Co Armagh is preparing to make sporting history this summer as it hosts Northern Ireland’s first ever CEV Small Countries Association Men’s Senior Championship 2026.
The prestigious annual indoor volleyball tournament will take place at Craigavon’s South Lake Leisure Centre, bringing elite international competition to the realms of the orchard county.
The championship will feature nations from across Europe – with up to 14 countries eligible to compete – stretching from Greenland in the west to Cyprus in the east.
This year’s competition will welcome teams including the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, San Marino, Liechtenstein and the Faroe Islands.
Speaking to Armagh I, Event Director and Independent Board Director of Northern Ireland Volleyball, Mark Dally, said securing the tournament reflects “years of work to build the sport’s infrastructure locally”.
“We never thought we would have had the capacity to host an event of this scale before,” he said. “To host a championship like this, you need the right venue, accommodation for athletes and the volunteer support network to make it happen. We now have that in place through South Lake Leisure Centre, our volunteers and the organisations who have come together to support us.”
Teams will arrive on June 4, with each squad undertaking a 90-minute training session before competition begins on Friday morning at 10am.
Northern Ireland will face the Faroe Islands at 1pm before taking on the Republic of Ireland at 7pm.
If results go their way, the home side will progress to the semi-finals, with the championship final scheduled for 4pm on Sunday.
Around 120 athletes and officials are expected to travel to Craigavon for the event.
The tournament has drawn significant local backing, with Quinn Coaches providing transport, Armagh City Hotel as shirt sponsor and sponsorship from Armagh Credit Union.
Catering will be provided by 4C Coffee and Café IncredABLE, while Epicentre Armagh has made its hall available for team training.
The championship will also showcase local volleyball talent, including Northern Ireland captain, Peter Stewart – from Bleary – who has represented his country for the past decade.
Another local player, Mark’s son, Paddy Dally has benefited in the past from council support through free gym membership as part of elite athlete development.
His father has praised the collaborative effort behind the event, commenting: “There’s a real grouping of organisations coming together to make this happen.
“Three weeks out, we’re probably as prepared as we can be. The team has done its preparation on court, while behind the scenes there has been an enormous effort from volunteers and local partners.”
The event also coincides with 50 years of Aztecs Volleyball Club – a long-established Portadown-based club – which has played a key role in growing the sport in the region.
Organisers hope a successful championship could pave the way for Northern Ireland to host further European events in 2027 and beyond, delivering increased footfall for the town and a boost for local businesses.
“If this comes off, European volleyball will have confidence in us to bring more events here,” Mark added. “It would mean more visitors, more business for local hotels and greater opportunities to grow volleyball in Northern Ireland.”
Lord Mayor Stephen Moutray is also expected to present the trophy following Sunday’s final.
Mark said organisers are looking forward to welcoming players and supporters to Craigavon for what promises to be a landmark weekend.
“We proudly welcome everyone to play to the best of their ability, support the teams and bring the noise to South Lake Leisure Centre.
“May this championship be filled with exciting matches, true sportsmanship and unforgettable moments as we celebrate the remarkable athletes who inspire us all.”
Tickets for the event are now available through NI Volleyball’s website here.
