We are delighted to invite national and international clubs and federations to the Fireball Junior International Cup 2026, an Elite U20 tournament created to offer an exceptional competitive experience for rising beach volleyball athletes from across Europe and beyond.

Across an immersive weekend of competition, teams will enjoy full accommodation, meals, airport transfers, transport to and from the beach and a high-quality event environment with dedicated referees, commentary and a vibrant centre-court atmosphere.

This year’s event takes place on the beautiful sands of Porthcawl Beach, where twelve courts will be installed alongside a full centre-court set-up featuring music, an athlete zone and on-site officials.

All athletes and staff will stay at FSC Margam, a 140-bed residential venue situated 15–20 minutes from the beach, offering an ideal, secure base throughout the tournament.

Teams will arrive on the 7th of August, compete across the 8th and 9th of August and depart after matches conclude on the 9th.

For squads wishing to prepare, a pre-tournament training camp will run from the 3^rd to the 7^th of August, offering both coached and self-coached options to tailor development to each federation or club’s needs.

The event welcomes both national federation squads and club teams, with previous participation including national teams from Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

Keep reading or click below for more details about this event:

Please do NOT enter this event unless you are a representative of a region/nation/club that has been invited.

Tournament Format

As in previous years, the event follows the CEV Continental Cup structure. Each squad consists of four players of a single gender, forming an A and B pair. During a tie, each pair plays a best-of-three match against its corresponding pair from the opposing region. If the result is split after both matches, a golden set to 15 points decides the winner, with any combination of A and B athletes permitted.

Coaching input is welcomed and allowed between points, during time-outs and between sets, ensuring an environment where tactical development and athlete support remain central.

For 2026, a maximum of eight squad spaces per gender are available. Teams are guaranteed three matches on Saturday and at least two on Sunday.

The official game ball is the Mikasa BV550C Pro ball. Fireball will supply enough balls for matchplay.

Performance Camp

New for 2026, squads may choose from several preparation pathways before the main competition.

The week prior provides access to accommodation and courts, and teams also have the option to compete in a high-level 4* UKBT tournament on the 1st and 2nd of August, also held at Porthcawl Beach, offering valuable pre-competition match experience.

For training, teams may follow a self-coached route, making use of courts, balls, equipment, accommodation and transport provided from the 4th to the 7th of August. Alternatively, Fireball offers a full international-level coaching package led by experienced performance staff.

Interested teams may request a tailored quote by contacting the Fireball team directly.

Accommodation

Throughout both the performance camp and the main tournament, athletes and staff will stay at the Margam Discovery Centre, which we have hired exclusively for the duration of the event. You can take a 360 degree tour of the centre here.

The centre features secure 4- and 6-bed dormitories, two common rooms with digital TV, board games and hot drink facilities, and a variety of recreational areas. Bed linen is provided, though guests should bring their own towels. Player dorms will be single-sex, and we will house squads together whenever possible.

Catering includes cooked evening meals, continental breakfasts and daily packed lunches, with all dietary requirements accommodated through prior notice.

All adults staying on site must provide an Enhanced DBS check (or home-nation equivalent). Ample parking is available for all visitors. Coaches will stay in single-sex dorms of up to 4 people.

Costs & Packages

Registration

To express interest in entering please fill out the form by clicking the button below. We will be asking for a deposit from teams intending to enter this year.

Eligibility is restricted to players born on or after the 1st of January 2007.

The event welcomes both national federation squads and club teams, with previous participation including national teams from Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

Key dates include an entry deadline of the 28th February, deposit deadline of the 31st of March, team selections by the 5th of July and completion of all athlete forms by the 20th of July.

Contact

For further details or enquiries, please contact Sam Dunbavin at hello@fireballbeachvolleyball.com or via call/WhatsApp at +44 7583 738712.

Cancellation policy

Our cancellation policy can be found here. Our events will go on in most weathers – so please be prepared to come along! Pulling out due to rain or cold on the day will not be treated as an acceptable excuse, and you will not receive money back.

If the event is cancelled for any reason, you will receive a full refund.

If your circumstances change and you cannot attend, please let us know with 48 hours notice to receive a full refund. Between 48 hours and the event start time, you will receive a half refund; after the event start time you will not receive a refund.

Spond: The Fireball Events Hub

All pre-event communication, schedule and seedings will go out through our Fireball Events Spond app. You can also use Spond to help find someone to play with and ask any questions.

This is a free app-we are asking all players to join our Spond here.