Kvareli
- Greece: 4 Sports Club Athens
- Hungary: SRSE Csepel
- Italy: Beach Volley Training
- Netherlands: ZVH Zevenhuizen
- Northern Ireland: Ballymoney Blaze
- Norway: Kristiansand Sandvolleyballklubb
- Portugal: HeliSands Academy
- Romania: C.S.U. Resita
- Serbia: Novi Sad Beach Volley
- Slovenia: BVC Ludus Ljubljana
- Spain: Ré Beach Club, Montpellier Beach Volley
- Switzerland: Nidau Volley
- Turkey: TVF Spor Lisesi Voleybol Ihtisas Kulübü, Köycegiz Göl Spor Kulübü
- Ukraine: Sunrise Beach Sports Academy
Women`s Competition:
- Austria: Volleyteam NÖ St. Pölten
- Azerbaijan: Azerrail Baku
- Belgium: Brussels – Beach Volley Europe
- Croatia: Siget – Zagreb
- France: Ré Beach Club, Bordeaux Beach Chillers
- Georgia: Jiko
- Greece: 4 Sports Club Athens
- Hungary: Edra Tata
- Italy: Beach Volley Training
- Lithuania: KBC
- Northern Ireland: Ballymoney Blaze
- Norway: Oslo Sandvolleyballklubb
- Portugal: HeliSands Academy
- Romania: C.S.U. ASE Bucuresti, C.S.M. Bucuresti
- Serbia: Beograd Beach Volley
- Slovenia: BVC Ludus Ljubljana
- Spain: CV Majadahonda, Beachbol Valencia
- Turkey: TVF Spor Lisesi Voleybol Ihtisas Kulübü
- Ukraine: Sunrise Beach Sports Academy
Defending Champions and the Road to Heraklion
All eyes will undoubtedly be on Azerrail Baku of Azerbaijan, who return to the European stage with a formidable challenge: to defend the historic double crown they claimed in Montpellier last year. Their pursuit of consecutive titles adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already thrilling competition.
Meanwhile, the Greek club 4 Sports Club Athens has already secured its spot in the final stage, set to take place in early November in Heraklion, Greece, as the host country representative. They will be joined by seven other clubs per gender, who will emerge victorious from the highly anticipated preliminary phase.
The preliminary rounds are scheduled for late September and early October, promising intense battles across various venues yet to be announced. The anticipation is palpable as fans and clubs await the official revelation of pool compositions and host cities, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season of European beach volleyball.
The CEV Beach Volley European Cup continues to demonstrate that the future of beach volleyball isn`t just about sun, sand, and individual brilliance; it`s about the collective spirit, strategic depth, and unwavering commitment of clubs across Europe. Prepare for a spectacle!
Torin Vale