Event Description
Fireball Beach Volleyball are excited to bring you the UKBT National Junior Championships, returning once again to the breathtaking shores of Croyde, North Devon. Framed by rolling dunes and the iconic coastline of Croyde Bay, this location has become synonymous with world-class junior beach volleyball in the UK.
The National Junior Championships stand as one of the biggest and most important junior beach volleyball events in the entire UK, drawing athletes from every corner of the country. Each year, the tournament showcases the rapid growth, commitment and talent within the UK’s junior beach volleyball community. Previous editions have delivered unforgettable moments – from packed sidelines to outstanding displays of athleticism – and 2026 promises to raise the bar even higher.
Across two action-packed days, junior athletes will battle for national titles in the U20, U18, U16 and U14 categories. Medals at this event represent not only personal achievement but also a significant milestone within the UKBT junior pathway, making the Championships a key highlight of the national beach volleyball calendar.
Whether you are an athlete, coach, parent or supporter, this weekend in Croyde brings together the country’s brightest young stars, offering an atmosphere full of energy, ambition and national-level competition.
Dates
Saturday, 11th July will see the country’s best U18 and U14 players compete for national titles. Both categories feature two tiers. The Championship Division is designed for top, more experienced players, while the Trophy Division is ideal for developing athletes or those newer to competitive beach volleyball.
Sunday, 12th July is the U20s and U16 Day, with two divisions mirroring Saturday’s categories. The Championship Division is designed for top, more experienced players, while the Trophy Division is ideal for developing athletes or those newer to competitive beach volleyball.
Further Details:
- Entry is first come, first served with limited spaces available.
- Players may enter any division they choose within their correct age category.
- Entry Deadline: 29th June or when the relevant tournament becomes full.
Age Categories:
U20 – The player must be born 1st September 2005 and thereafter (Up to school year 14)
U18 – The player must be born 1st September 2007 and thereafter (Up to school year 13)
U16 – The player must be born 1st September 2009 and thereafter (Up to school year 11)
U14 – The player must be born 1st September 2011 and thereafter (Up to school year 9)
Current entry List can be found here. Please allow 48 hours for this to be updated.
What Division Should I Enter?
For the U20, U18, U16 and U14 categories, we offer two divisions:
- Championship – Recommended for players with at least three years of regular beach volleyball experience.
- Trophy – Recommended for players with less than three years of regular experience.
The goal with splitting into two divisions is to allow players to compete at a level that is suitable to them and give them a great competitive experience.
Cost
- All categories cost £40 per team.
UKBT Membership & Seeding
All players competing in the event must hold a UKBT membership. These can be purchased/renewed on the UKBT site here.
Seedings for the event will be done using the UKBT seeding system.
Accommodation & Event Location
We strongly recommend that you book accommodation in advance. The area is likely to be very busy in July. We recommend Parkdean Ruda for large static caravans, Incledon Farm for a great, affordable, friendly and family-run campsite; there is a Travelodge and Premier Inn in Barnstaple, about a 30 minute drive away.
We will have an event tent, centre court setup, commentating and more set up. We will also have Fireball stash on sale and up for grabs for the winners. We recommend that you bring food with you to the beach; the nearest decent supermarket is a 20-minute drive away. There are a small corner shop, cafes, food vans and more a 5-10 minute walk from the beach.
Cancellation policy
Our cancellation policy can be found here. Our events will go on in most weathers – so please be prepared to come along! Pulling out due to rain or cold on the day will not be treated as an acceptable excuse, and you will not receive money back.
If the event is cancelled for any reason, you will receive a full refund.
If your circumstances change and you cannot attend, please let us know with 48 hours notice to receive a full refund. Between 48 hours and the event start time, you will receive a half refund; after the event start time you will not receive a refund.
Spond: The Fireball Events Hub
All pre-event communication, schedule and seedings will go out through our Fireball Events Spond app. You can also use Spond to help find someone to play with and ask any questions.
This is a free app-we are asking all players to join our Spond here.
