The first General Technical Meetings (GTMs) of the European Universities Games 2026 were successfully held in Salerno, officially launching the sports programme ahead of the opening competitions.

Representatives of the participating universities, together with EUSA officials and members of the Local Organising Committee, gathered for the first GTMs dedicated to Futsal and Volleyball. The meetings marked an important milestone in the Games' programme, ensuring that all teams were fully prepared before the start of the competitions.

The European Universities Games continue to welcome new arrivals as teams competing in Futsal, Volleyball, and Table Tennis reach Salerno ahead of their competitions.

Across the accreditation center and university campuses, a lively atmosphere has taken shape as participants collect their credentials, reconnect with friends, meet fellow student-athletes and prepare for the days of competition ahead.

During the meetings, participants were introduced to the competition regulations, EUSA and the EUSA Institute, the EUSA Safeguarding and Incident Policy, as well as other key organisational and technical information. The sessions concluded with the official competition draws, determining the groups and match schedules for the participating teams.

The day began with the General Technical Meeting for Futsal, attended by representatives of the 20 men's teams that are going to be competing. The GTM for the women's competition of Futsal is scheduled for tomorrow. 

The meeting opened with a welcome address from Hovhannes Gabrielyan, EUSA Auditor and Chair of the Futsal Competition and Technical Commission (CTC). Mr Gabrielyan welcomed all participants, thanked the athletes and officials for being part of the European Universities Games and wished them a successful tournament, expressing his hope to see them again at future EUSA events.

The technical part of the meeting was led by EUSA Technical Delegate Tomasz Aftanski, with Tihana Nemcic-Bojic, Assistant Technical Delegate. Team registrations were confirmed, competition procedures and regulations reviewed, and the official draw was conducted before the opening matches.

Later in the day, representatives of 16 men’s and 16 women’s Volleyball teams gathered for their General Technical Meeting. Participants were welcomed by the official opening address, delivered by Bruno Baracossa, EUSA First Vice-President and Chair of the Volleyball Competition and Technical Commission, who emphasised that the European Universities Games are first and foremost about the student-athletes, made possible through the dedication and hard work of volunteers, officials, staff and all those working behind the scenes.

The technical part of the meeting was led by EUSA Technical Delegate Pablo Martinez Martinez, with Sanja Miklosic serving as Assistant Technical Delegate. The GTM meeting guided the team representatives through the competition procedures, technical regulations and organisational details before conducting the official draw for the tournament.

The General Technical Meetings are an essential part of every EUSA event, ensuring that all participating universities compete under the same regulations while providing an opportunity for organisers and team representatives to clarify any final questions before competition begins.

Following the successful completion of the first GTMs and the continued arrival of teams, the European Universities Games 2026 are beginning to take shape. The first matches in Futsal and Volleyball are set to kick off tomorrow, marking the beginning of two weeks of outstanding university sport, friendship and international cooperation in Salerno.

For more information, please see eug2026.eu