The Chargers Volleyball organization has officially launched its highly anticipated 2026 Summer Volleyball Camp, marking the third consecutive year of the youth-centered programme that continues to grow in size, visibility and community impact across Antigua and Barbuda.
The camp, which runs from June 22 to August 14 at the Liberta Playing Field, is open to boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17 and combines volleyball skills training with mentorship, fitness, excursions, team-building activities and personal development.
Over the last three years, the Chargers Volleyball Summer Camp has evolved from a grassroots sports initiative into a respected community development programme aimed at building not just athletes, but leaders.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Chargers Volleyball Director Franz deFreitas said the camp was designed to create meaningful opportunities for young people during the summer period while helping to shape discipline, confidence and life skills.
“This camp is about far more than volleyball,” deFreitas said. “We are creating a safe, structured and inspiring environment where young people can learn teamwork, discipline, leadership and self-belief. Sports can transform lives, especially when programmes are intentional and community-focused.”
He added that many families face challenges finding affordable and productive summer activities for children, and programmes like the Chargers camp help fill a critical gap.
“When you invest in youth development, you invest in the future stability and progress of the nation. Every child engaged positively in sports, mentorship and structured activity is one more child moving toward purpose and away from negative influences.”
The camp includes beginner and advanced volleyball coaching, mini tournaments, conditioning sessions, exciting excursions, guest presenters, mentorship opportunities and recreational activities designed to keep participants active and engaged throughout the summer.
Chargers Volleyball Head Coach Rosemarie Simon said the camp has already had a measurable impact on many young athletes who have passed through the programme over the last three years.
“We have seen tremendous growth in confidence, communication skills and athletic ability from many of the children who attend our camp,” Simon explained. “Some came in shy and uncertain, and now they are leaders on the court and among their peers. That is one of the most rewarding parts of this programme.”
Simon emphasized that the camp welcomes all skill levels and aims to make volleyball accessible to youth from various communities and backgrounds.
“Not every child will become a national athlete, but every child can benefit from structure, teamwork, discipline and positive mentorship. Those lessons carry into school, family life and eventually the workforce.”
The continued expansion of the Chargers Volleyball programme also reflects a growing recognition of sports as an important pillar of national development.
Community advocates have increasingly pointed to organized youth programmes as critical tools in reducing anti-social behavior, improving mental and physical health, strengthening social bonds and creating pathways for scholarships and international opportunities.
Programs like the Chargers Summer Camp are also helping to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting culture by introducing more young people to volleyball at an early age while promoting healthy lifestyles and constructive use of free time during the summer months.
Parents have also praised the initiative for providing affordable access to quality coaching and meaningful activities in a safe environment.
This year’s camp is expected to attract participants from across multiple communities, with organizers encouraging parents to register early due to limited spaces.
The weekly registration fee is EC$25 per participant, with transportation available on excursion days for an additional EC$20.
Organizers say the long-term vision is to continue expanding the programme while creating stronger pathways for youth athletes to progress into competitive volleyball locally, regionally and internationally.
As Chargers Volleyball enters its third year of summer programming, the organization says its mission remains unchanged: building champions on and off the court.
