14-18 APRIL 2026 / VEROIA
Alexander Playgon Cup
The international handball tournament “Alexander” comes to Veria
The Organizing Committee of the Alexander Playgon Cup is pleased to announce the staging of the 1st International Youth Handball Tournament in Veria, taking place from 14–18 April 2026, with the support of the Municipality of Veria and under the auspices of the Hellenic Handball Federation.
«Playgon»
The name is inspired by the word “Play”, the Ancient Greek term “agon” (competition), and a word that brings to mind “Pokémon” / magic.
ORGANIZER
Municipality of Veria – Misc+ Sport Media
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF
Hellenic Handball Federation
VENUES
Indoor Sports Hall
“Filippeio” and “DAK Vikelas”
CATEGORIES
BOYS
01
BOYS (U14) – (2012-2013)
02
BOYS (U12) – (2014-2015)
TOURNAMENT
PROGRAM
14/04
12:00 Press Conference
17:00 Parade
18:00 Opening Ceremony
20:00 Technical Meeting
21:00 Welcome Dinner for all delegations
15/04
1st Competition day
16/04
2nd Competition Day + Veterans’ Match
17/04
Excursion Day
08:00 Vergina
10:00 Panagia Soumela
12:00 Visit to a social welfare facility
13:00 Lunch for all delegations
Afternoon: Semifinals and classification matches
18/04
Final Matches – Closing Ceremony – Awards Ceremony
Teams’ departure
REGISTRATIONS
ENTRIES
REGISTRATIONS
DEADLINES
01
First installment: €100 – 31/01/2026
Second installment: €100 – 28/02/2026
Final payment: €100 – 31/03/2026
02
Deadline for team entries: 31 March 2026
03
For a team registration to be valid, a payment of €100 per athlete must be received by 31 January 2026.
Veria, the Gem of Macedonia
The tournament’s name pays tribute to Alexander the Great, one of the most prominent figures of all time and, of course, a global symbol of Veria and Macedonia.
For five days, the “Metropolis” of the sport will live to the rhythm of the Alexander Tournament, featuring competitive, educational, cultural, and social activities that will accompany the tournament’s events.
Playgon 2026
Excursion to Panagia Soumela
The Playgon Tournament is organizing an excursion for handball athletes in the U14 and U16 categories to Panagia Soumela, a historic and symbolic site of Pontic Hellenism, located on Mount Vermio.
The visit to the monastery offers young athletes the opportunity to learn about its history and traditions, while also promoting team spirit, cooperation, and the values that define handball both on and off the court.
Excursion to Vergina
An educational excursion for handball athletes in the U14 and U16 categories to Vergina, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Monument.
The visit to the archaeological site and the Museum of the Royal Tombs offers young athletes the opportunity to learn about the history of ancient Macedonia and Greece’s cultural heritage, while also fostering team spirit, cooperation, and the values of sport.
Accommodation
Veriopolis Hotel
The Veriopolis Hotel is located between the city of Veria and the village of Asomata, just 5 minutes by car from the center of Veria.
Accommodation is offered in triple rooms with breakfast included.
Aiges Melathron Hotel
Located in Veria, the Aiges Melathron Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and complimentary WiFi. Each room features a work desk and a flat-screen TV.
Accommodation is available in triple and quadruple rooms, with breakfast included.
Villa Elia
Villa Elia in Veria offers rooms with air conditioning, a balcony, a private bathroom, and free WiFi. Each room is equipped with a work desk, TV, and soundproofing to ensure a comfortable stay.
Accommodation is available in triple and quadruple rooms with breakfast included.
The tournament will take place at the two indoor sports halls: “Filippeio” and “DAK Vikelas.”
«FILIPPEIO»
Indoors Sports Hall
«DΑΚ VIKELAS»
Indoors Sports Hall
Referees &
Venues
01
The matches will be officiated by Greek and international referees.
02
International level, official size sporthalls
Team Entries
& Players
01
The list of names of the players broken down into categories shall be handed over upon arrival at the registration.
02
Only players on the list are allowed to participate in the matches.
03
Each team needs to consist of at least 12 players. While there is no upper limit for the total number of participants in a team,
04
Only up to 16 players can be registered to each game, with the names clearly indicated on the match protocol sheet.
Regulations
01
The matches are conducted in accordance with the IHF Regulations and the Hellenic Handball Federation rules.
02
All rankings and final positions will be determined exclusively during the tournament.
Mandatory Documents &
Equipment
01
Each team is required to submit a full list of participants (minimum 12 players and 2 accompanying officials) with address information.
02
Valid medical certificates for athletes and player licenses / participation permits.
03
Each team must have two uniforms of different colors
04
Each team must provide at least one handball, to be shown to the referees prior to every game.
Prizes
01
1st place – Tropy + Gold Medal + Diplom
02
2nd place – Silver Medal + Diplom
03
3rd place – Bronze Medal + Diplom
04
SPECIAL PRIZES – Best player /MVP/, Best goalkeeper