Antigua & Barbuda Names National Teams For 2026 Ecva U20 Beach Volleyball Championship

The Antigua & Barbuda Volleyball Association (ABAVA) has officially announced the men’s and women’s national teams selected to represent the country at the 2026 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-20 Beach Volleyball Championship, to be held in Saint Kitts & Nevis from 10–12 July 2026.

The selected athletes represent the next generation of Antiguan and Barbudan beach volleyball talent and have earned their places through commitment, consistent training, demonstrated performance and technical ability.

• George Freeland
• Miguel Peña-Lugo
• Coach: Jamarie James

George Freeland enters the championship with valuable senior international experience, having represented Antigua & Barbuda at the 2026 ECVA Senior Beach Volleyball Championship. Throughout his international appearances, he has demonstrated the technical ability, maturity and composure required to compete successfully at the regional level.

Joining him is Miguel Peña-Lugo, who has represented Antigua & Barbuda at the ECVA Under-21 Beach Volleyball Championship over the past three consecutive editions. His continued selection reflects his dedication to the sport and the experience gained through consistent regional competition.

Together, Freeland and Peña-Lugo form the country’s most experienced and competition-ready men’s beach volleyball partnership currently available for selection, bringing established chemistry, tactical awareness and regional exposure into the championship.

• Philisha Burnette
• Faith Gibson
• Coach: Rosemarie Simon

Philisha Burnette previously represented Antigua & Barbuda at the 2025 U18 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, where she gained valuable exposure against some of the region’s strongest junior athletes.

Faith Gibson, while relatively new to beach volleyball, has distinguished herself through athleticism, technical competence, coachability and a strong commitment to development. Throughout the national preparation programme, she has demonstrated the qualities necessary to compete at the regional level while continuing to build valuable international experience.

Both athletes have shown the potential to represent Antigua & Barbuda with confidence and professionalism as they continue their growth within the national programme.

Preparation for the championship has included a national training programme designed to strengthen technical execution, tactical awareness, communication, physical conditioning and team cohesion ahead of regional competition.

The Antigua & Barbuda Volleyball Association (ABAVA) extends its sincere appreciation to the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Eastern Caribbean (ANOCES) for its valued support in making Antigua & Barbuda’s participation in the 2026 ECVA Under-20 Beach Volleyball Championship possible.

With the support of ANOCES, participation in this upcoming championship is possible, and ABAVA is sincerely grateful for its continued partnership and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Antigua & Barbuda’s athletes to develop, compete and proudly represent their country on the regional stage.

Through its continued investment in youth sport and regional athlete development, ANOCES provides opportunities for athletes across the Eastern Caribbean to gain invaluable international exposure, compete at a high level and further their sporting development.

As Team Antigua & Barbuda prepares to depart for Saint Kitts & Nevis, ABAVA proudly stands behind these young athletes and their coaches as they prepare to compete against the region’s best. Their selection reflects their commitment, potential and willingness to represent Antigua & Barbuda with pride on the regional stage.

ABAVA remains committed to creating opportunities for athletes to develop through meaningful competition while continuing to invest in the growth of volleyball across Antigua & Barbuda. As these young ambassadors take to the sand, they carry with them not only the hopes of a nation but also the opportunity to continue building the future of beach volleyball for those who will follow.

One Team. One Nation. One Passion.

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