Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- The first Vice President of the Gambia Volleyball Federation Lamin A. Jammeh described Gambia’s hosting of the CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup as a milestone for Gambian volleyball.
The Gambia is hosting the ‘prestigious’ event for the very first time, bringing together 12 countries and 40 young athletes from across Africa for a week long competition at Kasumai Beach, running from September 2 to 7. The championship, organized by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) in partnership with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), is said to serve as a key platform for nurturing young talent and preparing athletes for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
“It’s very important in the sense that it gives our athletes the platform to understand high-level competition and measure their own preparation, Jammeh told The Gambia Journal. “We are not just here to participate but to compete effectively, and that requires serious preparation.”
Jammeh explained that the selection of players started in schools, where most U17 and U18 athletes are found. Open trials were held, after which four players, two boys and two girls, were chosen to represent The Gambia. The teams underwent three months of intensive training, including participation in major preparatory competitions. At a school camp in Algeria, Gambian athletes reached the finals and won bronze medals, while in Nigeria, the boys clinched gold and the girls finished as one of the top-ranked teams. Both qualified for the upcoming World U18 Championship.
“These experiences show that if we maintain this team and prepare them very well, they can continue to fly The Gambia’s flag high,” Jammeh noted.
Despite the success, Jammeh admitted that hosting the event came with significant challenges. “When you come to the beach, it’s just bare land. All the setup had to be done by the organisers, and it involves a lot of cost,” he said. “The international organisers catered only for athletes’ lodging and feeding, while all the ground logistics fell on the Federation. As a small federation, we struggled, but with the help of a few supporters, we managed.”
Beyond the logistical hurdles, Jammeh sees the tournament as a huge motivation for local athletes and a chance for The Gambia to raise its profile on the continental stage. “This is not only about competing. It’s also about interacting, networking, and learning from other countries. It motivates both players and spectators, and it shows that The Gambia is not a bystander, we are here to make our mark,” he stressed.
With the growing success of youth volleyball, Jammeh is confident that The Gambia can compete at the highest levels in Africa and beyond. “Going by their track record in Algeria and Nigeria, and with the support of Gambian fans, I believe this team has what it takes to be champions, Inshallah,” he said.
He also highlighted the Federation’s commitment to building on the lessons learned from this first-ever hosting experience. “This event has been a stepping stone. The lessons we’ve learned will make us stronger and more capable of staging future high-level competitions.”
The Youth Development Cup continues through the week at Kasumai Beach, showcasing Africa’s next generation of volleyball talent and setting the stage for the future of the sport.
