Prior to the intervention of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme, Cape Verde`s beach volleyball aspirations faced significant hurdles. The sport suffered from inadequate infrastructure, insufficient personnel, and a shortage of proper equipment. Training sessions were erratic, national teams lacked strategic planning, and athletes had limited exposure to international tournaments.
Antonio Carlos Rodrigues, president of the Cape Verde Volleyball Federation, elaborated on these challenges, stating that training was often disrupted by a lack of structured plans, including an Olympic cycle strategy, and even basic necessities like suitable balls and nets. He added that there was no consistent technical guidance or a defined development path, making international competition seem unattainable due to both financial limitations and inadequate preparation.
A turning point arrived in 2023 when the National Federation secured $84,000 from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme to initiate a year-long coaching initiative. This funding provided the much-needed framework for continuous technical oversight, the establishment of national training hubs, and expanded prospects for both seasoned and emerging players.
Rodrigues observed a significant transformation, noting a marked improvement in athlete dedication and training quality. He highlighted the benefits of regular sessions, expert technical instruction, and well-defined objectives, leading to a more professional environment and heightened athlete motivation.
Beyond direct player support, the program also invested in training referees and grassroots coaches, simultaneously fostering the development of U21 and U18 age groups. He further explained, “We launched initiatives to train new coaches and referees, and established training centers for national teams that also serve to nurture younger talents.”
Central to this transformation is Marcio Araujo, a Beijing 2008 silver medallist and former world champion. He has been instrumental in implementing rigorous planning, contemporary training methodologies, and cultivating a stronger competitive spirit within the teams.
Rodrigues praised Araujo`s contribution, stating, “Coach Marcio Araujo instilled technical expertise and a renewed sense of confidence. His vast experience profoundly impacted the players` mental and tactical readiness. He introduced more efficient training approaches and was key in forging a robust competitive identity within our squad.”
Araujo himself viewed this opportunity as more than just coaching; he saw it as a chance to forge a sustainable, long-term program, unleash the potential of local athletes, and remain engaged throughout an entire Olympic cycle. He affirmed his commitment, stating, “I believe in this project wholeheartedly; otherwise, I wouldn`t be involved. I am confident that Cape Verde possesses immense athletic talent, and with opportunities for exchange programs, we can elevate our performance even further. My intention is to remain in Cape Verde and see this project through to the conclusion of the Olympic cycle. I am fully convinced we are on the correct trajectory and that, very soon, Cape Verde will establish a significant presence on the international stage.”
The impact of the program is evident in the national teams` recent achievements. In 2024, the women’s duo Janice & Ludmila Varela secured fourth place at the Continental Cup in Morocco. Alongside the men’s pair Admilson & Ivan, they also competed in the Zone 2 phase in Dakar. Both teams claimed the national championship title, and Janice & Ludmila further advanced, finishing within the top 16 at the Beach Pro Tour Futures event in Marica, Brazil, thereby earning valuable world ranking points.
Ludmila emphasized the program`s profound effect: “It has significantly transformed our technical and tactical development. Previously, our performances were subpar, but we`ve now made remarkable physical and tactical strides. We even achieved our first-ever podium finish in Europe at the Lusophone Games in Portugal in 2025. This progress has fueled bigger aspirations. We now aspire to compete in a World Championship and even the Olympic Games, feeling truly confident that these goals are within our grasp.”
Admilson echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on his journey: “Though beach volleyball is deeply ingrained in the culture of Sal Island, where I grew up, we had never before experienced such a high caliber of training and competition.” He added that these advancements have intensified their desire to participate in more international events, pledging their commitment to improving and inspiring the nation`s youth.
To further support player growth, the Cape Verde Volleyball Federation inaugurated a national beach volleyball circuit in 2024. This circuit comprises three regional stages and two national tournaments, hosted across various islands. The competition schedule is meticulously aligned with the training program, providing athletes with crucial experience on diverse playing surfaces and under varying environmental conditions.
Rodrigues explained the purpose of the circuit: “Our goal is to establish and sustain a dynamic internal competition system, which we intend to expand and enhance year after year. By holding competitions on different islands with varying surfaces and wind conditions, we significantly refine our athletes` technical and tactical abilities, preparing them to excel in any competitive setting.”
Even with constrained resources, the federation persistently worked to solidify the structure supporting its national teams. Rodrigues noted, “The federation diligently synchronized the national competition calendar with the technical framework established by FIVB`s assistance.” Furthermore, strategic alliances were forged with national institutions and corporate entities, facilitating the implementation of the 2024 action plan and establishing a foundation for 2025.
Looking ahead, the primary objectives include qualifying for the 2025 FIVB World Championship and securing greater participation in international tournaments.
Rodrigues articulated their long-term vision: “Our aim is to integrate international competition as a routine aspect of our development, rather than a rare occurrence. We are focused on Olympic cycles, nurturing more teams prepared to proudly represent Cape Verde on any international platform, at any given time.”
To sustain this momentum, the immediate next steps involve investing in enhanced training facilities, bolstering the technical staff, and refining a long-term development strategy.
The president confirmed, “We are actively supporting U21 athletes and initiating a U18 championship specifically to cultivate players dedicated solely to beach volleyball. This is a crucial step towards elevating our performance to unprecedented levels.”
Rodrigues concluded that perhaps the most profound impact of the program lies in the fundamental shift it brought to how teams and staff perceive and engage with the sport. He stated, “The Empowerment program has vividly demonstrated that professionalism is achievable even with limited resources. Our aspiration is for this professional culture to permeate all tiers of volleyball in Cape Verde, from school programs to national teams. We now grasp that reaching grander stages and competing in any international tournament is entirely feasible, provided the fundamental requirements for participation are met.”
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood