27.06.2013, 10:01
Handball summer throws off with Men's 19 European Open

22 national teams, comprising more than 300 young players, vie for the title in Gothenburg

Handball summer throws off with Men's 19 European Open

83 handball matches, 22 national teams from all across Europe, more than 300 young players born in 1994 or later - these are the main facts before the Men's 19 European Open throw off in the Swedish city of Gothenburg from 1 to 5 July.

It is the ninth occasion the European Open are taking place since the inaugural tournament in 2005 and at the same time the fifth edition for the men's event as male teams take to the court in odd years, while it is the women's teams' time in even years.

Organisers are the European Handball Federation together with the Swedish Handball Federation and Swedish handball club, IK Sävehof.

As in every year since 2005, the European Open take place at the same time as the Partille Cup, Europe's largest youth handball festival.

The venues selected for the European Open are well known handball arenas: While the preliminary round as well as the main, intermediate and challenge rounds will take place at either the 2,000-capacity Liseberg or the 800-seater Valhalla, the teams at the placement matches and the finals have the chance to play at the Scandinavium which seats no less than 6,000 spectators.

For the first time Denmark, a regular participant at the women's event, send a team to the men's competition. Also for the first time participating will be a team from the Faroe Islands.

"The Swedish Handball Federation, who was recently awarded the title of EHF Top Organiser, and VELUX EHF Champions League participants, IK Sävehof, continue to create a youth handball extravaganza every year," said EHF President Jean Brihault.

"Both organisations have cemented their position as leaders in youth handball allowing the young players of the generation to hone their skills as they look ahead to becoming the top players of the future."

All matches and all results are available via eurohandball.com.

TEXT: EHF / ts