HaBaWaBa International Festival U9–U11

The biggest youth water polo event in the world

Tournaments for boys’, girls’ or mixed teams
13–20 June, 2027
Lignano Sabbiadoro, UD

A boy shoots with the multicoloured ball.

The Festival

At the centre of the HaBaWaBa world is the HaBaWaBa International Festival, the biggest and most important water polo event in the world. Created by Waterpolo Development in 2008, it is now supported by World Aquatics, European Aquatics, CONI, COMEN and FIN. The Festival draws teams from every continent and is a place to promote solidarity without discrimination of sex, ethnic origin, faith or culture. For one week, children share a protected place without their parents beside them, and an experience that goes beyond sport.

Who can take part

U9 tournamentBoys’, girls’ or mixed teams of athletes born in 2018 or younger
U11 tournamentBoys’, girls’ or mixed teams of athletes born in 2016 or younger

Programme

13June 2027Arrival
14June 2027Tournaments begin
19June 2027Finals and closing ceremony
20June 2027Departure

Register for the Festival

1Download the guide and follow the steps in order.
2Write to office@habawaba.com with how many teams you want to enter. The office replies with the login.
3With those details, complete the registration on the platform named in the guide. To confirm your entry for Festival 2027 you have until 31 January 2027.

Download the guide Download the form

Common questions

What is the HaBaWaBa International Festival?

The biggest youth water polo event in the world: for U9, U11 and U13, held every year in Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD) and drawing teams from five continents.

When is the next Festival?

From 13 to 20 June the week for U9 and U11, from 20 to 27 June the week for U13.

Do boys and girls play together?

U9 and U11 tournaments include girls’, boys’ and mixed teams. The U13 event is split into a girls-only tournament and one for boys-only or mixed teams.

How do you enter the Festival?

Open the page of the event for your team (U9-U11 or U13) and follow the Registration Guide: it contains the information, duties, costs and deadlines. A club can enter more than one team in a single tournament.

Where do teams stay during the Festival?

Teams, made up of players, coaches and officials, all stay inside Bella Italia & EFA Village. Parents, family and supporters travelling with the team can enter the village by paying admission.

What is the Champion’s Passport?

It is a code of ethics: the values of sport to respect in order to be part of the HaBaWaBa community.

What is the aim of the HaBaWaBa project?

To spread the values of sport among children and create a deep bond with water polo through an unforgettable experience.

All questions