Polders Trophy Gistel, Belgium - 22 untill 23 May 2010 (Whitsun) (be)

During Whitsun, the Belgium coast is always a popular destination, but a visit in combination with the Polders Trophy is a must for football enthusiasts. The tournament is known for its relaxed atmosphere and the participants can sample this after arriving on Friday evening. That evening, everyone will attend the welcome evening in the event clubhouse. The first round games will then be played on Saturday. The programme is paused at 1 o’clock when the welcome ceremony is held in an Olympic style. After the ceremony teamleaders will be invited at the reception in the clubhouse. In the evening there is also plenty to do and see at De Kegge Sports Park, namely: the party in the clubhouse and the Penalty Cup on the main pitch. On Sunday, the remaining first round games, the ranking games and the finals will be played in Champions league style. Those that do not get this far will not be bored, as the Belgium coast with the resorts of Ostend and Middelkerke offer pleasure to young and old. On Sunday evening, this edition of the Polders Trophy is brought to an end with a simple, but pleasant prize-giving ceremony.

As well as participation at the tournament, Euro-Sportring also arranges the accommodation for the participants. Participants can usually choose between school accommodation, group accommodation (youth accommodation and bungalows) and hotels. The accommodation we offer has been selected with care and must comply to a number of conditions such as are they within easy reach of the sports park, do they provide value for money, are they suitalbe for sports groups, are they safe and are the management fliexible. For more information about the available accommodation please see the pdf pricelist which can be found on this website.

Ostend, 10 km from Gistel, is known as the 'Queen of the Coastal Towns' and is the only Belgian coastal resort that is as lifely in the winter as it is in the summer. Culture, sport, gastronomy: there's a huge variety of things to choose from. Because of the fact that thousands of English tourists visit Ostend each year, the English even call the city of Ostend 'the most British town in Europe'.

Why not combine a day at the beach with a museum? In Ostend, you can visit the North Sea aquarium (open daily from 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00, entrance fee up to € 2,-) or the Amandine ship, which houses an interactive fisheries museum (open daily from 10.00 - 18.00) and beach visitors can go (kite) surfing at a number of locations. Bruges, 20 km from Gistel, with its beautiful centre filled with monumental buildings is one of the tourist highlights of Belgium. No wonder that the city lures many tourists every season of the year. In particular the 'Grand Square' and area around it, is famous for its cultural treasures. Bruges' main shopping and entertainment centre is also around the 'Grande Square'. This is where all the shopping streets such as the Steenstraat and the Zuidzandstraat, meet up but don't forget to check out the side streets as there are some gems there too. There are also two markets on Saturdays.

Bruges is a great town for an evening out, With no end of pubs, beer houses, bistros and restaurants. Younger people flock to the Eiermarkt and the pubs and nightclubs on Op 't Zand.

The 'Grande Square' is the centre of Bruges cultural life. You can't miss the 83 metre, octagonal Belfort tower, from where you'll enjoy wonderful views of the city and even the coastline when the weather permits! Discover Bruges from the other side by taking a boat trip which will transport you around the canals. There are five departure points (incl. the Nieuwstraat and Wollestraat). Boat trips daily between 10.00 and 18. 00 hours

Dolphinarium Boudewijnpark in Bruges is one of the largest Marine Animal Parks in Europe with more than 25 attractions and shows. Discover the World of the Sea and meet the dolphins, sea lions, walruses and seals during the various shows. A delightful Dolphinarium day is not only filled with things to learn about, but also full of excitement with great fun. The little ones can visit Bambinoland, but the `Hurricane`, the `Orca-ride`, the wild river, an indoor ice-skating rink and a Big Wheel are attractions for the older ones. Opening hours: daily from 10.00 hrs till 17.00 hrs. For information: www.boudewijnparc.be

Funpark Plopsaland in Adinkerke-De Panne (30 km from Gistel). Funpark Plopsaland to admire the first rays of sunshine in the Fairy Tale Forest, feel the wind in your hair during a ride in the Dragon or at the wild river of the Castle of King Samson. For the little ones there is Plopgarden with f.e. the traffic parc, the Plopsa Train Express and a huge playground with all kinds of attractions. Plopsaland has more than 30 attractions and shows for young and old, so bring a visit to Plopsaland and experience another beautiful day at the Belgian Coast. Opening hours: daily from 10.00 hrs till 17.30 hrs. For more information see www.plopsaland.be

Gistel (11,000 inhabitants) is located in West Flanders. Gistel is an attractive, rural municipality close to the tourist attractions of Ostend and Bruges. An important event in Gistel is the annual Godelieve procession. This large procession is held every year in July to honour the canonized Godelieve of Gistel.