Villa Lidköping defends its crown and dominates the U17 world of bandy
Juan José Saldaña
January 8, 2026

Youth bandy once again delivered a snapshot of intensity, talent and international projection at a Club World Cup that confirmed the sport’s strong momentum. Over five days of competition, the tournament brought together young players who not only fought for titles, but also represented the future of a discipline that continues to expand its reach and raise its competitive level.

In this setting, the men’s U17 category produced a thrilling conclusion, marked by a final filled with emotion and high technical quality. The growth of youth bandy was reflected both in the quality of play and in the number of participating teams, a clear sign that more and more countries are investing in development pathways as the foundation for the sport’s long-term strengthening.

Villa Lidköping and a final that left its mark

Villa Lidköping confirmed its stature by successfully defending the Men’s U17 Club World Cup title, defeating IFK Vänersborg 6–4 in an intense final that remained open until the closing minutes. The scoreline reflected a dynamic match in which both teams committed to attacking play and delivered goals noted for their quality and creativity.

Beyond the result, the match showcased the constantly rising level of youth bandy. Several of the goals were genuine works of art, celebrated by the crowd as signs of the talent emerging in this category. For Villa Lidköping, the gold medal confirmed the strength of a solid project, while Vänersborg claimed a valuable silver after a performance that left positive impressions.

A complete podium and clear signs of growth

The podium was completed by Edsbyn, who claimed the bronze medal after a 3–1 victory over Nässjö IF in the third-place match. That contest also underlined the tournament’s competitiveness, with teams capable of sustaining intensity and tactical discipline in decisive games, even after several days of continuous competition.

The participation of 18 teams across the Men’s U19 and U17 categories over this extended weekend stands as a clear sign of the growth of youth bandy. Each new edition attracts more clubs and countries, strengthening sporting exchange and raising the standard of play. This context confirms that grassroots development not only broadens the sport’s base, but also drives the quality and international projection of bandy.

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