Need more sand? For twenty summers, Leuven Beach has transformed the iconic student city into a buzzing beach volleyball paradise. More than just a summer event, it’s a complete experience on the picturesque Ladeuzeplein where elite sport and holiday vibes blend effortlessly. This anniversary edition promises more than ever to be a true celebration: an urban summer festival with top-level tournaments, music, pétanque, afterwork parties and of course… lots of volleyball.

With no less than 900 tons of carefully certified sand, a new arena-style grandstand for about 600 spectators, and nearly 300 enthusiastic volunteers, Leuven Beach once again brings the international beach scene to the beating heart of the student city. For the fifth year in a row, the prestigious Futures Pro Tour is on the programme — unique in Belgium — and the Belgian Beach Tour also brings tension and spectacle with the best Belgian duos.
From exotic teams from Japan, Australia or Peru to young Belgian talents with big dreams: the Ladeuzeplein will be the sun-drenched stage for two weeks of fierce battles, sporting dreams and pure fun. Leuven Beach breathes beach volleyball but is also so much more. It’s a meeting place for sports fans, curious passers-by and families who just want to enjoy the summer vibe.

For this report, Volleymagazine put on flip-flops, jumped in the sand and went in search of the story behind twenty years of Leuven Beach. From logistical feats and international recognition to youth development and summer cosiness: welcome to the beating beach heart of Leuven. And behind this impressive success story are still the same driving forces: Danny Rens and Johan Neven, the passionate minds who have been shaping dreams in the sand for two decades.

Twenty years of Leuven Beach — how does that milestone feel, and did you ever dream it would grow like this?
Danny Rens: “Technically, it’s 21 years because of the Covid years, but this edition really feels like a true anniversary. Every year we put in thousands of working hours and use about 900 tons of sand that meets the strictest FIVB standards. Budget-wise, it’s always a challenge, but together with the city and more sponsors, we really wanted to make this a celebration.”
Johan Neven: “We’re marking this milestone with an official Leuven Beach anthem and a commemorative stone. The main grandstand has been renewed and transformed more than ever into a real arena with 350 seats, plus a stage zone and extra stands — total capacity for 600 fans. That’s something to be proud of.”

How did Leuven Beach evolve from a modest club initiative to the beloved international tournament it is today?
Rens: “Ten years ago, the courts were still spread out all over the square. We moved the centre courts closer to the bar, built a village-like atmosphere with good drinks, food and entertainment. It turned out to be a hit, and visitor numbers kept growing. The CEV and FIVB confirm we belong at Challenger level. They praise the location: the historic Ladeuzeplein with the iconic university library in the background, big crowds, top reception and service. We spoil players with gifts, fresh fruit, organised transfers. A fun story from last year: one team hadn’t expected to make the final. Well, we made sure a taxi was ready right after the ceremony so they still caught their flight. That personal touch matters.”

What does organising an event like this take, and how important are volunteers?
Neven: “This year we already have 250 volunteers and aim for 300, covering about 1,000 three-hour shifts. Think ball retrievers, rakers, line markers: just for the international event we need 15 people per court. We’re proud that we can keep everyone motivated — it creates that welcoming vibe. That’s why we combine sport with fun: pétanque, company and youth tournaments, KUBB, bingo nights, after-work parties. The common thread? Free entry and accessibility for all.”

Leuven Beach welcomes Futures teams and Belgium’s best duos again. What makes this edition special on the sporting side?
Neven: “Teams come from all over the world: Australia, China, New Zealand, Europe… Even on the reserve list there are 40 teams per gender. They love the location and the crowds — and how well they’re treated.
More than ever, the top Belgian duos will shine too. Joppe Van Langendonck and Kyan Vercauteren just won their fifth BBT round in Vilvoorde, and the Vandecaveye brothers, Louis and Gilles, are in top form. Our women are shining too: Youna Coens and Ines Piret, Lisa Van Den Vonder and Louka Maertens, plus Britt Ruysschaert and Isabel Van den Broeck. In short, Belgium’s best will be here and will surely impress the fans.”

What’s the ambition for the future? Still room to grow?
Rens: “In time, we could definitely aim higher than the Future level — the Challenger is the next step. But that means more prize money, tougher competition, stricter conditions. We already meet many CEV requirements, so why not? We keep professionalising and want to boost young teams with knowledge-sharing and networking. On the other hand, we’re happy to let it grow organically. We’ll see what the future brings.”

Leuven Beach is more than just sport. How important is the social and recreational side for you?
Neven: “Very important. Neighbourhood sport is a big part of the programme. Companies and kids play too — everyone is welcome. It’s simple: we want to be a summer party, with a friendly beach bar, Friday afterworks, pétanque and popular games. The kids’ day on Saturday was a hit last year, so we’re doing it again.”

Finally, if you had to describe Leuven Beach in three words, what would they be?
Rens: “Summery. Community. Ambitious. That’s what it’s all about for us. Creating that beach vibe in the heart of the city, bringing people together around sport and fun, while staying ambitious in what we organise each year. That’s what makes Leuven Beach special.”
Neven: “For me: Connection. Enjoyment. Hospitality. Because Leuven Beach isn’t just a tournament — it’s a meeting place. From families coming for pétanque to international top players giving their best — everyone feels welcome.”

And your new slogan this year?
Rens and Neven: “Our slogan is simple: Summer as it should be. Right after Covid, we used ‘Let’s enjoy the summer together’. This year we wanted to make it even more genuine. Leuven Beach is about vibe, fun and top-level sport. No ticket prices, no barriers — just enjoying great sport in a unique setting. That’s how it will stay.”

Programme highlights:
Belgian Beach Tour (12–13 July)
Futures Pro Tour (18–21 July)
Company tournaments (11/18 July)
Side games (kubb 14/7, spikeball 15/7, pétanque 17/7, darts/cards 17/7, bingo 16/7)
Party Time! DJ sessions (11 & 18 July)
Family Days (12 & 19 July)
New this year: King of the Court (13 July)

Text: Kenny Hennens
Picture: Pim Waslander