Record-breaking figures as Danish Cup Festival returns after three years
News
After two consecutive years of cancellations due to restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, the Cup Festival organised by Volleyball Denmark was finally back – and it returned in emphatic style! The DGI-Huset in Vejle was transformed into a true Volleyball Mecca with 650 happy kids and teens, young people, and volunteers, who gave it all both on and off the court.
The Cup Festival is the biggest competition for Kids and Teen teams, which brings together players and coaches from clubs across Denmark. This year, 40 clubs were represented through 187 teams – a record figure that excites Development Manager Christina Attrup Juhl.
There was joy of reunion, tingles in the body and bouncing in the legs - both among children and adults. After two years of cancellations, Volleyball Denmark, in collaboration with DGI-Huset, Vejle Municipality and the two partner clubs Vejle Youth Volley and ØSVN, was finally able to deliver the event again.
In a whole weekend filled with activities, no less than 650 Volleyball-crazy children, young people and volunteers gathered in DGI-Huset, where tournaments from Kidsvolley Level 0 to Teen2 were held across as many as 48 courts under the same roof - and matches were played for the much-desired gold medals.
Christina Attrup Juhl“We cannot get our arms down after this Cup Festival. On all courts there were a lot of children and happy faces. We have had a fantastic atmosphere throughout the weekend, which in addition to a lot of matches also offered communal dances, a photo corner, UV light and music with DJ in the evening - all of which help to form a good framework for togetherness and new friendships across teams and clubs, and creates the important experiences, which will keep children and young people in the sport.”
Volleyball Denmark Development Manager
With a focus on creating fun and different experiences, the Cup Festival this year introduced a new tournament system for the oldest players in Teen2 – namely King & Queen of the Court. Some 69 teams participated in a highly dynamic competition, where the game is constantly fast-paced.
“We are simply so happy with the running of the King & Queen of the Court tournament for Teen2. There are small things that need to be adjusted next year, but we love the overall concept. It was a huge pleasure to see young people with sweat on their foreheads and such a high pulse throughout the event,” Attrup Juhl said.
Pictures courtesy of Fresh Lens Productions