Author: Ines Jakopanec

On June 6, SantCugatCreix celebrated its 10th anniversary. An event was held with over 200 participants in attendance, where various talks and roundtable discussions were held with the attendants from the 7 clubs of SantCugatCreix. The president, Miquel Martínez, re-iterated the significance of the achievements over the last 10 years, including the participation in various European projects and collaborations with sporting and academic entities, stating “we see sport like a powerful educational tool and also as an economic engine…”. 

In January 2024, SantCugatCreix became the first Spanish member of the European Multisport Club Association (EMCA). The mayor of Sant Cugat, Josep Maria Vallès, congratulated SantCugatCreix on their 10-year anniversary and on their role in initiatives and projects that helps their city as well as throughout Europe. The inclusion of Sant Cugat Creix into EMCA will also help position Sant Cugat in the international arena. 

We congratulate SantCugatCreix on this momentous occasion and milestone in its history.

Photos: @santcugatcreix

As part of the EU Teq Games project, of which EMCA is coordinator, each partner club had to host an Open Day where the children and adults of all ages, genders and abilities were able to try out the various games that can be played on a Teq Table.

The partner clubs included:

• Aalborg (Denmark)
• Feyenoord (Netherlands)
• HASK Mladost (Croatia)
• Lazio Teqball (Italy)
• Levski Sport for All (Bulgaria)
• Olympiacos (Greece)

The Open Days were a resounding success with over 1224 participants taking part overall. The events were held at certain schools, clubs sporting facilities and even in outdoor squares. In general, Teqball was the main sport played and the level of interest for this sport, particularly from boys, was very high. Girls on the other hand wanted to try TeqVoley. These Open Days also included the promotion of healthy living with guidelines and workshops given to all participants on healthy food to eat and drink. By having these days, clubs were able to encourage more people, especially children, to sign up at the clubs to train and play the game, and ultimately try and partake in the upcoming EURO Teq Games.

Watch the video on how it was at each Open Day event.

On May 18, 2024, European Square in Zagreb buzzed with excitement as over 120 children officially took part in the EU TeqGames Open Day. The outdoor event not only attracted participants but also piqued the interest of passersby, drawing them into the world of Teq sports. This vibrant day saw children aged 6 to 17, with 75% of the participants being male, engaging in a variety of Teq sports including Teqball, Teqvoly, Teqpong, Teqis, and Qatch.

Despite the challenges of hosting an outdoor event, we managed to include a short but impactful talk on nutrition. This session, coupled with the distribution of over 300 pamphlets, provided valuable health information to participants, parents, and curious onlookers.

In collaboration with the Croatian Teqball Association, the event ran smoothly from 10 AM to 12 PM. It was a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn and play Teq sports, and the enthusiasm was palpable. Within an hour after the event, two individuals had already expressed interest in training, highlighting the immediate impact of the Open Day.

Approximately 100 children and teenagers took part in the games, with around 50 adults also joining in. Experts were on hand to explain the benefits of Teqball for physical and mental health, and to offer advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Informative talks emphasized the importance of incorporating sports into daily routines. The nutritional leaflets distributed at the event provided practical advice on balanced diets, healthy meal examples, and tips for both children and adults.

These collective efforts not only promoted Teq sports but also contributed to the overall health and well-being of the community.

To further boost our outreach, we produced a series of dynamic promo videos featuring highlights from our Open Days events. The European Multisport Club Association (EMCA), as the coordinator, created an engaging video showcasing the excitement and community spirit of these events, and shared it across all their social media platforms. HAŠK Mladost contributed with two impactful videos: an interview explaining what Teqball is, how to play it, and how to participate in the project, and a short, energetic promo video. Other partners also made their own videos and photos from the Open Days, all of which are available on their social media accounts.

We invite you to check out the photo gallery and the promo video from the event to experience the energy and excitement of the EU TeqGames Open Day in Zagreb!

Photos: Tomislav Franić
Videos: Duje Brečić

On May 13, 2024, the vibrant city of Piraeus witnessed a spectacular event as Olympiacos hosted their TeqGames Open Day. The event was a huge success, drawing more than 230 children and several adults to participate in a day filled with sports, learning, and fun.

The participants were warmly welcomed and received special T-shirts emblazoned with the project logo and a list of the participating clubs, creating a sense of unity and excitement among the attendees. The sight of children proudly wearing their new T-shirts added to the festive atmosphere of the day.

To emphasize the importance of healthy living, the organizers placed banners around the event area displaying nutritional guidelines. These guidelines were further reinforced by the organizers throughout the event, ensuring that both children and adults were reminded of the benefits of good nutrition.

In line with this healthy theme, fruit such as bananas and oranges, along with water, were provided to all participants. These refreshments kept everyone energized and hydrated, supporting the active participation of all attendees.

The outdoor event was very well received by the participants. The children, ranging in age and brimming with enthusiasm, eagerly engaged in various Teq sports activities. The presence of some adults also added to the community spirit, making it a true family event.

The success of this Open Day not only showcased the popularity and appeal of Teq sports but also set a positive tone for the upcoming 1st EU Teq Games, scheduled to take place in Piraeus later this year. The enthusiasm and positive feedback from participants indicate a bright future for Teq sports in the region.

Olympiacos is thrilled with the outcome and looks forward to building on this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming EU Teq Games. The event demonstrated the power of sport to bring people together, promote healthy living, and create lasting memories.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in Piraeus for the 1st EU Teq Games later this year! Let’s continue to celebrate the growth and excitement of Teq sports together.

In early May, Aalborg held their TeqGames Open Day at their club’s training facilities. While the turnout was relatively low, with 52 children in attendance, the event was marked by enthusiasm and a love for Teqball, the most popular Teq sport in Aalborg.

The children, aged between 7 and 14 years, eagerly participated in the day’s activities. Although only three girls joined the event, their presence added to the diverse mix of young athletes ready to learn and play. The certified coaches at Aalborg took this opportunity to impart their knowledge and passion for Teqball to the attendees. They started with an introduction to the general rules of the game, ensuring that every child, regardless of prior experience, understood the basics.

Following the introductory session, the coaches delved into the specifics of Teqball. This sport, which combines elements of soccer and table tennis, captivated the children. They were shown various techniques and strategies, with demonstrations that highlighted the skill and precision required to excel. The hands-on experience allowed the kids to grasp the game’s intricacies and nuances, sparking a genuine interest and excitement.

Despite the smaller group, the focused attention from the coaches ensured that each child received personalized guidance. This individualized approach helped build confidence and foster a deeper understanding of Teqball. The children practiced their newly learned skills, engaging in friendly matches that showcased their rapid progress and growing enthusiasm.

The Aalborg TeqGames Open Day may have had a modest turnout, but it was a valuable and enriching experience for those who attended. The event successfully promoted Teqball, providing the children with not only a fun day of activity but also a strong foundation in this unique and engaging sport.

As Aalborg continues to nurture young talent and promote Teqball, we look forward to seeing more children, including a greater number of girls, participating in future events. The passion and dedication demonstrated by both the coaches and the young athletes at this Open Day set a positive tone for the future of Teq sports in Aalborg.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating the growth and excitement of Teq sports in our community!

On May 2, 2024, the Feyenoord Sports Plaza in Rotterdam came alive with the sounds of excited children and enthusiastic coaches as Feyenoord hosted their TeqGames Open Day. The event attracted up to 130 young participants, predominantly boys, with 85% male and 15% female children aged between 6 and 12 years.

The day was filled with energy and joy as the children gathered to explore the world of Teq sports. While it was unfortunate that no disabled children participated this time, the event nonetheless provided a fantastic opportunity for those who attended to engage in physical activity, learn new skills, and have fun in a supportive environment.

Feyenoord’s certified coaches kicked off the event by welcoming the children and outlining the day’s activities. They emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and having fun. The children were then divided into groups and rotated through various stations, each focusing on different Teq sports, with a particular emphasis on Teqball.

Throughout the day, the young participants were taught the basic rules and techniques of Teqball, a sport that merges elements of soccer and table tennis. The coaches demonstrated various skills, from serving to volleying, and provided hands-on guidance to ensure that every child could participate and enjoy the game. The interactive and engaging approach helped the children quickly pick up the new sport, leading to many smiles and moments of triumph.

To keep everyone refreshed and energized, fruit and water were provided to all participants and coaches. This healthy snack option not only helped maintain the children’s energy levels but also underscored the importance of proper nutrition in sports. The coaches set a great example by staying hydrated and enjoying the fruit alongside the children.

The Feyenoord TeqGames Open Day was a resounding success, fostering a love for Teq sports among the young attendees and highlighting the benefits of physical activity and healthy living. The event also strengthened the sense of community at the Feyenoord Sports Plaza, bringing together children, parents, and coaches in a celebration of sport and camaraderie.

As we look forward to future events, Feyenoord remains committed to promoting inclusive and enjoyable sporting opportunities for all children. We hope to see even more diverse participation in the next TeqGames Open Day, including children of all abilities.

Stay connected with us for more updates and join us in celebrating the continued growth and excitement of Teq sports in Rotterdam!

European Multisport Club Association, in partnership with the TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen and backed by a consortium of global leaders including GSIC powered by Microsoft, the University of Cyprus, Olympiacos SFP, HASK Mladost, and Levski, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking project under the name “DigiRoot – Making Sport Clubs Future Ready”. This international initiative is set to develop a comprehensive platform aimed at guiding sports clubs through the digital transformation process, a project funded by the European Commission. 

Tackling Digital Challenges in Sports Clubs 

In the face of various operational challenges such as time constraints, limited IT knowledge, volunteer dependency, and traditional management practices, sports clubs across the globe have struggled to keep pace with the digital era. This project recognizes the critical need for digitalization to alleviate the administrative burdens on club offices, enhance volunteer recruitment and management, and facilitate more inclusive access to sports clubs through technological solutions. 

“The need for digital transformation in sports clubs has never been more acute,” said the project leader Malte Kalsbach. “With the decline in sports club memberships amid various crises, it’s clear that the traditional club model is under existential threat. Our goal is to empower these clubs, enabling them to thrive in today’s digital landscape without the burden of excessive costs or the need for specialized IT expertise.” 

A Comprehensive Digital Platform for all Sports Clubs 

The proposed platform will serve as a free, easily accessible resource for sports clubs seeking to navigate the complexities of digital transformation. It will provide a digital check feature to help clubs assess their current state and identify areas for improvement, showcase successful use cases of digital integration, present useful digital tools, offer step-by-step implementation guides, and provide educational materials on relevant topics like change management. 

How to Participate 

Joining this pioneering initiative is straightforward. Sports clubs, administrators, and volunteers eager to embark on their digital transformation journey are invited to: 

• Visit the project’s official website at digiroot-project.eu 
• Subscribe to the website to receive the latest updates, resources, and access to the digital transformation tools. 
• Fill out the survey to identify the most pressing issues around digitalization in sports clubs. 

By subscribing, participants will gain firsthand access to a wealth of information and the opportunity to be part of a supportive network of clubs undergoing digital transformation.