Africa`s most promising young beach volleyball talents are gearing up for the CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Championships, taking place in Banjul, The Gambia, from September 4 to 6, 2025.
This event, a joint initiative by Olympic Solidarity and the FIVB, serves as a crucial preparatory stage for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. It forms a key component of a broader Youth Athlete Development Programme, which aims to blend elite competition with consistent, long-term support for athlete growth.
The FIVB’s Volleyball Empowerment initiative remains instrumental in fostering the growth of national teams throughout Africa. This programme delivers tailored coaching, technical assistance, and vital resources to National Federations. Many teams participating in the Banjul championships are direct beneficiaries, with others actively setting up their own projects under this scheme.
In the girls` division, Morocco has received six months of coaching support from Ezio Goia, who also oversees all Moroccan national beach volleyball teams. Senegal has concluded a 12-month coaching phase. The host nation, The Gambia, has secured approval for a year-long youth beach volleyball programme. Cape Verde is currently implementing a year-long coaching project with Marcio Araujo, benefiting both their male and female teams. Other nations competing in the girls` event are Congo RDC, Namibia, Tunisia, and Egypt.
The boys` competition mirrors this developmental landscape, with Morocco, Senegal, and The Gambia benefiting from similar initiatives as their female counterparts. Furthermore, Côte d’Ivoire is progressing with a 12-month project encompassing both indoor and beach volleyball, led by coach Mirko Culic. Ghana is also anticipating the launch of its beach volleyball programme. Additional participants in the boys` category include Congo RDC, Namibia, and Sierra Leone.
Prior to the championships, the FIVB facilitated the CAVB International Referee Candidates Course (IRCC) in The Gambia, investing USD 6,000 through its Volleyball Empowerment programme. Held on Monday, September 1st, the course was expertly led by Brazilian referee specialist Mr. Elzir Martins. This initiative saw significant engagement, drawing 22 candidates from 20 diverse National Federations, along with 7 additional observers.
Hosting the U18 Championships represents a substantial opportunity for The Gambia. As a nation approved for a dedicated development project, organizing this event underscores its aspiration to become a central hub for youth beach volleyball in the region.
The CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Championships will do more than just crown continental champions; they will also showcase the extensive progress achieved through collaborative efforts among National Federations, the CAVB, the FIVB, and the IOC`s Olympic Solidarity programme. For numerous young athletes in Banjul, this competition is anticipated to be the launching pad for their aspirations in future continental, world, and Olympic events.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood