The European Fencing Confederation’s youngest international event of the season takes centre stage this weekend as the EFC U14 Festival 2026 welcomes Europe’s most promising young fencers to Cividale del Friuli, Italy, on 26–27 June.
The festival will bring together hundreds of young athletes from across the continent for two days of competition, friendship and international exchange. For many participants, it will be their first opportunity to experience a major international event under the EFC banner.
A Growing Tradition of Excellence
The arrival of the EFC U14 Festival further strengthens the role of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region as one of the leading centres of international youth fencing. The event comes only weeks after the region received ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management through its long-standing U20 World Cup organisation, a competition that has welcomed the world's best junior fencers to the region for more than twenty years.
Hosting the European U14 Festival in Cividale del Friuli confirms the area's reputation for delivering high-quality international fencing events while continuing to invest in the development of young athletes.
Six Individual Titles on the Programme
The festival features six individual competitions across the three weapons.
On Friday, 26 June, the action begins with Women's Épée, followed by Men's Foil and Men's Sabre. Competition continues on Saturday, 27 June, with Men's Épée, Women's Foil and Women's Sabre.
Using the EFC U14 Ranking for seeding, all athletes will first compete in pools before advancing to the direct elimination rounds, guaranteeing valuable international experience for every participant.
More Than a Competition
The EFC U14 Festival is about much more than medals. One of the highlights of the weekend will be the Opening Parade through the historic centre of Cividale del Friuli on Friday evening, where all participating delegations will march together carrying their national flags.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will also be able to enjoy a dedicated sports village, promotional activities open to the public and a range of side events designed to celebrate fencing and bring the local community closer to the sport.
These initiatives reflect the core values of the festival: friendship, respect, cultural exchange and the shared passion for fencing that unites young athletes from across Europe.
Follow the Action Live
The final stages of all six competitions will be streamed live on the ZD Sport Channel YouTube platform, allowing fencing fans across Europe to follow the next generation of champions.
The European Fencing Confederation wishes all athletes, coaches, referees, organisers and families a successful and memorable weekend in Cividale del Friuli.
