The sandy shores of Banjul, The Gambia, are preparing for an event that transcends mere competition. From September 4 to 6, 2025, the CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Championships will gather Africa`s brightest young talents, not just to crown champions, but to lay crucial groundwork for future Olympic aspirations and solidify the continent`s growing presence in a sport often associated with leisurely seaside fun.
More Than Just a Game: A Strategic Investment in Talent
While beach volleyball might appear to be a spontaneous dance on the sand, the path to elite performance is anything but casual. This upcoming championship is a direct result of a meticulously crafted “Youth Athlete Development Programme,” a collaborative brainchild of Olympic Solidarity and the FIVB. Its core mission is twofold: to provide high-level competitive exposure and to ensure sustained, long-term investment in these burgeoning athletes.
At the heart of this strategic push lies the FIVB’s “Volleyball Empowerment” initiative. This program, far from a fleeting gesture, provides targeted coaching, technical support, and essential resources to National Federations across Africa. It’s a pragmatic approach, recognizing that raw talent, however abundant, requires structured nurturing to truly flourish.
Nurturing the Future: Nations Benefiting from Empowerment
The roster of teams arriving in Banjul tells a compelling story of ongoing development. Several nations have actively embraced and benefited from the Volleyball Empowerment program, transforming potential into palpable progress:
- Morocco: Their girls` teams have been immersed in six months of coaching under the experienced guidance of Ezio Goia, who also oversees all Moroccan beach volleyball national teams.
- Senegal: Both their male and female programs have recently completed a comprehensive 12-month coaching phase, indicating a sustained commitment to athlete improvement.
- The Gambia: As the proud host nation, The Gambia has secured approval for its own 12-month youth beach volleyball program, underscoring its ambition to become a regional hub for the sport.
- Cape Verde: Currently running a year-long coaching project with Marcio Araujo, encompassing both male and female beach volleyball teams, highlighting a holistic development strategy.
- Côte d’Ivoire: Advancing with a 12-month project that spans both traditional volleyball and beach volleyball under coach Mirko Culic, showcasing a broad approach to sport development.
- Ghana: Acknowledging the potential, Ghana is also awaiting the commencement of its dedicated beach volleyball program.
Other formidable contenders in the girls` competition include Congo RDC, Namibia, Tunisia, and Egypt, while Congo RDC, Namibia, and Sierra Leone will also challenge for top honors in the boys` bracket. This diverse participation underscores the widespread impact of these development initiatives.
Beyond the Sand: Cultivating Expertise Off-Court
True sport development extends beyond just the players. A robust sporting ecosystem requires skilled officials. Recognizing this, the FIVB, through a substantial investment of USD 6,000 via its Volleyball Empowerment program, facilitated the CAVB International Referee Candidates Course (IRCC) in The Gambia. Held on September 1, just days before the championship`s start, this critical course was led by the esteemed Brazilian referee expert, Mr. Elzir Martins.
The initiative attracted significant participation, with 22 candidates from 20 different National Federations, alongside an additional 7 observers. It`s a pragmatic acknowledgment: even the most acrobatic serve or a perfectly executed block requires a discerning eye to interpret the rules. Without fair and competent officiating, the integrity of the game – and indeed, the developmental pathway – would quickly erode. One might even suggest that perfecting the art of signaling a net touch is as vital as perfecting the jump serve, ensuring the grand spectacle unfolds with precise technical authority.
The Gambia`s Moment in the Sun
For The Gambia, hosting these U18 Championships is a landmark event. Having secured approval for a comprehensive development project, staging a continental championship is a powerful statement of intent. It signifies the nation`s commitment to nurturing its young athletes and establishes its ambition to serve as a pivotal center for youth beach volleyball in the region. This isn`t merely about hosting a tournament; it`s about building a legacy.
The Road to Olympic Dreams
The CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Championships will, of course, crown continental champions. But its true impact lies in its broader implications: it showcases the tangible progress achieved through a concerted, collaborative effort involving National Federations, the CAVB, the FIVB, and the International Olympic Committee through its Olympic Solidarity program. For many of the young athletes competing on Banjul`s sands, this event is far more than just a few days of intense play. It is, hopefully, the inaugural stride on a remarkable journey – a journey that could very well lead to future continental glory, world championships, and ultimately, the grand stage of the Olympic Games.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely