The European Universities Futsal Championship in Split came to an exhilarating close with the last and final day 26th July, featuring intense bronze medal and final matches at the Gripe Sports Hall and exciting Closing Ceremony. 

With 31 teams from 27 different universities and 17 European countries showcasing their skills and sportsmanship, the 13th edition of the event was a testament to the spirit of competition and camaraderie.

The European Universities Championship in Split showcased the immense talent and sportsmanship of young athletes from across Europe. Each match brought its share of excitement, surprises, and moments of brilliance, leaving participants and spectators alike in awe of the raw talent on display.

The bronze medal match in the women’s category saw a captivating battle between the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NOR) and the University of Lisbon (POR). The match was marked by fair play from both sides, setting a positive tone for the game. The Portuguese team took an early lead, ending the match with a 4-2 victory, leading to an emotional celebration that showcased their hard work and dedication.

Rey Juan Carlos University (ESP) faced off against the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University (UKR) in the finals in a remarkable display of teamwork. Although the Ukrainian team was considered a favourite before the match, the Spanish girls had other plans winning with an impressive 8-4 victory and leaving no doubt about their dominance on the field. The game also witnessed an outpouring of support from participants and families, fostering a sense of unity among all the nations present at the championship.

The men category showed a gripping contest in the bronze medal match between the University of Split (CRO) and the University of Toulouse II – Jean Jaures (FRA). The French team took an early lead, gaining a 3-0 advantage. However, the hometown heroes from the University of Split showed their resilience, staging a remarkable comeback and closing the game with a score of 6-3. While the celebration was joyous, there was a tinge of sadness as the trophy would not be lifted by the home team.

Finally, the last match of the tournament featured a thrilling encounter between the Bernays University of Applied Sciences (CRO) and the Ivano-Frankivsk College of Physical Education (UKR). The match was reminiscent of their group-stage clash, and Ukrainians emerged victorious in both matches with the same 4-3 scoreline, claiming the championship title.

At the beautiful ambient of the closing ceremony, the medals and awards were presented by Mr Toni Gamulin, President of the Organizing Committee, Mr Haris Pavletic, 1st Vice-president of EUSA and the President of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, Mr Ivica Puljak, Mayor of the City of Split, Mr Željko Domazet, President of the Council of the City of Split, Mr Tomasz Aftanski, EUSA Technical Delegate for Futsal and Mr Ante Bačić member of the parliament of the Republic of Croatia.

FINAL STANDINGS
Women competition:
1. Rey Juan Carlos University (ESP)
2. National Pedagogical Dragomanov University (UKR)
3. University of Lisbon (POR)

Men competition:
1. Ivano-Frankivsk College of Physical Education (UKR)
2. Bernays University of Applied Sciences (CRO)
3. University of Split (CRO)

Important individual awards were also given:

Best Goalkeeper Award: Mykola Huivan (IFCPE) and Silvia Garcia Milla Remire (RJCU)
Top Scorer Award: Currenti Aurelio (SWISM) and Carmen Norena Rodriguez (RJCU)
Most Valuable Player: Nazar Shved (IFCPE) and Anna Shulha (NPDU)

All-Star Team awards in men competiton: Mykola Huivan, Currenti Aurelio, Nazar Shved, Marko Gašpar (UNIST), Gudašić Nikola (BERN)
All-Star Team awards in women competition: Silvia Garcia Milla Remire, Carmen Norena Rodriguez, Anna Shulha, Da Cunha Barra Catarina (LISB), Birkelund Marte (NTNU)
Fair play in men competition: Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Fair play in women competition: University of Cork

Mr Toni Gamulin, the president of the Organizing Committee and Mr Haris Pavletić, the EUSA Vice-president handed the EUSA flag to the next host of the European Universities Futsal Championship 2025, Mr Marko Lepoglavec and the University of Zagreb. The futsal is staying in Croatia!

Beyond the scores and results, the championship highlighted the power of sports to foster friendships, understanding, and mutual respect among nations, reminding of the unifying spirit of sports. Until the next edition, the echoes of cheers and celebrations in the Poljud Sports Hall will linger, serving as an inspiration for future generations of university athletes across Europe.

For more information, please see www.futsal2023.eusa.eu