24 July 2025

12 & Under European Summer Cup Qualifiers Begin in Denizli

The 12 & Under European Summer Cup Qualifiers, one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in Europe, have officially begun at Pamukkale Tennis Club, organized in coordination with Tennis Europe and the Turkish Tennis Federation.

The event, held between July 24-27, will feature 21 players from 7 European countries. The opening ceremony was attended by President of the Turkish Tennis Federation Şafak Müderrisgil, Pamukkale District Governor Uğur Bulut, Deputy Mayor of Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Ali Marım, Turkish Tennis Federation Board Member İsmail Hakkı Kurt, Vice Chairman of Pamukkale Tennis Club Sezgin Keçeci, and the young athletes participating in the tournament.

Coached by Uras Gürbüz and Barış Fırat, the Turkish 12 & Under Boys’ National Team consists of Yiğit Uras Yıldırım, Ömer Alkın Doğruel, and Doğa Yalçın. If the team finishes first in their group, they will qualify for the European Summer Cup Finals to be held in Saint-Valery-en-Caux, France, from August 7 to 10, 2025.

Şafak Müderrisgil: “The excitement, energy, and courage of our athletes give us all hope”

TTF President Şafak Müderrisgil expressed her happiness in hosting one of Europe’s most prestigious youth tennis events in the captivating atmosphere of Pamukkale, saying: “We are proud to host this significant event, which brings together young talents of European tennis. Alongside our 12 & Under Boys’ National Team, we are welcoming 21 athletes from 7 European countries. Throughout the four days of this thrilling competition, athletes will experience the honor of representing their nations and set an example with their sportsmanship, perseverance, and determination.”

Müderrisgil highlighted that introducing children to sports at an early age is a core priority of the Turkish Tennis Federation, not only for physical development but also for character building: “This may be the first international experience for these young athletes, or it might be the starting point of their professional careers but, what we know for sure is that the experiences and values gained at this age will accompany them for life.”

She continued, “In a historical and cultural region like Pamukkale, we are together creating an atmosphere of international interaction and friendship through tennis. Pamukkale Tennis Club, hosting the event, is not only a sports facility but also it’s a space where young people pursue their dreams. This tournament is only the beginning of a meaningful journey for you. The friendship, fair play, and determination you demonstrate on these courts will shape you not only as great athletes but also as well-rounded individuals. These young athletes are only 12 years old, however; they train with great discipline and proudly represent their countries. Their excitement, energy, and courage inspire us all. I hope this special week becomes an unforgettable memory for you. I wish you all an inspiring tournament filled with tennis.”,

Uğur Bulut: “We are honored to host such a pleasant tournament”

Pamukkale District Governor Uğur Bulut noted that Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic districts in the world, attracting nearly 3 million tourists annually: “We are delighted to host such a pleasant tournament in our district. This region has always been a prominent place of settlement throughout history. I wish success to all the young athletes participating in this event, which marks the beginning of their careers. May they achieve the great championships they dream of.”

Ali Marım: “Thank you for choosing Denizli”

Deputy Mayor of Denizli Metropolitan Municipality, Ali Marım, emphasized that Pamukkale Tennis Club is a key brand representing Denizli internationally: “Pamukkale Tennis Club is a home for champions, having trained and developed numerous athletes. Every event they organize makes us proud. We thank the Federation for selecting Denizli for this event. With the Federation’s and the Club’s continued efforts, the interest in tennis is growing every day in our district.”

Sezgin Keçeci: “Our goal is to teach young people tennis and help them love it”

Vice Chairman of the Board at Pamukkale Tennis Club, Sezgin Keçeci, shared their pride in hosting the European Summer Cup Qualifiers for the third time: “Our mission is to teach tennis to young people and help them fall in love with the sport. Every year, we introduce dozens of children to tennis and prepare them for competition. Tennis is a sport that can be played at any age as long as you are healthy and it’s never too late to learn. Pamukkale Tennis Club is a treasure for Denizli, and it’s our shared responsibility to preserve this value. I wish you all a successful tournament. It will be our greatest joy to see your achievements in international tournaments in the future.”

24 July 2025