The Steam Hemarpol Norwid Częstochowa team, whose director is former Polish national player Łukasz Żygadło, will make its debut in European club tournaments after receiving an official invitation to participate in the CEV Challenge Cup for the 2025/2026 season. This was announced by the club on Wednesday in a celebratory tone, emphasizing the historical nature of the event.

“We are pleased to announce that the Norwid Częstochowa Volleyball Club has received an invitation to participate in the CEV Challenge Cup European competitions in the 2025/2026 season! This is a historic event for our club and a huge step forward in our development and building our position on the international stage,” reads the team’s official statement.

The team from Częstochowa will be Poland's sole representative in this tournament next season. The draw for the first round will take place on July 15 in Luxembourg, at the headquarters of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV).

Ready for the Challenge

Łukasz Żygadło, a former setter for the Polish national team and an experienced player with an international career, expressed pride and confidence in the team's readiness:

“Receiving an invitation to participate in the Challenge Cup is not only a reward for the hard work over the past seasons, but above all, proof that Norwid is starting to be recognized not only in PlusLiga, but also in European volleyball. We are ready for this challenge, both sportingly and organizationally.”

A City with a Dream Coming True

The Norwid Volleyball Club is becoming the first team from Częstochowa to play on the European stage in years. This is a dream come true for the local sports community, which has long longed for the return of international matches to the city.

“This event is of particular importance not only for our team, but also for the entire volleyball community of Częstochowa. Today, these dreams are coming true. Norwid is entering the European arenas,” the club added.

Path to the International Stage

Participation in the CEV Challenge Cup provides an opportunity for the team not only to gain valuable experience, but also to test their skills against different volleyball schools from Europe. “We want to represent Poland and Częstochowa with dignity and at the same time provide our fans with many sporting emotions,” Żygadło emphasized.

Now everyone is eagerly awaiting the draw on July 15, which will determine Norwid's first opponent in their new European adventure.

photo: PAP