A new chapter in Grenada’s youth sports history kicked off on September 20, as the country’s first-ever Under-23 national men’s volleyball team departed their home island bound for El Salvador, where they will compete at the 2026 NORCECA U-23 Copa America Championships from September 20 to 28.
This tournament appearance is far more than just another competition for the small Caribbean nation: it marks a groundbreaking milestone for Grenadian volleyball, as this is the first time the country has ever fielded a team for the regional continental championship. For the squad of rising young athletes, the 9-day tournament represents a one-of-a-kind chance to go head-to-head with top-ranked programs from across the North, Central America and Caribbean region, honing their competitive skills and earning high-level international match experience that cannot be replicated in domestic training.
Helming the historic squad is head coach Dan Girleanu, with Jerron Phillip stepping into the role of assistant coach, who accompanied the team on their departure from Grenada on Sunday, September 20.
The team’s historic participation is rooted in sustained investment from the Government of Grenada through its Ministry of Youth and Sports, which has prioritized building structured pathways for young local athletes to access elite training, high-stakes regional and international competition, and global exposure. Backing young athletes’ participation in major tournaments like the NORCECA U-23 Copa America aligns with the government’s broader strategic goals: empowering Grenada’s youth population, encouraging widespread adoption of healthy active lifestyles, and nurturing national pride through athletic achievement.
Hon. Delma Thomas, Grenada’s Minister for Youth and Sports, offered formal congratulations to the entire squad for reaching this unprecedented milestone, urging the athletes to compete with discipline, honor and unwavering national pride as they take the court. The Ministry also extended public gratitude to all stakeholders who made the team’s journey possible, including coaching staff, players’ families, event sponsors, national sporting associations and other community partners.
As Grenada continues to expand access to youth athletic development programs and engagement opportunities, the government has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to equipping young people with the tools and support needed to succeed both on the volleyball court and in their personal lives off the pitch, while supporting them to carry Grenada’s flag proudly on regional and world stages.
As the team embarks on this landmark journey, the Ministry of Youth and Sports extended its warm wishes for a successful and memorable tournament for the squad, as they make their debut on one of the region’s highest-level competitive volleyball platforms.