The South Tyroleans want to be strong together at the Europeada 2028. © det

“Goosebumps every time”: South Tyrol is already thinking about Europeada

The Europeada, the European Championship for linguistic minorities, is still two years away, but preparations for the popular event are already underway. A test match is scheduled for Saturday.

June 12, 2026

From: det

Summer break? No, that doesn't apply to some of South Tyrol's best amateur footballers just yet. This week, the local players are meeting for two training sessions under the guidance of coach Manuel Sullmann. The highlight will be a friendly match on Saturday against a Friuli selection. The games will be played in Gemona: the women's match starts at 16 pm, followed by the men's at 18 pm.

An annual meeting of the Europeada squad has become a tradition. Since missing out on the title in 2024, coach Sullmann has gathered his players every summer for a few days to test their skills in preparation for the 2028 Europeada (which will be held in Friuli). "I am very proud to be able to coach our country again at the next tournament," said Sullmann.

A photo from summer 2024: South Tyrol's Europeada footballers celebrate. © det

Martin Ritsch, who holds the South Tyrolean record for most appearances at the Europeada with 19, explains why this tournament is so special. "I've been fortunate enough to participate in the Europeada four times. It was an honor every time to wear this jersey and represent our region. Hearing the anthem before a match always gave me goosebumps. Being part of this tournament is one of the best things an amateur footballer can imagine," says the soon-to-be 36-year-old.

Will he still be around in two years? "Who knows: If my body allows it, it could be a nice way to end my career. But that's still a long way off."

These players are participating in the friendly match in Friuli

Thomas Albenberger
Hannes Ausserhofer
Aris Deporta
Stefan Frötscher
Moritz Gamper
Noah Gietl
Felix Lintner
Thomas Mair
Thomas Niederkofler
Vinzenz Niedermeier
Kevin Nischler
Michael Oberhollenzer
Patrick Psenner
Philipp Rabensteiner
Oliver Rohrer
René Sanna
Philipp Schwingshackl
Tobias Sinn
Titian Stecher
Samuel Villgrattner
Peter Weiss