The ITTF–CONSUTEME Circle 8 initiative will bring together young athletes and coaches from South American Member Associations to participate in a high-level training program and competitive tournament. The development activity and event are scheduled to take place in Asunción, Paraguay, from 5-11 March and will be hosted with the support of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.
Each participating association is invited to send an official delegation comprising two U13 athletes (one boy & one girl), two U15 athletes (one boy & one girl), and two coaches, female and male.
The training camp will take place from Wednesday, March 5, until Saturday, March 8 which will include targeted coaching seminars on March 6-7. Training will be led by ITTF expert coach Nuria Castro (ESP), supported by Francisco Seijas (CHI).
The Mixed Team Competition will take place from Sunday, March 9 until Tuesday, March 11, just prior to the WTT Youth Contender Asunción: March 13-16, 2025. Please refer to the playing system document: English | Spanish
This initiative provides a unique opportunity for young players to develop their skills in a structured training environment before testing their abilities in a competitive setting.
“This initiative provides a unique environment for young players to experience high level training followed by a competition focused on a high volume of matches. Focusing it within the continental regions means it is an affordable competition that is not in direct conflict with anything else but actually provides further training and competition opportunities, especially for female players. A mixed team competition for youth players is a vital enhancement to their training and competition calendar, and we are looking forward to this pioneering activity in Paraguay, which will soon be followed by more such activities in the Americas”. Mikael Andersson, ITTF Sports Development Director
The success of this initiative is expected to pave the way for similar events across the American continent. A corresponding training camp and Mixed Team Competition will also take place later in the year in the Dominican Republic, hosted at the newly established Caribbean Training Center. This will provide Member Associations from the Caribbean region with a similar platform to develop young talents and foster regional collaboration.
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“The Circle 8 is a fundamental initiative that becomes an essential part of ITTF Americas’ portfolio, consolidating a key process for the development of our young talents in both categories. With this program, we ensure the continuity of the development pathway for U13-U15 players, allowing them to strengthen their technical and competitive foundations in a high-level environment, supported by top coaches and specialists.
The realization of this event in the Dominican Republic will not only strengthen our future table tennis stars but will also mark a milestone with the opening of the Americas Training and Development Center. This center will serve as a hub for the training of athletes, coaches, and officials across the region, providing sustainable and accessible growth opportunities.
This great achievement is possible thanks to the support of the ITTF and the joint efforts with our national federations, which have been key players in making these projects a reality. The synergy between ITTF Americas and the ITTF allows us to drive innovative strategies that enhance the development of our sport across the continent.
We are convinced that this project will have a lasting impact on the table tennis ecosystem in the Americas. We are not only developing better players, but we are also investing in the professionalization of the sport and the establishment of structures that will ensure our continent remains competitive at the global level. ITTF Americas will continue to support innovative initiatives that strengthen both the present and the future of table tennis in our region.” – Juan Vila, President ITTF Americas
This new initiative represents a significant step forward in the development of table tennis in the Americas. By combining structured training with competitive play, the initiative aims to nurture the next generation of athletes while fostering unity and collaboration within the sport. With strong backing from ITTF Americas and Member Associations, this initiative is set to become a cornerstone of table tennis development in the continent and beyond.