National Team Championship for Under-18s – Final Phase

Youth Team Bridge in Salsomaggiore Terme

The national final phase of the Team Championship for Under-18s is one of the most important events in the competitive calendar for the new generation of the Italian Bridge Federation (FIGB). The event takes place at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Salsomaggiore Terme, on Viale Romagnosi, in the heart of the renowned spa town in the Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna. For many years, Salsomaggiore has been the permanent venue for major FIGB national championships and welcomes teams of young students from every region of Italy on this occasion.

A Team Competition Divided into Two Phases

The Team Championship for Under-18s is divided into two distinct stages. The regional phase takes place between April 1st and June 30th, organized by Sports Associations in the territory: in this phase, bridge schools register their teams and compete within their respective regional committees. Approximately 50% of the teams qualified in the regional phases then proceed to the national final phase in Salsomaggiore Terme, where the titles are awarded.

The Three Competitive Categories

The competition is divided into three categories, designed to support players throughout their growth path within the Bridge School:

• First-year Under-18s, in their first team play experiences;
• Second-year Under-18s, already more experienced in the competition mechanisms;
• Pre-competitive Under-18s, ready to engage in true competitive bridge.

Associations can register multiple representative teams in compliance with the criteria established by the announcement. Exceptionally, and only in the pre-competitive category, it is permitted to complete teams with a limited number of Ordinary members, according to the limitations set by the regulations (circular 11/2026 of the FIGB).

Salsomaggiore, Capital of Italian Bridge

With its spa tradition and ample congress facilities, Salsomaggiore Terme has established itself over the years as the home of Italian bridge: the Palazzo dei Congressi, due to its size and logistics, can host hundreds of teams from all over the peninsula. For the Emilia-Romagna Region, the final phase of the Team Championship for Under-18s is a showcase that combines mind sports, spa tourism, and hospitality, confirming the role of the town in the Province of Parma as a reference point for instructors, young players, and families.