U14 Handball Team HG Saarlouis
Youth Sports Team HG Saarlouis D-Jugend serving as sports ambassadors at the Kalon Breizh Cup tournament in France
A Cultural and Athletic Journey to the Kalon Breizh Cup 2025
Tournament Experience
The U14 Handball Team from HG Saarlouis embarked on an unforgettable journey to Pontivy, France, to participate in the prestigious Kalon Breizh Cup 2025. The tournament, renowned for its competitive spirit and international participation, gathered 84 teams, 48 boys' and 36 girls' teams, from across the globe.
Team Performance
- Group Stage: The Saarlouis team showcased their skills, securing victories in crucial matches that highlighted their strong offensive coordination and disciplined defense.
- Semifinals: The team advanced to the semifinals in a nail-biting match, demonstrating remarkable resilience, particularly in the final moments.
- Final Match: The Saarlouis team finished as runners-up, narrowly losing to a French regional champion team. The close result underscored the competitive level and potential of the team at the international youth level.
Key statistics included: - Goals scored: The team consistently scored above the tournament average per match. - Defensive saves: The team's effective blocking and strategic positioning were key factors in their success. - Sportsmanship Award: The team was commended for their fair play and team spirit.
Cultural Exchange
- Intercultural Activities: The team immersed themselves in local Breton cultural workshops, learning about traditional music, dance, and language (Breton).
- Community Engagement: Players and coaches shared their sports techniques and exchanged ideas with young athletes from Brittany, visiting local schools and community centers.
- Joint Training Sessions: The Saarlouis team engaged in friendly matches and practice sessions with opposing teams, fostering friendships and mutual understanding beyond competition.
- Host Family Stays: Many players stayed with local families, experiencing Breton hospitality and lifestyle, which significantly contributed to their personal growth and cultural awareness.
Cultural Encounters
- Cross-Cultural Friendships: The young players from both teams bonded instantly, cheering each other on during games.
- International Friendships: The Saarlouis team made contact with other teams, including the German girls' team and two Bulgarian teams, despite language barriers.
A Special Mention
- The team's visit to the old town of Pontivy included a tour of the castle of the Rohan family, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.
- The Saarlouis team was accommodated in an old castle on an island, which served as a youth hostel, adding to their unique cultural experience.
- The team was officially sent off by Mayor Carsten Quirin in the Gobelinsaal of the town hall, receiving the support and encouragement of their hometown.
A Promise for the Future
A team and club exchange between the two teams has been initiated for spring 2026, ensuring that the cultural exchange and camaraderie will continue. The European city of Saarlouis congratulates the U14 team of HG Saarlouis on their outstanding performance and unforgettable journey.
The U14 Handball Team from HG Saarlouis demonstrated their versatility, not only in their handball skills during the Kalon Breizh Cup 2025, but also in their interest in European sports, as they have initiated a team and club exchange with their French counterparts for the spring of 2026, which also includes a football match, showcasing their commitment to the european leagues, particularly the champions-league with its competitive spirit. The team's journey to Pontivy, France, not only resulted in a runner-up title but also opened up opportunities for cultural exchange, as they were commended for their fair play, sportsmanship, and camaraderie with international teams, including a German football team and Bulgarian teams, despite language barriers, thus proving their passion for sports extends beyond handball.
