PHILIPSBURG:--- The Performance Sports Academy (PSA) Athletics Association is preparing to welcome young basketball talent from across the region for the 3rd Annual U15 Paradise Showdown, scheduled for October 3–7, 2026, at the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium.
The five-day tournament will bring together teams representing Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, Saba/Aruba, Anguilla, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, Tortola, and Statia for several days of competition, training, development, and regional exchange. The first three days will feature four games per day, followed by crossover games, semi-finals, and the championship final during the closing stages of the tournament. More than 90 players, coaches,
officials, and team representatives are expected to arrive in Sint Maarten by air and ferry beginning October 2. This figure does not include family members and supporters who will also be traveling with the delegations.
PSA looks forward to welcoming the visiting delegations to Sint Maarten and providing them with an opportunity to experience the island both on and off the basketball court. A new feature of this year's tournament is the opportunity for selected top-performing players to travel to Tampa, Florida, for several days of additional basketball training and exposure. During the visit, selected athletes will have opportunities to engage with individuals connected to
junior colleges and NCAA Division II programs, allowing them to gain greater insight into
potential educational and athletic pathways.
The Paradise Showdown also continues to emphasize grassroots basketball development. Experienced coaches from the United States will lead morning training sessions and work directly with student-athletes and coaches from the participating teams. Referee development will also form part of this year's program. PSA, in collaboration with the Netherlands Basketball Federation (NBB), will focus on strengthening the development
of local and international officials, with the aim of improving officiating standards alongside the growth of players and coaches.
“As passionate proponents of youth sports development, we are committed to offering young athletes opportunities to develop, gain exposure, and compete at a higher level,” said Omar Beauperthuy, Founder of PSA.
The Sint Maarten U15 team has been preparing for the tournament and is looking forward to representing the island and showcasing its skills in front of a home crowd.
The tournament will tip off on Saturday, October 3, with Sint Maarten facing Guyana at 4:35 p.m., followed by Statia versus St. Kitts and Nevis at 5:40 p.m., Saba/Aruba versus Anguilla at 6:45 p.m., and Saint Martin versus Tortola at 7:50 p.m.
Competition continues on Sunday, October 4, with St. Kitts and Nevis facing Saint Martin at 5:00 p.m., Guyana versus Saba/Aruba at 6:05 p.m., Statia versus Tortola at 7:10 p.m., and Sint Maarten versus Anguilla at 8:15 p.m.
PSA encourages the public to come out and support the participating teams throughout the tournament and extend Sint Maarten's well-known hospitality to the visiting athletes, coaches, families, and supporters. Admission is US$2.00 for children under 18 and US$4.00 for adults. The full game schedule and tournament updates are available via Instagram at performance_sports_academy_sxm and Facebook at Performance Sports Academy – PSA.
PSA looks forward to welcoming the community to the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium for five days of competitive youth basketball and regional sports development.
