The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has announced its readiness to host the 2025 edition of the FCT Minister Volleyball Challenge, a highly anticipated tournament featuring 53 teams from 33 volleyball clubs across Abuja.

The tournament, designed to promote grassroots sports and uncover new talent within the territory, is scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 4 at the Package B complex of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and head of the FCT Volleyball Caretaker Committee, Commodore James Aliyu Pindar (Rtd), disclosed this in Abuja at a press briefing. He emphasised the tournament’s role in discovering and nurturing volleyball talent to elevate the sport’s standard in the FCT.

Pindar said: “Our vision for this year is to select players at 3 layers (under 17, 21 and senior team) that would constitute standing volleyball teams in the male and female categories that would be capable of representing the FCT as a State and the Federation in all volleyball competitions.

“It is worth noting that in the maiden edition last year, we had a total of 30 Club sides with 30 male and 21 female teams that participated. But this year, we have an increase of 33 Club sides, comprising 32 male and 21 female teams, making 53 teams altogether participating.

“It is pertinent to note that all the matches would be played both at the outdoor and indoor courts of the Package B, Moshood Abiola Stadium complex.

“It is quite expedient to mention that in the last couple of months, members of the LOC have been working tirelessly at ensuring a worthwhile and seamless competition.”

Incentives and awards for participating teams and individuals include: Participation grant to all teams (53 teams); Trophies for overall winners only; Medals and cash prizes would be given to only teams that emerge in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions.

Individual awards of medals and cash prizes would also be given to outstanding players (6 for males and 6 for females). Also, T-shirts would be given to MVPs of all matches from the quarter-finals stage.

Others are certificates of participation would be issued to all club sides (33) that participate in the championship; Water and other incentives would be made available to all teams during the matches.

In line with this objective, the Association of FCT Volleyball Clubs has released its 2025 Calendar of Events, which includes: Minister of the FCT Volleyball Challenge – April 30 to May 4; “Catch Them Young” (Under-17) Challenge – September 1 to 7; FCT Beach Volleyball Challenge and Sensitization Seminar, culminating in a Fundraising Dinner – November 1 to 7.