SCA event underway in Cardiff under ideal weather conditions

Cardiff awoke to a beautiful, still morning interrupted by the advancing sound of bouncing volleyballs and names being called on court. It was an early morning for Carl Harwood and the media staff who set-up cameras, organised the livestream and sorted out the visuals for the games scheduled for the CEV SCA U17 Beach Volleyball Championships.

Games officially opened with referee approval as the sunshine began to creep over the trees at Victoria Park. The men’s schedule began with the Faroe Islands taking on Ireland and Wales challenging Andorra. Games continued and the women’s division opened with Iceland battling the Faroe Islands and Wales versus Ireland. Each game was recorded, streamed live and saved on the Cardiff Beach Volleyball YouTube channel: scores set, visuals applied and a wonderful weather forecast for the day ahead, the perfect volleyball weather.

Lunch, refreshments, and an on-hand physiotherapist were provided for all players, coaches and staff at the event. One of the day’s games required the physio multiple times: the men’s division match between Ireland (Riccardo Curci/Rafael Ewen) and Andorra (Ot Comas/Lucas Prenas) was a nail-biting three-set battle. Curci cramped in both calves at the end of the first set but powered through, only to fall at the final hurdle to an on-fire Andorran team that never let up the pressure. Andorra took the third set 15-7 with the first set going to the Andorrans (21-16) and the second to the Irish (21-15). It was a close match where both teams engaged in mental and physical battles, trying to see who would crack first. 

The day ran smoothly, thanks to the dedication of both the staff and the volunteers. Ball boys/girls, scorers, and training partners – everyone in a green shirt – were crucial to running the event and deserve deep appreciation for their hard work throughout the day. 

To finish Day 1 a buffet dinner was hosted at the Potting Shed Cafe where coaches and players could refuel ready for their high stakes matches beginning on Sunday at 9 am sharp. 

Streams can be found on the same YouTube channel: @Cardiff Beach Volleyball and posts are on Facebook @Cardiff Beach Volleyball. 

Photos courtesy of Fernanda Bergues