Rovaniemi hosts northernmost European qualifier and NEVZA championships ever

Rovaniemi, Finland, is due to host the NEVZA U20 Championships from October 23 to 25, 2026. The tournament also serves as the zonal first round qualifier for the 2027 edition of the CEV #EuroVolleyU20M and #EuroVolleyU20W. Rovaniemi is the northernmost place where such a qualifier has ever been played in any age group.

Women’s and men’s U20 national teams from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and England will compete, with the winner of each competition qualifying directly for the 2027 Final Round. 

Tomi Lemminkäinen, head coach of the Finnish women’s U20 national team, is clear about the goal: “Our clear goal is to win the tournament and earn a place at the European Championship. We do not know much about the level of our opponents, but we will find out during the tournament. A couple of years ago, in this age group, Finland lost to Norway in the preliminary round and beat them in the final, so at least back then Norway was clearly the toughest opponent. One match and one ball at a time: first to Sunday’s final and from there, with a win, to the European Championship.”

Men’s head coach Matti Alatalo says the team arrives well prepared. “We are heading to Rovaniemi hungry and in a good mood. Two intensive camps have allowed us to come together quickly and prepare carefully for what lies ahead. Ahead of us is a tough three-day, five-match challenge. We cannot underestimate any of our opponents. Sweden and Denmark have raised their level in recent years, both at senior and youth level. Norway is always ready to surprise, so we have to be ready for every match and give our best. Our goal is clear: to clear the way to the 2027 European Championship next summer. That requires our trademarks on the mental side too: hard work, courage and unity.”

This is the second time in three years that Rovaniemi has hosted the NEVZA championships, organised locally by Arctic Volley. “We organise Volleyball tournaments because we want to develop the sport, and hosting top-level events is an important part of that,” says local organiser Jukka Mäkihannu. Santasport is the heart of the event: the teams play, eat and stay under one roof. “Everything is close by, and accessibility has improved with the growth of tourism. Rovaniemi is a small, big sports city.”

According to Mäkihannu, the City of Rovaniemi is one of the key factors that make hosting the tournament possible.

Action will start on Friday at 9:00, with the bronze medal matches and the women’s and men’s finals taking place on Sunday.