Bermuda are in St Kitts & Nevis for the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Under-21 Beach Volleyball Championships as they chase qualification for next year’s World Championships for the age group.

Hailey Trott and Isabella Sousa, both aged 16, make up the women’s team. The men’s side has 18-year-old Riley Morbey and 17-year-old Marcus Rodrigues.

In the tournament running from Friday to Sunday, the Bermudian teams will be vying for qualification, together with their counterparts from Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, Grenada, British Virgin Islands, St Eustatius, Saba, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Anguilla and the host nation.

Mark Hamilton and Meagan McPeek, the coaches, are not only in St Kitts & Nevis to guide the athletes, but will also be pursuing their International Volleyball Federation beach volleyball coaching certification during the event.

The coaches will benefit from the ongoing FIVB beach volleyball course, which started on Monday and concludes on Saturday. Just like the coaches, the players are also being armed with fresh skills through an athlete training camp, that is being held ahead of the ECVA Under-21 Beach Championships.

Morbey is keen to gain as much knowledge from the tournament, as well as activities lined up before they get into action.

“I am thrilled to back here competing in this high calibre tournament,’’ he said. “My goal is to push my limits, learn from my fellow athletes and coaches, and bring home valuable information that will help me grow as an athlete.”

Sousa shared the same sentiments as Morbey, as she seeks to raise her volleyball standards.

“I am excited for this opportunity because it presents a fantastic chance to enhance my skills and knowledge,’’ she said.

“Engaging with experienced players and coaches will provide valuable insights and elevate my games. I look forward to the challenge and growth this opportunity will offer.”

Trott expressed her excitement about enhancing her skills in an attractive setting provided by the host nation.

“This three-day training course in St Kitts & Nevis has offered us a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in learning while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the island,’’ Trott said.

“My team and I are able to expand our knowledge and skills in a focused setting, surrounded by the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of St Kitts & Nevis.”

Rodrigues is heading into the tournament with a lot of enthusiasm, in the hope of picking up fresh strategies before getting into the actual action.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to receive new pointers and suggestions from other coaches,” Rodrigues said.

“I also hope to gain many new tactics and strategies that come with the sport. When it comes to playing in the tournament, I'm focused on keeping a positive mindset, while giving it my all.

“I’m looking forward to this amazing experience and am excited to be representing my country.”

For McPeek, the chance to join coaches with fellow coaches indicates the serious approach to the sport.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with FIVB and ECVA coaches, as we engage in this invaluable knowledge transfer and certification,’’ the coach said.

“This initiative not only strengthens our coaching network, but also shows our organisations are committed to excellence as we grow Bermuda's representation in this sport.

“Our players have worked hard all summer and we're excited to see them in this first opportunity to compete against other top players from other countries.”

Hamilton expressed his appreciation to the FIVB and the ECVA for empowering coaches and athletes.

“This initiative is to train not just athletes, but coaches to better prepare athletes for advanced competition,” he said.

“This will make coaches more confident in their capabilities by being provided with this certification course. Coaches are being allowed to learn skills required to prepare their athletes, and the athletes to better train in similar conditions they’ll face in the ECVA.”