The first round of the CEV Continental Cup in London this weekend marks the return of international beach volleyball to the capital. Free tickets are available via Eventbrite.
England men’s and women’s teams quest for qualification to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics starts today in a CEV Continental Cup event being delivered by volleyball event specialists SideOut. The first round action takes place at the Feel Good Too Centre in east London.
The teams that qualify at the end of this round progress to round two of the CEV Continental Cup with the eventual winners of the competition gaining automatic qualification for next summer’s Olympic Games in Japan. The third and final round of the competition will only be for teams not yet having qualified.
This weekend’s round one event is played in an exciting Davis Cup-style format. Teams consisting of two pairs play-off against countries in ties which are the best of three matches. The first pairs will go head-to-head and the second pairs will play it out. If the tie is level after two matches a decider is played where teams can select any two from their four players.
England women’s team will face France, Belarus and Northern Ireland and has a great blend of youth and experience. The selected pairs are Victoria Palmer/Jessica Grimson and Ellie Austin/Anaya Evans.
The selected pairs for England men’s team are are Chris Gregory/Issa Batrane and Javier Bello/Joaquin Bello. They will compete against Switzerland, Armenia and Bulgaria.
Alongside the international beach volleyball live music and entertainment courtesy of local organisation and schools promises a complete fan experience. There will be a great range of food outlets including cuisine from some of the competing countries, as well as a pop-up bar which has been made especially for the event serving drinks from local breweries.
Doors open at 9am.
Spectating is free. Advance registration is recommended via the ‘Get Tickets’ link.
Admission in the day is available with space for circa 1500 fans. If the event reaches maximum capacity a ‘one in, one out’ entry protocol will apply.
Travel tips: Leyton, Lea Bridge and Leyton Midland railway stations all close by to The Feel Good Too Centre. There is some parking on site however travel by public transport is recommended.