Avengers beat Panthers in ongoing Women’s Futsal League

November 10, 2020 by
Avengers WFC with Makeda and Ebony Fahie kneeling in front
Photo: BVIFA

Makeda and Ebony Fahie created a little bit of football history on Saturday, November 7 when the sisters both scored hat tricks in a 7-2 win for the Avengers WFC against the Panthers WFC, in the BVI Football Association’s Futsal League at Cedar School.

Ebony opened the scoring for the Avengers in just the 2nd minute and although Morgan Creque leveled for the Panthers from the penalty spot in the 24th minute and the teams went into the break at 1-1, it didn’t take long for the sisters to blow the Panthers defense wide open in the second half.

Makeda hit a quick fire brace in the 27th and 28th minutes to make it 3-1; Ebony made it 4-1 in the 32nd minute; Keliene Smith made it 5-1 in the 38th and, after Zariya Smith pulled one back for the Panthers in the 46th minute, the sisters both rounded off their free scoring afternoon with a third goal each to make the final score 7-2.

“It was very exciting and rewarding, especially because before the game I challenged myself to help the team get at least 3 goals,” commented Makeda. “It’s been years since we’ve played and we’re all out of shape, but we were determined to win!”

The game marked the first time the sisters had both scored hat tricks in the same game and Makeda was quick to praise her sibling: “I was definitely proud of her because normally her passion for the game sometimes gets the better of her and the team, but she remained focused.”

Ebony also noted that fitness was an issue, but it was great to be back playing and scoring goals. “The Panthers played an extremely competitive game, and it was definitely a challenge, but one I relished,” she said “I’ve always enjoyed playing alongside my sister (Makeda). She’s my wing!”

Avengers coach, Jeffrey Demming commented he was pleased to get off to such an emphatic start. “I think overall we were more organized than the Panthers and the girls did all I asked of them in terms of moving the ball around and taking shots. The Panthers though were an incredibly determined team, and it was only in the last few minutes our fitness proved a difference,” said Demming.

Panthers coach, Jacintha Weeks also felt fitness proved a difference. “We will need to work on that aspect and definitely be back stronger,” she said. “Overall, I am proud of the team and we are all determined to do better in the coming games.”

The Avengers are back in action against VG United on Saturday November 14 with a 4.30pm kick off at Cedar School.

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Basketball Federation launches 3×3 District Tournament

November 10, 2020 by
Photo: BVI Basketball Federation Facebook

President of the BVI Basketball Federation, Mr Derrick Varlack, announced that the Federation is seeking interested persons to register for the 3×3 district tournaments in an effort to familiarize themselves with the 3×3 game.

Mr Varlack noted that “the Federation has been reviewing viable solutions to rejuvenate and sustain basketball throughout the Territory. We believe that 3×3 basketball is a new option for basketball in the territory, which provides opportunities for basketball players regionally and internationally.”

“As we prepare to enter the 2021 basketball calendar year, we anticipate facilitating several 3×3 tournaments in addition to the traditional 5 on 5 basketball leagues across the BVI. We will continue providing support in efforts to foster the development of basketball while promoting an active lifestyle in our community,” said Mr. Varlack.

The BVIBF 3×3 district tournament coordinators are:

D1 Deshaun Hodge/ Ray Victor
D2 Verne Turnbull
D3 Milton McLean
D4 Ronald Simmonds/Bryant Thomas
D5 Kennedy Bass
D6 Nathaniel Malone/Byron Massicot
D7 Vanceto Pickering/ Kareem Thomas
D8 Kareem Thomas/Vince Pickering
D9 Mark Noel

Interested persons should contact the BVIBF for more information at bvibasketball@gmail.com or at (284) 340 – 3790. Updates on the BVIBFs plans, athletes, community initiatives and more can be found on the federation’s social media pages at @bvibasketballfed.

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Tortola U15s and U17s win BVIFA Talent BVI

November 9, 2020 by

Tortola U15s and U17s emerged victorious after the second legs of the BVI Football Association’s Talent BVI Inter Center games on Saturday, November 7 at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground.

Both games fulfilled all the hype and expectation as first the very well-prepared VG U15 team gave their Tortola counterparts a few nervous moments in a much more competitive game before losing 1-3 (2-6 on aggregate over both legs).

Rush Broderick, with two goals and Omari Simmonds were finally able to ensure the result went the way of Tortola, but Emmanuel Etienne’s goal kept his team in with a chance right to the end.

The VG U17s had also done their homework having lost the first leg 2-1, by virtue of their away goal and needed just a 1-0 win at home to be victorious in the tie.

However, despite restricting Tortola to very few chances, they were unable to capitalize on the opportunities they created, and an extremely competitive game ended in stalemate at 0-0. Tortola grabbed the bragging rights, winning 2-1 on aggregate.

According to Coach Tinnie Percival, “it was good to see how well the VG teams looked tactically and technically and they had obviously put in a lot of hard work. The U15 game was much closer than the score line suggested and both the U17s teams played with good purpose and determination. The game could have gone either way, with chances being missed at both ends from start to finish.”

Percival concluded that all teams have shown good progress and encouraged both players and coaches to continue putting in the work. The sentiments were echoed by the BVIFA Technical Director, Mr. Dan Neville, who noted that it was great to see the program back up and running following a break during lockdown.

“Talent BVI is our national centre to define, nurture and develop talented players on the islands,” said Neville. “It bridges the gap between grass roots football and national team selection and is a vital component of our football strategy. These games marked the restart of the program to assess where players were in their journey and there were some great performances all round which is pleasing.”

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2020/21 Women’s Futsal League underway

November 2, 2020 by

With much deserved fanfare and celebration the BVI Football Association launched its 2020/21 Women’s Futsal League at Cedar School on Saturday, October 31 and was rewarded by a tantalizing game of football between two evenly matched teams, which was highlighted by a hat trick from Darci Reich and saw the Wolues beat VG Utd 6-2.

BVIFA Executive member in charge of Women’s Football, Mrs. Loralee Walters-Abrams, 1st Vice President, Mr. Avanell Morton, 2nd Vice President, Mr. Aubrey Liburd, FA Treasurer, Mr. Kenrick Grant and Mr. Eustace Freeman, representing the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports were all on hand to welcome the clubs and also to compliment the hard work of the coaches and event organisers that had gone into making the League possible.

“Women’s Football has been absent for a while,” commented Grant. “But after all the things that have taken place it is nice to see all the teams that are ready to take part and over the coming months this participation will only get bigger.”

Playing two 25-minute halves, the action was fast, furious and full of action-packed excitement with both teams looking to gain the technical and tactical advantage.

VG Utd went ahead on a goal by Kezia Gumbs which was cancelled out by Zolita Bamford, but it was Reich who provided that little bit of magic that turned the game in favour of the Wolues, scoring a quick fire brace to make it 3-1.

Gabrielle Jermain made it 4-1 to the Wolues before Reich completed her hat trick. Gumbs then scored her second to make it 5-2, but any chance of a VG comeback was snuffed out by Tola Broderick who made it 6-2.

BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton was unable to attend due to Covid 19 restrictions but was very proud of the work carried out by the coaching and technical staff in getting the competition off the ground. “Whilst definitely long overdue, the patience of our women players and their dedication to the sport is a wonderful indication that the League will be just the start of many things to come. The coaches and technical staff are working tirelessly to get the women to a high level of play, and it won’t be long before the BVIFA can select a national team to be competitive in the region,” said Bickerton.

The Panthers FC will play the Avengers FC with a 4.30pm kick off on Saturday, November 7 at Cedar School.

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Virgin’s Cup and William Thornton Race | Women At The Helm

October 26, 2020 by
21 boats entered 2020 Virgin’s Cup and William Thornton Race on Saturday, October 24

Victoria Rowlette at the helm of “Whoop Whoop” defended her title in the 2020 Virgin’s Cup and William Thornton Race on Saturday, October 24.

21 boats entered the race ranging from the Corsair trimarans to 40ft cruising boats and 12 foot dinghies. The Virgin’s Cup, sponsored by the Willy T, is always a popular event, getting women on the helm and encouraging families to get out together on the race course and enjoy the party at the end,

After a week of very light winds Saturday dawned with cracking conditions and sunshine, and even the rain stayed away.

First away was the monohull fleet, their course taking them up the channel to Hog Valley Green, across to Deadchest and then passing Peter Island to starboard. Next around Pelican and the Indians before heading to the finish in the Bight. Linda Phillips on IC24 Latitude 18 nailed the best start and away they went.

A pre-start loss of steering aboard Tranquillo saw them start a little late under emergency tiller but that was not going to stop them! The team went on to finish fourth overall and win the best dressed crew award for showing true commitment with custom made event crew shirts.

Meagan Woodman’s sail training Beneteau 23 were also a little late for the start and opted to sail a ‘modified course’ taking a direct route to the Willy T.

Next up were four trimarans who delivered a spectacle and, after a quick line re-set, the dinghies were sent off on their more direct route, leaving the Indians to port before heading for the finish. First to arrive at the finish line was Colin Rathbun with his UFO and just over a minute behind him, Christian Thompson in the other. Still relatively new to the BVI, it seems the window for ideal foiling conditions is small.

Next in was Samuel Allen who took the Laser Radial win. The Bight is notorious for flukey wind and the first to struggle with the tricky gusts coming into the finish were Charlotte Matthews and Dwayne Palmer with Palmer coming out on top by just 3 seconds. Despite having the best start, Max Reshetiloff closed out the Radial fleet in fourth.

Liz Killeen and Rob Lind also had ‘some fun’ with the finish and only just edged out Stephen Ganga in the RSFevas. 10 year old Darcey Lilleyman sailing with dad Tom finished third in the Feva class to wrap up the dinghy fleets.

It was little surprise to see the bright orange hull of Whoop Whoop taking line honours for the big boats. At 13 years of age, Victoria Rowlette, defended her title from 2019, leading Ting a Ling, helmed by Candice Nichol, by six minutes. Next in was Sarah Ebrill with Airgasm to take third in class and third overall. Rounding out the trimaran fleet was Sam Brown at the helm of The Flying Pig.

The most remarkable finish was delivered by the Firewater team with Dee Bowden at the helm. While not their finest moment, they had still done enough for the Melges 24 to edge out the chasing IC24s. Coming in with just 37 seconds between them, Racing in Paradise and Latitude 18 were a delight to see on the race course again as neither one has raced since the hurricanes of 2017 with hopes that there will be more to come from them. RIP just took the edge with the helm shared between Claire Potter, Katie Westlake and 5 1/2 year old Rosie Wooldridge who also won the youngest competitor award. Linda Phillips and the Latitude 18 team came in third in racing and sixth overall.

First home in the cruising class and far enough ahead to hold off the chasing pack, was Odyssey, another boat where the helming duties were shared. Well done to Lisa Sutherland-Pilch, Claudia Delahoy and Judy Petz. Becky Paull skippering Aira were next home but second went to the Wicked Winch team helmed by Becca Brannigan. Finally, still looking good in their red shirts, was Tranquillo to take fourth.

The Royal BVI Yacht Club and event organising committee thanked Ewan Anderson and all the team at the Willy T for another great race wrap and the prizes. Thanks were also extended to PRO Bob Phillips and Leslie for race committee work and photography and to Julia, John and Mandi for providing safety cover for the dinghy fleet.

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Talent BVI Elite Football Programme progresses with inter island matches

October 26, 2020 by
Talent BVI Elite Football programme progresses with matches between Virgin Gorda and Tortola on October 24, 2020. Photo: BVIFA

In trying to provide realistic game time for the U15 and U17 players in the BVI and as part of its ongoing Talent BVI Elite Football Programme, the BVI Football Association organized a series of matches between Virgin Gorda and Tortola based squads, on Saturday 24th October, 2020.

The first legs of the games were played at the national stadium venue in East End / Long Look and saw Tortola teams emerge victorious.

The U15’s played first, and Tortola won 3-1 with goals coming from Joharie Lacey, who opened the scoring on an assist by DeAndre Rogers. Rogers went on to score twice on assists from Lacey and Adrian Padilla, whilst Sammy Guilford was the scorer of the lone goal for Virgin Gorda.

The U17 game that followed shortly after was keenly contested with lots of good combination passing from both teams. Sheldon Harry broke the deadlock 5 minutes into the second half with a close-range effort and Miles Creque extended Tortola’s lead, breaking through the defense and slotting home past the keeper. Virgin Gorda pulled it back to 2-1 with the goal of the game coming from the boot of Kimbo Deming, who let fly from fully 25 yards out.

Virgin Gorda were unable to find the equalizer and the game ended at 2-1 but will take heart from their performance as the teams head back to Virgin Gorda for the second legs on October 31st.

According to Coach Tinnie Percival “Both games were played in good spirit but were extremely competitive. The kids showed good skills and positive attitudes. With constant training and regular games, I can only see these kids getting better and stronger.”

The BVIFA’s Talent BVI programme is designed to bridge the gap between grass roots football and national team training.

Players born between 2008 and 2003 who show a talent to potentially play in national teams are invited into the Talent BVI programme so they can develop and the BVIFA can continue to monitor their progress ahead of potential national team age group selection

The programme consists of two centres, one on Tortola and one on Virgin Gorda, with training taking place on a Saturday afternoon in Tortola and Saturday morning on Virgin Gorda.

For more information, contact the BVIFA at bvigensec2@gmail.com.

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Women’s Football League to kick off October 31

October 13, 2020 by
The BVI Football Association is preparing to launch its Women’s League on 31st October, 2020

Following the highly successful Women’s Festival Cup and the increasingly popular national team training programmes both on Tortola and Virgin Gorda, the BVI Football Association is now preparing to launch its Women’s League, with opening day scheduled for 31st October, 2020.

Floods, storms and pandemics may mean it is almost four years since the Ballstars were crowned “Champions” after seeing off the challenge of the youngsters from VG United, but it now will be the turn of the next generation to spearhead the resurgence of the women’s game.

Just this past weekend, the likes of Ariel Mohammed, Darci Reich and Tinia Van Zoost – all products of the BVIFA Schools’ Programme – took center stage as the national players took part in a training session and practice match.

“The future is looking great,” commented Wayne Phillip who is in charge of the programme along with Anna French of Virgin Gorda. “The energy and interest coming from the girls proves we are heading in the right direction and it is definitely exciting times.”

In the match, Team Mohammed beat Team Van Zoost 3-1 on goals from Reich (2) and Morgan Creque, whilst Kezia Gumbs was also on the scoresheet.

Although some of the more experienced players are still around to mentor the youngsters and challenge them to become even better, according to Phillip, 70% of the players are under 19.

Whilst the national team squad training takes place three times a week, the BVIFA’s plans will bring a competitive atmosphere to supplement the work of Phillips and French.

Each of the teams participating will be affiliated to a member club of the BVIFA and must include a qualified coach. They ideally will play in the same colours as the parent club and all players will be registered with the BVIFA.

Initially the games will be 5-a-side and take place to coincide with men’s games on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

Four teams have already completed the registration process, The Wolues, the Avengers, the Panthers and VG Utd. The other clubs are putting together rosters and any females still not signed are encouraged to seek out a club or contact the BVIFA office.

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FIFA awards clothing, equipment to BVIFA in recognition of continued development of football despite COVID-19 challenges

October 8, 2020 by
BVIFA awarded clothing & equipment from FIFA as it plans to launch Youth Academy Leagues as of 1st November 2020

As recognition for the work put in by the coaches and players in keeping the game going throughout the unheralded Covid 19 pandemic, the world governing body, FIFA’s, Technical Division has awarded the BVI Football Association a huge bundle of clothing and equipment.

In a letter to the BVIFA, Mr. Steven Martens, FIFA Technical Director, expressed his gratitude for the commitment, hard work and creativity shown by the coaches and demonstrated by the players as local football looks to overcome the many issues thrown up by the pandemic.

Most recently, following the protocols of the Government of the Virgin Islands which have allowed training and practice to resume under official guidelines, the BVIFA and its coaches were able to get youth programmes back up and running on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada.

According to Dan Neville, the FA’s Technical Director, Jost Van Dyke will soon follow and plans for a Youth Academy League can now also continue.

“We are delighted to be recognized for hard work in getting our programs up and running. The equipment FIFA have so kindly donated will have a huge impact on all players. A massive well done to all the BVIFA staff and a big thank you to Lenny, Jason, Andre and Gareth for their incredible ongoing support,” said Neville.

Apart from a supply of clothing, the shipment from FIFA includes, balls, boots, bibs and shin guards

Noting that now is the time for everyone to come together and live the FIFA values of Fair Play, Team Spirit, Transparency and Innovation, Martens hopes the token of appreciation will go along way to helping the BVIFA to continue it’s development programmes.

A hope shared by Neville, who confirmed the aim of the BVIFA “to put the equipment to good use and further enhance every aspect of football – youth, senior, male or female – in the islands”

The youth programmes are especially important to the BVIFA as well as the clubs as plans are progressing to launch Youth Academy Leagues as of 1st November 2020.

Each of the association’s member clubs have been approached to affiliate U17 and U13 squads of both boys and girls and appoint a qualified coach to run the teams that will then participate in a 5-a-side or 7-a-side League on Fridays and Saturdays.

So far 6 clubs have accepted the invitation, the Wolues, the Panthers, the Sugar Boys, Sea Argo, Old Madrid, VG United, Lion Heart, One Caribbean and the Rebels.

Once the BVIFA receives Government approval, schools’ programmes are also ready to be rolled out, so getting the youths back training across the Territory will be pivotal in the competitive future of the game.

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Chalwell debuts in England FA Youth Cup

September 16, 2020 by
Luka Chalwell has become the fist BVIslander to play in one of the English Football Associations most prestigious competitions, the FA Youth Cup.

Luka Chalwell has become the fist BVIslander to play in one of the English Football Associations most prestigious competitions, the FA Youth Cup, which since its inception back in 1952, has now grown to over 400 clubs entering the competition hoping to lift the coveted trophy.

Chalwell, a shining light from the BVIFA’s Schools, Youth, Club and National Squad player pathways, joined the likes of David Beckham, George Best, John Barnes, Ryan Giggs, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Paul Gascoigne and Gareth Bale who all have taken the opportunity afforded by the competition to go onto bigger and better things.

English Premier League giants, Liverpool are current Champions, Chelsea won the Cup the previous five times, Manchester United have lifted the Cup 10 times overall and it is the competition that launched their fabled “Class of ‘92” , so, whilst Chalwell’s debut may be with the slightly less renowned Poole Town FC , he is still rightly proud of his achievement.

“I am grateful to have been given this opportunity with Poole and even happier to have helped the team advance to the next round,” commented Chalwell after Poole had progressed with a 4-1 victory against Dorchester Town.

Meanwhile the BVIFA’s Technical Director, Dan Neville was equally as enthusiastic over the importance of Chalwell’s debut: “The FA Youth Cup is known around the world, so to have one of our young players involved is another milestone in the progress our players are making and the benefits our progammes are starting to produce.”

However, Neville also hopes Chalwell’s achievement is just the beginning. “It is very important we continue to provide our home-grown players with a variety of opportunities and competition in order for them to reach their full potential,” he said.

Neville also believes now is the time to create even more mile stones and memories, so maybe it wont be long until a BVIslander is not only playing in the FA Youth Cup, but also other major competitions in front of a full house at one of the world’s iconic football stadiums!

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Reds are BVIFA U12 Youth Festival Cup Champions

August 25, 2020 by
Reds are the BVIFA U12 Youth Festival Cup Champions 2020

The Reds are the U12 Youth Festival Cup Champions after defeating the Blues 2-1 in the decisive game of the Championship which took place on Saturday August 15, 2020 at the National Stadium, East End / Long Look, Tortola.

Team Green and Team Orange were also in action, competing in round robin league playoffs to determine the positions for the Championship finals.

In the final, T’Andre Frett scored twice to secure the win, whilst Christian Vanterpool netted a consolation for the Blues.

On the way to the Championship game, the Reds were off and running with a 2-1 win over the Greens as goals by Othneal Gillings and Charlie Potgeiter sandwiched a strike by Latriel Williams, but were then held to a 0-0 draw by the Oranges and in the semi final they faced the Greens again, coming out comfortable 3-0 winners with eventual Golden Boot recipient, Gillings firing home a hat trick.

The Blues secured their place – bouncing back from losing 0-1 to team Orange on a goal by Quinn Poscoe – by holding the Reds to a stalemate and then beating the Greens 1-0 to reach a semi final against the Oranges, which they won 2-1 with Vanterpool scoring a brace, whilst Myles Penn netted for the Oranges.

The winning coach was Jeffrey Demming for the Red Team, Chelsea Edwards was judged as MVP, Othneal Gillings Golden Boot, Akeem Paddy best goalkeeper, Chelsea Edwards best defender, and Christian Vanterpool best midfielder

In the other games played, Green played Orange to a 1 – 1 draw with Latriel Williams and Sam Potgieter both finding the net and Orange redeemed themselves by defeating the Green team 2-1 to capture the third-place position.

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