We have now reached a total of 30 girls’ and boys’ teams set to compete in this year’s 33rd International Schmelz Youth Handball Tournament, hosted by WAT Fünfhaus in Vienna from August 28 to August 30, 2026. The latest addition comes from Croatia, with MRK Metalac entering their 2010 and 2012 born boys’ teams. It has been many years since a team from Croatia last registered for the Schmelz tournament. However, we are confident the number will climb past 30, as the regular registration period for Austria’s largest youth handball tournament remains open until June 26.
The 30 girls’ and boys’ teams competing across the 2014, 2012, and 2010 age categories currently represent four nations: Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria. Additional teams have already expressed their interest in participating. Matches for the oldest age group, born in 2010, will take place at the Tellgasse sports hall, while the other two age categories will play on the outdoor courts at the University Sports Center (USZ), with indoor halls available in case of bad weather conditions. The event will conclude with the final matches on Sunday, August 30, at the Wiener Stadthalle B.
So far, the highest number of registrations has been in the girls’ 2014 age group, which currently has 7 teams signed up. On the boys’ side, the 2012 category is the most represented, now totaling 6 participating teams following the registration of MRK Metalac.