Six junior volleyball teams will be representing Bermuda at the Nike Boston National Qualifier at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Centre over the next two weekends.

The Nike No 1 started this Friday and No 2 is next Friday. For the first tournament, two teams competing from Paradise Hitters Volleyball Club will be playing in the 13 and under and 15 and under divisions.

An addition, two teams from Big Wave Riders Volleyball Club will be playing in the 15 and under and the 16 and under divisions.

In the second tournament, Paradise Hitters will send one team for the 17 and under division, while Big Wave Riders will send one team for the 18 and under division.

“All teams have been practising very hard for this tournament outing and we’re excited to see them in action,” said Gary LeBlanc, club director and national team committee (indoor) chairman.

Kamryn Martins, the head coach of Paradise Hitters under-13, praised the commitment shown by the young athletes.

“Our under-13 team consists of dedicated athletes between the ages of 11 and 13, with several players now in their fourth year in the junior programme,” Martins said.

“Watching their growth in both skill and confidence has been incredibly rewarding. This season they have advanced their skill set and taken on new positions and rotations, adapting quickly and showing a strong understanding of the game.

“This trip to Boston is about more than competition. It is an opportunity to test their development in a high-level environment. We have high expectations for this group and are eager to see them rise to the challenge.”

This tournament will be the second outing of the season for the Paradise Hitters under-15 team, coming off of their great finish at the Florida Holiday Challenge in Daytona Beach, Florida, in December.

Sean Tucker, the under-15 coach, is excited about the team’s participation.

“I’m thrilled for our under-15 Paradise Hitters girls as we head to Boston this weekend for a three-day tournament,” he said.

“Their hard work in training has been unreal. I’m so proud of their performances and growth.

“Coming off a silver bracket win last season and fifth place in Daytona, we look to continue to show the talents and skills that they have worked so hard to obtain.”

Paradise Hitters Under-17, coached by Mike Gazzard, will be attending their second tournament of the season as well.

“The under-17 team heads to the Nike Boston National Qualifier having put in a tremendous body of work over the past several months,” Gazzard said.

“The girls have trained consistently and with real intent, pushing the standard at every practice.

“That commitment translated into results as the team finished the Winter League on a high note, winning the final tournament-style competition and securing first place.

“Their performance reflected the hard work, drive, and resilience they have developed this season.

“We will look to carry that momentum and those lessons into Boston as we compete against top-level opposition.

“This is our final travel event of the year, the girls are motivated to perform at their highest level and represent Bermuda with pride.

He added: “A sincere thank you to the Bermuda Volleyball Association and our sponsors for their continued support. Opportunities like this are only possible because of their commitment to the programme.”