Seven youth and four junior national teams from emerging European nations are set to participate in the Women’s IHF Trophy Europe, which will take place in Prishtina, Kosovo, from 11 to 15 October 2023.

Three nations – Bulgaria, Great Britain and Kosovo – are represented at both age categories. Besides, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia will play at the youth (U17) competition, and Malta will take part in the junior (U19) tournament. 

The venue for the upcoming matches is Sport Hall 1 October, and the winners of both events will qualify for the Intercontinental Phase of the Women’s IHF Trophy.

At the youth tournament, seven teams are divided into two groups. Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Kosovo compete in Group A, while Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Great Britain and Georgia ended up in Group B.

Following the group stage, which will be held from 11 to 13 October, the two best teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for 14 October. On the same day, the sides finishing third in their groups will meet in the fifth-place encounter. The final and the third-place match will take place on 15 October.

The format of the junior competition is different, as there are only four participants. From 11 to 13 October, a round-robin tournament will be played, and then the two best teams will face off in the final on 15 October, and the two other sides will fight for the bronze the day before. 

Photo credit: Federata e Hendbollit e Kosovës