Carnival Cup

A February tournament in Viareggio during its famous carnival, when giant papier-mâché floats, night parties and fireworks fill the town. The cup has run for more than a decade and has hosted amateur and professional teams from Italy, France, Malta, Switzerland, Algeria and Japan, staying in seaside hotels in Viareggio and Versilia.

After a group stage, the first two of each group go into the play-offs and the other teams play placement matches. Every player receives a medal; in the older age groups the top four teams win trophies, and from U12 down every team takes one home.

Tickets to the carnival parade are part of the programme, and Lucca, Pisa and Florence are close by.

Applications close 25 days before the tournament starts. Accommodation and meals are paid in full at least 25 days before the tournament. Cancelling costs 30% of the accommodation and meals from 30 days before the start, 60% from 15 days and 100% from 5 days. The registration fee is not refundable.

Full board, price per person for 2 nights:

• 3-star hotel: players €165 in a triple or double room, €195 in a single room; the same for accompanying adults.

Teams stay in the hotels the organiser offers. Nearest airport: Pisa airport, Firenze airport. Transfers throughout the tournament about €30 per person. No registration fee for teams staying in the tournament hotels.

• Drinking water for the players

• Discounts on local attractions

• A souvenir for every player

• Free entry to the stadium

• Free entry to the opening ceremony and the finals

• Accommodation with full board

• Entry to the tournament