Andorra Hosts SCA Senior Women's Volleyball Championship with Young Home Squad

Andorra is hosting the SCA Senior Women's Volleyball Championship from June 26 to 28 at the Pavelló Toni Martí in Govern, bringing together seven national teams from small states and countries such as Ireland.

The home side, coached by Lluís Hillaire and captained by Joanna Ferrer, aims to challenge for a podium finish despite fielding a young squad of 14 nationals from Club Vòlei Encamp and Club Vòlei Andorra. This roster differs markedly from last year's Small States Games team, which could include residents; here, only citizens are eligible, resulting in many juveniles. Ferrer expressed confidence, stating the team has strong motivation and skill to prove itself, with players from rival clubs uniting effectively on and off the court to gain experience and grow together, no matter the scoreline.

Hillaire acknowledged the preparation challenges from conflicting schedules—many players study abroad or juggle dual club commitments—but noted recent progress, including a friendly against a Catalan team this weekend and more sessions planned. He highlighted rising female participation in Andorra, crediting clubs and the federation for elevating standards, and anticipates value from facing unfamiliar English-speaking opponents like Ireland and the Faroe Islands, unlike previous events. Playing at home, he added, fills the players with pride and offers an extra boost.

The round-robin tournament splits into groups of three and four teams—Andorra with Ireland and the Faroe Islands; the other featuring Liechtenstein, Malta, San Marino, and Scotland—before semifinals, a fifth-place match, bronze medal game, and final. Andorra faces Ireland on Friday at 5:30pm, the Faroe Islands on Saturday at 6pm, and Sunday hosts the placement games and final at 8:30pm.

Andbank backed the launch event at its offices, where Institutional Banking Director Josep Maria Cabanes emphasised growing grassroots sport, particularly women's volleyball. The venue previously staged Spanish Superliga men's matches.