In the vibrant coastal nation of The Gambia, the stage is being meticulously set for an event that transcends mere competition. From September 4 to 6, 2025, Banjul will host the CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Championships, a pivotal gathering not just for crowning continental champions, but for actively shaping the future of African youth in sport. This championship is more than a tournament; it is a critical stepping stone in a comprehensive development pathway, meticulously designed to identify and nurture the continent`s most promising young beach volleyball talents.
A Collaborative Vision for Youth Development
This initiative springs from a powerful collaboration between Olympic Solidarity and the FIVB, spearheaded by the innovative Volleyball Empowerment programme. Their joint mission extends far beyond the sun-drenched courts of Banjul. It’s part of a broader Youth Athlete Development Programme, strategically geared towards preparing these young athletes for global stages, most notably the Youth Olympic Games 2026. While the glitz of Olympic competition often captures headlines, the diligent groundwork — the sustained investment in coaching, technical support, and resources — rarely receives the spotlight it deserves. Yet, it is precisely this unseen labor that underpins the dreams of future champions.
Investing in Raw Talent: Nations on the Rise
The commitment to long-term athlete development is visibly manifesting across the continent. Several national federations are already reaping the benefits of tailored support, while others are in the pipeline, establishing their own ambitious projects. The results are palpable:
- Morocco, for instance, has leveraged six months of dedicated coaching assistance under Ezio Goia, a figure instrumental in managing all Moroccan beach volleyball national teams.
- Senegal recently concluded an intensive 12-month coaching phase, aiming to consolidate its emerging talent pool.
- Host nation, The Gambia, has not only secured approval for its own comprehensive 12-month youth beach volleyball programme but is also demonstrating its regional ambition by hosting this significant championship.
- Cape Verde is currently midway through a year-long coaching project with Marcio Araujo, a holistic approach covering both male and female beach volleyball teams.
These structured programmes are the bedrock upon which athletic excellence is built. In the girls` competition, Morocco, Senegal, The Gambia, Cape Verde, Congo RDC, Namibia, Tunisia, and Egypt are set to compete. The boys’ category mirrors this enthusiasm, with Morocco, Senegal, and The Gambia fielding strong contenders, joined by Côte d’Ivoire (benefiting from a 12-month multi-sport project under Mirko Culic), Ghana (awaiting its own programme), Congo RDC, Namibia, and Sierra Leone. Each team represents a unique story of dedication and the collective aspiration to elevate African beach volleyball.
Beyond the Court: Nurturing the Ecosystem of Sport
True development extends beyond the players themselves. Recognizing this, the FIVB, through its Volleyball Empowerment programme, generously invested USD 6,000 to facilitate the CAVB International Referee Candidates Course (IRCC) in The Gambia. Held on September 1, under the expert guidance of Brazilian referee specialist Mr. Elzir Martins, this course attracted 22 candidates from 20 different National Federations, alongside 7 observers. This proactive investment in officiating underscores a fundamental truth: a sport`s growth is intrinsically tied to the quality and integrity of its supporting infrastructure. Good referees ensure fair play, and fair play ensures the sport`s credibility and appeal. It`s a testament to a holistic approach, ensuring that as players rise, so too does the entire ecosystem that supports them.
The Gambia: A Hub for Tomorrow`s Stars
For The Gambia, hosting the U18 Championships is more than an honor; it is a strategic declaration. As a nation actively engaged in a development project, staging this event solidifies its intent to become a central hub for youth beach volleyball in the region. It`s a statement of ambition, signaling a clear pathway for young athletes within and beyond its borders.
A Glimpse into the Future
The CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Championships in Banjul will undoubtedly crown new continental champions. More importantly, it will serve as a powerful beacon, highlighting the substantial progress being achieved through the seamless collaboration of National Federations, CAVB, FIVB, and the IOC via its Olympic Solidarity programme. For many of the young athletes poised to compete, this event will be far more than just a tournament; it will mark the decisive beginning of their arduous, yet exhilarating, journey towards future continental, world, and perhaps, Olympic glory. The sands of The Gambia are not merely a playing surface; they are the fertile ground where Olympic dreams are sown, nurtured, and set to take flight.
Rupert Caldwell