Hit Squad road show rolls on

The UEFA Hit Squad have had a busy few days as preparations for next month's UEFA European Under-21 Championship gather pace with promotional events in Arnhem, Terborg and Amsterlveen.

Tickets on offer
First port of call was Arnhem, which was visited during Hommelsemarkt on 17 May, which is organised every Ascension Day. It is one of the biggest markets in the Netherlands, attracting more than 60,000 people each year. Former Dutch international Marc van Hintum was part of the team that toured the city and spent his day signing autographs, showing off his skills in the Target Shooting and fending off challengers in the Street Battle game. More than 400 contestants tried their luck against Van Hintum and, though he remained undefeated, there was consolation for his opponents as they won tickets for this summer's finals.

High interest
Two days later the UEFA Hit Squad moved on to Terborg during the town's international tournament, one of the standout events in the national calendar. The youth competition lasted three days and was watched by around 4,000 spectators on 19 May when PSV Eindhoven, AFC Ajax, Feyenoord and De Graafschap, together with Chelsea FC, CA Boca Juniors, C. Atlético Mineiro and Zambia were all represented. PSV ultimately prevailed, beating Boca Juniors 3-2 after extra time, with the UEFA Hit Squad located next to the main pitch. Interest was high as 500 people attempted to hit an inflatable target and take on another former Dutch international, Bert Konterman in the Street Battle, with tickets to be won.

Amsterlveen visit
On 20 May another championship, the Torneo del Futuro in Amsterlveen, was taken in. This U10 event featured sides from the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Italy, with FC Barcelona overcoming Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the final. The UEFA Hit Squad were based between the two pitches and every team took part in the target shooting, as did 300 spectators with yet more tickets for the finals on offer. Rob Witschge, assistant coach of the Netherlands national squad, was the promotional team's VIP and spent much of his day signing autographs.

Hit Squad schedule
The UEFA Hit Squad are visiting a total of 21 events between April and the final on 23 June. Click here for the full schedule.