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Preview: Rome hosts Europe’s biggest youth archery event

20 July 2026

Rome (Italy)

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Simon Moritz aiming at the Madrid 2026 World Cup.

The conclusion of the 2026 Hyundai Archery World Cup two weeks ago may have spelled the end of the international outdoor season for many of Europe’s best – bar the Mediterranean recurve archers heading to the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games – but for the continent’s rising stars, this week is what matters most.

A total of 377 of Europe’s youngest talents head to Rome for the 22026 European Youth Championships, representing 40 countries across six categories – under-21 and under-18 recurve, compound and barebow men and women.

While many archers competing in Italy’s capital this week are looking for their breakout moment, there are some entries that already have senior international experience and medals.

Germany’s compound under-21 man Simon Moritz Simon Moritz is one of the most recognisable names on the list as the current under-18 World Youth Champion and oming off the back of two bronze medals in compound men’s team and individual at Madrid 2026 – stage four of the Hyundai Archery World Cup.

Great Britain’s Alex Sillitoe Price is another individual victor (recurve under-18 men) from Winnipeg who is competing this week.

Competition at the Rome 2026 European Championships begins with qualifying on Tuesday.

Key information

What’s happening? The European Youth Championships, held in Rome, Italy, from 20-26 July at Roma Capitol Camping Village for qualification and the Stadio Nando Martellini for finals.

What’s at stake? The chance to have a breakout moment on the international circuit and end the outdoors season on a high.

Who’s competing? 377 archers from 40 nations.

What’s the story? A few, like Moritz, also competed at the senior European Championships in June, but for most of the field Rome represents the biggest competition of 2026 at 70 metres and the culmination of the outdoor season.