Athletes converge on Devon to contest UKBT National Junior Championships 2025

The event was contested across three age categories – U14, U16 and U18 – with the first and last of those played on the Saturday and the middle group on Sunday. 

A total of 47 teams from around the country competed in North Devon. 

In the U14 age group, Reika Hashimoto and Sno Dixon emerged victorious in the girls’ competition, while Patrick Towfighi and Patrick Olivier clinched the boys’ section. 

A competitive U16 women's section saw Erica Soledad and Mikeighla Cabrejas pip Tilly Hutton and Robyn Clifford to gold, while Julia Simonetta and Erika Hashimoto were in third. 

For the U16 men, Luca Robinson and Sam Evans came out on top, ahead of Callum Shamerza and Tali Rees in second, with Tio Constantinou and Lucas Rijvers in third. 

The eldest age group at U18 level was another feast of action before Jennifer Rates and Charlotte Anderton struck gold, as Tilly Hutton and Robyn Clifford claimed the silver and Sophia Chedgy and Shannon Baxter the bronze. 

Tomo Iwata-Furlonger and Luca Robinson took the men’s title, meanwhile, with Josh Cosgrove and Reece Jarmon second and Dylan Parsons and Emmanuel Oretoye third. 

“Here at Fireball we were really proud to host the UKBT National Junior Championships for the first time in Croyde Bay,” said event organiser Sam Dunbavin, who is also a national talent pathway coach. 

“The level of play across both days was extremely high, with some amazing volleyball on display. A big congratulations to everyone who competed and a massive thank you to the parents who brought them to Croyde.  

“It's great to see athletes from across the country competing for the title of national champion. The ambition and skill level on display is testament to the great work going on in clubs across the country.  

 “We are really proud to be able to support junior beach volleyball across the UK and want to keep doing so in the future. We are so excited at the way our range of events for young people is growing every year, thanks to our partners for continuing to support us as we help our British juniors shoot for the stars!” 

All the gold medallists won a voucher for a discount on Fireball's 2026 summer camps in Croyde. 

The Spirit of the Day award - who won a Dryrobe chaging robe of her choice, for displaying fantastic attitude and reflecting the performance values that are encouraged - was Julia Simonetta. 

Catch more content from the event on the Fireball Facebook page by clicking here.