Credit: VdL
On Thursday 19 March 2026, the City of Luxembourg (VdL) announced it will host “Rencontres sans frontières” (“Encounters without borders”) a sporting and intercultural day on Saturday 13 June 2026, at the Boy Konen Sports Complex in Cessange.
The VdL detailed that the programme for the event, which will take place from 11:30 to 21:00, includes football and beach volleyball tournaments, as well as a friendly intercultural festival combining music, games and activities for the whole family.
Organised in collaboration with CLAE Services (Comité des liaisons des associations d’étrangers) and OPTIN, the day intends to highlight sport and intercultural exchange, demonstrating the City’s commitment to integrating the many nationalities living in its territory through sport and culture. According to the VdL, the capital of the Grand Duchy currently has approximately 70% residents of foreign origin and 168 different nationalities.
For the 2026 edition of “Rencontres sans frontières,” particular attention will be given to the family-friendly aspect of the event. Throughout the day, a wide range of activities, games and attractions will be offered to all visitors: a children’s course (“Abenteuerland”), an XXL darts game, a mini-golf course and a small football pitch specially designed for young children. Inclusive sport will also play a central role, with a football match featuring the Bananenflanke Luxemburg team.
Smoothie and ice cream stands will complement the offerings, while participants and spectators will also have the opportunity to discover culinary specialities from different countries.
The day will conclude with musical performances from 18:00 to 21:00, including an “open mic” session open to both amateurs and professionals.
Each football tournament is open to both men and women and will be played with teams of ten players: six outfield players, one goalkeeper and three substitutes. To encourage cultural mixing, each team may have a maximum of four players of the same nationality. This intercultural tournament provides a unique opportunity to bring together athletes from diverse backgrounds around a shared passion: sport. Each match will last ten to twelve minutes.
The beach volleyball tournament is open to men, women and young people aged thirteen and over. Teams will consist of five players, including one substitute. To promote diversity, each team may have a maximum of three players of the same nationality. Incomplete teams will be completed with individually registered participants.
Individuals or teams wishing to participate in “Rencontres sans frontières” can register at https://www.vdl.lu/en/visiting/leisure-and-recreation/festivals-fairs-and-events/sports-events/rencontres-sans-frontieres-0, by email: rsf@optin.lu or phone: 26 259 026, subject to availability.
Additionally, the “Rencontres sans frontières” team will be present at the Festival of Migrations on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026 at Luxexpo The Box in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, where registration will also be possible.
Participation in “Rencontres sans frontières” is free of charge.
