How the Dudelinger superiority launched a handball traditional tournament

The time has come again: on the Easter weekend, the HB Dudelingen is again host of the international youth handball tournament for the Youth Cup. On two days, 16 teams from the U17 area of ​​the boys will play around the coveted trophy and other personal awards in the Düdelinger Sportzentrum-record participation.

Organization chief Lynn Spielmann, who has been heading to the Youth Cup committee since 2005, is already enthusiastic. « We expect more than ever with 16 teams. This is not only a new participant record, but also an appreciation for us as a club. » Due to the high participation from abroad, the tournament also gained attractiveness. For the first time, U17 teams from 13 different countries are at the start. « The level will be a bit higher again than in previous years, » suspects Spielmann.

The competition for the HBD now has a tradition. The club has been organizing the youth tournament for 39 years, with the exception of the two, which were characterized by the Corona pandemic. The lack of competition within your own league gave the impetus for this. « The original reason for the tournament was that the U17 of the HBD always dominated the national terrain in Luxembourg, » explains the organization chief. The Youth Cup, in which only half as many teams had participated at the beginning, the young handball players had been challenged.

The youth tournament, which enjoys international appreciation, also offers some advantages for the organizer. The participation of large handball nations such as France, Germany, Norway and Spain brings HB Dudelingen a high reputation and countless contacts with foreign clubs. In addition, the club can come up with a great spectacle and handball at the highest international level.

Old hands and new faces

In order to make it as pleasant as possible for the participants in Luxembourg, the club is not afraid of any costs or effort. Spielmann, who also acts as Vice President at the HBD, puts the expenses at around 40,000 to 45,000 euros. « We do not ask for an entry fee, food and logis are free. Eating, catering and everything else are provided. Around 70 sponsors lift the whole event. » As Spielmann shows, 90 percent of the sponsors extend their contracts for the Youth Cup annually. « Of course we are pleased that the vast majority of sponsors stay with it, » said the organizer.

However, there are new faces this year. « We have never had a team from Greece with us. That’s why we look forward to the Ionikos NF, » says Spielmann. From Spain, Norway and Germany, the HBD can also welcome some newcomers, including the young wolves of Rimpar. « The contact with the wolves came about via Tommy Wirtz, who was also active there, » emphasizes the organist. Alperia Meran (I), Nove Zamky (SK) and the Swiss Club HSG Nordwest are also on board for the first time.

The number of employees in the committee is also suspicious. 25 members support Spielmann in his work as a Youth Cup president. To shoulder the entire effort, such as the drinks bar, in the coffee room or the shop, are over 100 volunteers at the start.

One way to follow the events from a distance is also provided. « There is again a live stream of the two games played in parallel. We can also use the LiveTicker of the FLH, » reports Spielmann. In addition to the Youth Cup, a demonstration competition in Dodgegall, a ball sport similar to Völkerball, is planned for Friday evening. « On Saturday there will be a handball game for players in a wheelchair between an HBD selection and an international team. » Reasons enough to get to Dudelingen from Friday evening.