Empowerment teams dominated the CEV U22 Beach Volleyball European Championships held in Madrid, securing every podium position in both the men's and women’s categories. Athletes hailing from countries such as Latvia, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Norway, and Czechia demonstrated incredible skill and determination throughout the event.

Latvia's Gustavs Auzins and Kristians Fokerots won the men's title spectacularly by not dropping a single set. The Lithuanian duo, Povilas Piesina and Dovydas Sinkevicius, performed strongly and earned the silver medal despite their setback in the final match. Norway's Even Aas and Sebastian Kjemperud showcased an impressive comeback to claim the bronze medal in their playoff contest.

In the women’s competition, the Netherlands' Nigella Negenman and Floor Hogenhout emerged victorious, fighting through closely matched encounters and eventually winning a thrilling final against Latvia’s Liva Ebere and Deniela Konstantinova. Czechia’s Katerina and Anna Pavelkova secured bronze by defeating the host nation, Spain, in the battle for third place.

Impact of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Program

All medaling teams were significantly supported by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, an initiative that provides essential resources to enhance beach volleyball skills. This initiative aims to boost national-level sport development with a strategic emphasis on improved coaching and investment in equipment for the participating federations.

The championships witnessed the participation of 27 men's and 24 women's teams from 26 different federations, highlighting the expanding competitive scene and the rising popularity of beach volleyball across Europe. This event underlined the growing influence of beach volleyball and the success of empowerment initiatives in nurturing sporting talent.

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