To mark the end of the summer, the beach volleyball courts in Ičići hosted the final gathering of the younger age categories, officially bringing this year’s beach volleyball competition season to a close.After the end of the school year, throughout June, July and August, large numbers of boys and girls happily attended training sessions, having chosen to spend their summer school holidays on the sand and with a ball, enjoying fun and engaging practices.
At the end of the season, all of them had the opportunity to compete in the final tournaments, where they could demonstrate what they had learned. The best among them were rewarded with trophies and medals.Due to an unfavorable weather forecast, the organizer decided to postpone the competition by one day.
The tournament therefore began on Wednesday, August 26, and concluded on Thursday, August 27. This proved to be the right decision, as the weather conditions during the competition were ideal for playing. In case of unexpected rain, the organizer had also prepared tents where the competitors could take shelter, but fortunately, there was no need to use them.
During these two days of competition, Ičići hosted numerous exciting matches featuring boys and girls competing in six categories: U20 (boys and girls), U16 (girls), U14 (boys and girls), and Trios (Mixed). Each category offered plenty of excitement, hard-fought points and excellent results, while the young beach volleyball players demonstrated an impressive level of skill and a true competitive spirit.
All participants received event T-shirts and were treated to sandwiches, drinks and fruit. A music editor also helped create a special atmosphere by selecting suitable music throughout the competition, further contributing to the authentic competitive spirit of the event.
The first to take to the courts were the U14 girls. Ivanušec/Mavrić confirmed their dominance in the category, defeating Radobuljac/Andrić in the final.Third place went to Cvitan/Cvitan, who defeated Štifanić/Batelić in the bronze-medal match.
They were followed by the U20 girls. In this category, Grčević/Marinac Žilić defeated Milošević/Ćehić in the final. In a closely contested match for third place, Topić/Franić prevailed over Jovanović/Jorgić.
At the end of the first day, the U16 girls took to the courts for a round-robin competition. Topalović/Hodak proved to be the strongest pair, convincingly outperforming the other two teams. In a close battle for second place, Pranjić/Brajković defeated Cvitan/Cvitan, who ultimately took the bronze medal.
On the final day of the competition, Thursday, it was time for the U14 boys. In a round-robin format, the team "Pobjednici”, consisting of Škarica/Fendre, proved to be the best. They were followed by the team "Najjači”, consisting of Žvorc/Stjepanović, while the bronze medal went to the team "EM”, consisting of Kosić/Brade.
Next came the U20 boys. In a round-robin competition featuring three exciting and closely contested matches, all of which went to three sets, Mrva/Ljubo showed the most skill and composure and claimed the gold medal. Šuštarić/Šuštarić took silver, while Andro/Sandalj won bronze.
The competition concluded with the popular Trios (MIX) category. This category is intended for the youngest competitors, with teams consisting of three players competing on a slightly smaller court. As the name suggests, boys and girls are allowed to play together on the same team. Along with the U14 girls, this was the largest category of the tournament and was played in two groups.In the bronze-medal match, the team "Trio”, consisting of Mikinac/Sirovec/Brdovčak, defeated team "67”, represented by Nika, Karla and Kiara. In the final match of this year’s "Ičići Teens 2026” competition, team "Ćevapi”, consisting of Škarica/Fendre/Švađumović, faced "Najjači trio”, consisting of Žvorc/Stjepanović/Brade. The gold medal deservedly went to team "Ćevapi”.With this gathering in Ičići, the season for the younger age categories in beach volleyball was officially brought to a close.
Congratulations to all the young female and male athletes on their medals and outstanding performances.
We look forward to seeing them back on the sand next year!
