Women’s National Football team set to play in Concacaf W Qualifiers against SVG and Haiti

April 4, 2022 by
BVI national player Britney Peters at the goal mouth in the CONCACF World Cup qualifier match against Honduras, February 22, 2022
PHOTO: BVIFA

In another historic moment for BVI Women’s Football, the players continue their adventure in the World Cup with games this coming week against St Vincent and the Grenadines and Haiti in the Concacaf W Qualifiers.

Even more momentous is that the game against Haiti will be played on the A.O. Shirley Ground on April 9th with a 4pm kick off making it the first time a Women’s International game will have taken place in the Territory since 2014. That occasion was to mark the 40th Anniversary of the BVI Football Association being affiliated to FIFA, the World Governing body for Football and organizers of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, to be staged in New Zealand and Australia.

While a place on the plane to the “main event” is a dream for the current crop of players, their reality and focus is on an anticipated exciting game to be played at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent and the Grenadines against the Vincy Heat, on April 6th, with a 3.00pm kick off.

Tickets for the Haiti game are still available from the BVIFA office who also are offering a special deal for fans from Virgin Gorda with a round trip ferry crossing on Speedys included in the match ticket price.

Adults are $10 and children U12 just 5$ (VG Special is $30 adults and $20 U12’s).

The squad for the SVG leg has been confirmed as follows:

Ariel Mohamed, captain (Wolues FC), Zariya Smith vice-captain (Panthers FC), Kara Lewis (Panthers FC), Lil-Makeda Fahie (Avengers FC), Gabrielle Jermyn (Wolues FC), Jasmine Cox (Holland FC), Keeley Brickwood (Holland FC), Alicia King (DeMontford Uni.), Shevonne Vanterpool (Avengers FC), Zina Cheikh (Oakham Utd), Olivia Messum (DeMontford Uni), Chandni Wattley (Panthers FC), Britney Peters (Avengers FC), Darci Reich (Wolues FC), Morgan Creque (Panthers FC), Zolita Bamford (Wolues FC), Laverne Fahie (Avengers FC), Kiara Woodley (Wolues FC), Jackisha Rigobert (VG Utd) and Kimberly Smith (Wolues FC).

Head Coach is Wayne Phillip, Assistant Coach is Jeffrey Demming, Manager is Linda Magliore and Team Physio is Sheldon Harry.

“Training has been going excellent,” commented Phillips. “The girls are full of confidence and looking forward to the challenge. I am sure they will give a good account of themselves, and we are going out there to do well. We cannot afford to be over confidant but definitely want to play them on the front foot. In practice games the defense has looked more organized, and at the other end we have been scoring goals!”

The BVIFA is encouraging the public to show support for the Women’s National Team by attending their game against Haiti at the A.O. Shirley Ground which is expected to be well attended and full of excitement.

Contact the BVIFA by telephone on (284) 494-5655 for tickets.

About the Concafaf W Qualifiers*

The Concacaf W Qualifiers is the preliminary round of the 2022 Concacaf W Championship which will serve as the Confederation’s Qualifier to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 and the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games.

The 30 Concacaf Member Associations participating, all ranked 3 and below in the FIFA Women’s Ranking as of July 2021, have been divided into six groups of five teams each as follows:

Group A: Mexico, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda and Anguilla
Group B: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Saint Kitts and Nevis, US Virgin Islands, and Curacao
Group C: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Grenada and Cayman Islands
Group D: Panama, El Salvador, Barbados, Belize and Aruba
Group E: Haiti, Cuba, Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and British Virgin Islands
Group F: Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Nicaragua, Dominica and Turks and Caicos Islands

After group stage play, where each nation will play two matches at home and two matches away, the top finisher in each of the groups – for a total of six teams – will advance to the Concacaf W Championship, joining the top two ranked Concacaf nations (USA and Canada) who have received a bye straight to the W Championship.

Additionally, both Group Stage third place finishers will advance to a FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental play-off. At the conclusion of the event, the winning nation will guarantee its place in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament and the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.

The runner-up and the third place will also progress to a Concacaf Olympic play-in to be played in September of 2023. The winner of the play-in will also guarantee their place in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games and the 2024 W Gold Cup.

*Information source: Concacaf.com

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ,

BVIFA Executive attend CONCACAF workshop to advance football development

March 22, 2022 by
Members of the BVI Football Association Executive Committee spent the weekend of March 12 – 13 in a series of workshops with mentors from CONCACAF, the regional governing body, with the aim of taking the organization to the next level. Photo: BVIFA

Members of the BVI Football Association Executive Committee spent the weekend of March 12 – 13 in a series of workshops with mentors from CONCACAF, the regional governing body, with the aim of taking the organization to the next level.

The two-day workshop, facilitated by Mr. Howard McIntosh, One CONCACAF and Caribbean Projects Manager and Mr. Horace Reid, Caribbean Director, Member Association Affairs, had a main theme and aim of exposing the newly named BVIFA Executive Council to best practices in good governance to improve the overall administration of the game and to address the key roles and responsibilities of the Council.

The BVIFA also had to present its strategic plan, which was approved by the facilitators, discuss its current organizational structure, roles and responsibilities within the organisation, and identify key positions that need to be filled.

“The sessions were very productive,” commented 1st Vice-President, Mr. Avenel “Clarky” Morton. “The gist was that they were happy with where we have reached so far and have empowered us to reach new heights as a Council. This means as the elected officials, we have a responsibility to not be so involved day to day, but make sure the people we put in place are accountable and doing their jobs.”

The Executive Council is similar to a Board of Directors in a company and, according to Morton, it takes football well and truly into the realms of operating just like a successful business.

BVIFA Treasurer Mr. Kenrick Grant echoed the thoughts of his VP: “It was very timely in preparing us to be a body with the right attitude, understanding and knowledge needed for establishing a successful business where we can create leaders. We have already been making necessary changes to transform the organization from the game of football to the business of football and its important that these changes resonate throughout the organisation,” said Grant.

Grant also pointed out that, with the support of FIFA and CONCACAF, the BVIFA has already been making strides to be fully professionalised with a clear separation of the legislative, executive, judiciary and operational functions.

Clubs and National teams have also benefited from the new era and, following implementation of the conclusions from the workshops, those benefits will only continue to take football forward.

Some of the more immediate steps to be taken include the creation of a crisis management committee; development of a communication strategy for all clubs, members, stakeholders and supporters; a review of the player registration process; and a separation of powers by the Council members so they no longer are involved in the various standing committees and the creation of standard operating policy and procedure manuals for the various functions of the BVIFA.

BVIFA President Mr. Andy Bickerton was delighted to report, “the workshop was another steppingstone in the development of football in the islands as we look to match the professionalism of our players and coaches with that of our administration.”

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ,

BVIFA sends members of Men’s National Team to UK training camp

January 24, 2022 by
Members of BVI Men’s National Football Team attend training camp at Bisham Abbey, UK. Photos: BVIFA

The BVI Football Association is taking full advantage of the latest FIFA International Football window by holding a training camp at Bisham Abbey, England under the watchful eyes of Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya.

Despite COVID-19 continuing to cause travel and availability issues for the BVI, a strong squad has been assembled at the iconic base in Bisham Abbey, in the heart of Buckinghamshire, UK for the likes of international teams and top flight clubs ahead of games and Cup Finals at Wembley as well as many other elite sports teams.

“The camp is another step in the development of the Men’s National Team as we work towards the Concacaf Nations League which commences in June,” noted BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton. “It provides another opportunity for our young players to learn from our National Coach, Chris Kiwomya, and understanding the patterns of play he is introducing plus his personal expectations of them.”

Apart from the week long training camp, a highlight will be a friendly game against Anguilla on Thursday 27th January at Bisham Abbey. Both nations have numerous players playing football across Europe at semi pro and full professional levels.

Players attending the training camp include:

Goalkeepers –   Philip Jules and Will Butler
Defenders –   Christian Xavier, Jerry Wiltshire, Vidal Hendrikson, Miguel Marshall, Ikyjah Williams
Malakai Stanners
Midfielders –   Carlos Septus, Luka Chalwell, Jaimie Wilson, T’Sharne Gallimore
Forwards –   Josh Bertie, Tyler Forbes, Jake Forbes, Kevin Fisher

Several of the upcoming players in the BVI were selected but unavailable this time around including Sheldon Toney, Kalani, Denvin Jones, Justin Smith, Luca Reich, Liam Blok, Alejandro Santos, Leo Forte and Gethin Jones.

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Jaleel Croal runs sub 20 PB in Cali 2021 200m finals. 3×3 basketball team perform valiantly against top teams

December 4, 2021 by

Virgin Islands sprinter Jaleel Croal delivered a PB of 20.93 in the 200m finals at the Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games – his first major Games and season opener.

Pitching his speed against faster and older runners in the race, Jaleel did well to pull out all the stops to run sub 21 and place 5th. The new time smashes his previous PB of 21.10 achieved at the end of last  season.

“When I got on the track my main goal was to have fun and run a 21 so after a nice start and execution and finish and a 20.93 – even though I came 5th – I was the happiest man on the track at that moment. There’s more to come and I already marked the guys’ faces!” said Jaleel.

Speaking after the race, Coach Ralston “Grandfather” Henry said, “This is the peak time of season for the sprinters from Ecuador and Brazil and to see him come and run that fast with them is a major accomplishment!”

Jaleel already qualified for the World Athletics U20 Championships with his semi-finals time of 21.24 and he will be back at the same stadium for the event next August 1 – 6.

The medals in the Cali 2021 200m went to Anderson Marquinez (Ecuador, 20.51), Lucas Vilar (Brazil, 20.59) and Lucas Rodrigues Da Silva (Brazil,20.68).

Jaleel and Coach Grandfather return home to the BVI on Saturday, December 4.

The 3×3 basketball team comprising Shakeem Tyson, Michael Richardson, D’/Andre Mitchum and Stephano Paul played their final group game against Venezuela on December 3. The team gave everything they had and put up a much improved performance with contributions from all of them. While they ultimately lost 22-11 they remained very much in touch with their strong opposition until the halfway point when Venezuela showed their class and pulled away. Since that match, Venezuela went on to beat Puerto Rico (in their final group game) and then beat Brazil in the quarter finals. 

“After initially losing out 21-5 to Puerto Rico in their first match to only a day later be pushing Venezuela in a much closer affair shows how far the team has come in such a short amount of time,” said Chef de Mission Adam Murrills. “It also shows a strong mentality in their ability to problem-solve, adapt, work together and improve throughout what has been the BVI’s first International Competition for Basketball since 2010!

“Having spoken with the guys I know that they’re proud (and rightly so!) of how they performed and how they improved throughout the tournament and they’re keen to push on after this and hopefully experience more International Competition in the future!”

President Ephraim Penn who has attended the competitions from the start of the Games was impressed with the level of application and incremental improvement of all athletes and more so with the camaraderie and supportive attitude of the athletes from the different sports ensuring to attend the matches or watch live where physical attendance was not possible.

“The athletes and coaches all arrived as separate teams but as they leave these Games, they depart with a sense of one BVI team which is a very rewarding result in itself,” said President Penn.

“On behalf of the BVIOC, I congratulate Jaleel on setting a new PB coming off the blocks of the final at his first major Games. That he achieved this at the start of the season and racing against more experienced and older sprinters in the middle of their season is all them more exciting for what we can expect to see from him in 2022. Congratulations also to the 3×3 Basketball team who have done a remarkable job of holding their own in new territory. Thank you to the National Federations, their athletes and especially to their coaches, Ralston  “Grandfather” Henry, track and field coach and 2nd Vice President of the BVI Olympic Committee and to Coach West for Basketball for committing to and executing admirable performances at these inaugural Panam Junior Games.”

Thad Lettsome, who is based at Lake Calima with his coach, Chris Watters finished the 2nd day of the regatta with a 7th and 6th place for an overall 6thplace at the start of the final set of races in the one-person ILCA7 laser today, Saturday December 4. 

Coach Watters described the second day of competition as a “tough day”.

“It was cranking windy and we were closer to shore. The guys in 1st and 2nd place are in a race of their own; they have a good 15lbs on Thad. It’ll be a major focus for him moving forward. That and the downwind in heavy breeze flat water,” said Coach Watters. “He’s still not bad shape in the regatta. 6th overall but only 1 point from 5th. Bit of a gap to the medals but there’s some protests for 3/4 going on so we’re not out of it!”

The closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 5 after which the  3×3 team and BVI delegation will return home to the VI while Thad will return to Tulane University, New Orleans and Coach Watters to Florida.

Filed Under: Athletics, Basketball, Cali 2021, Panam Sports, Sailing Tagged With: , , , ,

Croal advances to semi-finals. Lettsome settles mid fleet on day 1 and 3×3 basketball compete in first two games of the Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games

December 3, 2021 by
  • Thad Lettsome on Lake Calima, Colombia at Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games
  • 3×3 Basketball team (L-R) Stephano Paul, Coach Trevor “West” Stevens, D’Andre Mitchum, Michael Richardson, Shakeem Tyson at Cali 2021
  • Jaleel Croal advances to 200m finals of Cali 2021 with a time of 21.24

Congratulations to Jaleel Croal who placed 3rd in his heat of the 200m semi-finals at the Cali 2021 inaugural Junior PanAm Games . His time of 21.24 secured a spot in the finals where he will run in lane 8 at 7:00pm on Friday December 3.

18-years old Jaleel came out of the race feeling positive about his time and performance. “Before the race I was nervous but I said to myself that the hard part is qualifying and the fun part is the finals. Once on the track I felt better and I felt good coming out of the blocks and overall felt the race was good. I am very happy about it and will be ready to give it my 100% in the finals.”

Coach Ralston “Grandfather” Henry also was happy with the race and performance saying, “It was a very good time with which to open the season at this time of the year. He ended the season with 21.10 so coming back with a 21.24 to start the season was very good. I’m looking forward to what we will see in the finals.”

Thad Lettsome closed out his first day of racing the ILCA7 laser with a 5th and 4th place finish out of a fleet of 14 which, according to Coach Chris Watters, is exactly where they planned to be. “Thad did a really good job starting, sailing smart and conservatively. We want to be in the middle of the hunt all the way through the end so we’re hoping for similar conditions tomorrow,” said Coach Watters.

“The first day of the regatta went well,” said Thad. “We’re looking to maintain a consistent score line and then perhaps look at being more aggressive and making a push after the first race as that would mark the half way point of the event.”

Thad will compete in 4 more races with 2 each on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4.

The BVI 3×3 basketball team competed in their first two matches of their first international Game where they lost out to Puerto Rico 5-21 in a shake up match. The 2nd match against Colombia went better for the team as they held the lead for the first part before finally conceding the game by 6 points for a 9-15 score. The team comprising Michael Richardson, Shakeem Tyson, Stephano Paul, D’Andre Mitchum and Coach Trevor “West” Stevens will face Venezuela at 11:30am BVI time on Friday, December 3.

“Today has been a very positive day for Team BVI at the Junior PanAm Games,” said Chef de Mission Adam Murrills. “The day started with a very tough game for our basketball team against one of the favourites. They really showed a strong mentality in bouncing back in their 2nd match against home country Colombia. They still have a chance of qualifying and so there is everything still to play for. After speaking with the boys they are up for the challenge and are looking forward to getting stuck in!

“Thad had a great day out on the water executing objectives which put him in 4th place ready to mount a challenge for a medal while Jaleel did the business in the 200m semi-final and everyone is looking forward to cheering him on in his final where he’ll be going in with no pressure!”

BVI Olympic President Ephraim Penn has been in Colombia since November 21 where he attended the meetings as a member of the Technical Commission as well as attending the Panam Sports AGM and the Extraordinary General Assembly of Centro Caribe Sports along with Secretary General Lloyd Black.

“So far the Cali 2021 Junior PanAm Games have been very busy both from a technical perspective and from the angle of our athletes, coaches and physio, Levi James” said President Penn. “This is a new experience for all but one of our juniors – that being Thad Lettsome who competed in his first major Games at the Lima 2019 PanAm Games. I am impressed with how the athletes have adapted to the demands and expectations of international competition guided by their coaches. They are excited, yet disciplined and focused and are great ambassadors for the Virgin Islands. As Chef de Mission, Adam Murrills is doing an excellent job of making sure that our athletes are well looked after and that the delegation is kept up to date and informed of all schedules and requirements as may be announced by the organisers. As the BVI Olympic Committee, we couldn’t be prouder of our team and we look forward to the action over the next couple of days.”

The live action can be seen on Panam Sports Channel, CBNTelevision.com and CBN Channel 101. Full scores for competing nations can be found on calivalle2021.com.

Filed Under: Athletics, Basketball, Cali 2021, Sailing Tagged With: , , , ,

Zara Brown places 4th in 100m semi-finals at Cali 2021 in season opener

November 30, 2021 by

Representing the Virgin Islands (UK) at the inaugural PanAm Junior Games in Cali, Colombia, Zara Brown finished 4th with a non-advancing time of 11.87 in her heat of the 100m semifinals today, November 30.

Speaking after the event, the 19-year old sprinter said “I feel okay about the race. As a season opener, it gives me a chance to see where I am and what I have to work on going forward – both for indoor and outdoor. It’s been a good experience for me and I can’t wait to be back!”

Coach Ralston Henry noted that this was Zara’s first race after being laid off for so long and a good race for opening the Season early. “I am looking forward to a lot more to come later in the Season and ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

8 competitors will race in the women’s 100m finals on December 1.

100m sprinter Jaleel Croal, Thad Lettsome, sailing the ILCA7 (Laser) in the men’s one person dinghy event, and the 3 x 3 Basketball team comprising D’Andre Mitcham, Stephano Paul, Michael Richardson, and Shakeem Tyson will all compete on December 2. Lettsome will be racing against some of the region’s best sailors aged between 17-22 from 14 countries. The 3 x 3 basketball team – who are placed in group A along with Colombia, Venezuela and Puerto Rico – will face Colombia in their first match.

Following the competitions of the day, the BVI Olympic Committee will host a virtual live chat with the BVI delegation in Colombia at 8:00pm on Thursday, December 2 and which will be streamed on the BVIOC Facebook page when all fans and supporters can tune in and post their questions to the athletes and coaches.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Cali 2021 Tagged With: , , ,

Squash player and flag bearer Luca Reich opens for BVI at Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games

November 27, 2021 by
  • Luca Reich (L) and Chef de Mission/Squash Coach Adam Murrills ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games
  • Luca Reich lost 3-0 to Miguel Gonzalo Pujol (Argentina) in his match at Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games on November 26

Representing the Virgin Islands (UK) at the inaugural Junior PanAm Games in Cali, Colombia, squash player Luca Reich was the first athlete of the team to compete at Cali 2021.

After demanding and challenging games, Luca lost out 3-0 to his higher ranked Argentinian opponent, Miguel Gonzalo Pujol on November 26.

Chef de Mission and squash Coach Adam Murrills reports that given that the event is an Under 23 competition, it was always going to be a tough ask competing against the best players in the Pan American region at the young age of 18.

“These events are exactly where Luca wants to be though in the coming years and so getting this experience at such an early stage in his squash development is invaluable!” says Coach Murrills.

Luca played well and, for periods of the match, managed to match the quality of his more experienced opponent. During those periods he was able to finish the points with a few nice winners.

The next stage for Luca is going to be developing the ability to maintain that quality for long periods whilst under pressure and physical duress. This will come with more matches at this level.

Having just started studying at Western University, both player and coach are hopeful that through Western Mustangs’ very strong squash program – Western are the premier squash College in Canada – Luca will be able to train at and become accustomed to this higher level on a regular basis.

“On behalf of myself and Luca, I would like to thank the BVI Olympic Committee for their support and for helping facilitate this fantastic opportunity for Luca!” said Coach Murrills

Luca also got to train with fellow Caribbean players which adds to his time and experience at the inaugural PanAm Junior Games in Colombia.

“On behalf of the BVI Olympic Committee thank you Luca for representing the territory at the Junior PanAm Games as flag bearer,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “Congratulations on your efforts in your first major Games and thank you and Coach Murrills for the time, effort, passion for the sport and commitment to train to compete and represent at international levels. We look forward to seeing you make your mark in future Games!”

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Squash Tagged With: , , , ,

The future looks bright for youth football

November 24, 2021 by
Keallun Louise – scorer for One Caribbean in their 3-0 win over VG Utd in U13 National League match

The focus last weekend for the BVI Football Association was very much on the future, as not only was a Mini Youth League launched, but also the U13 National League resumed with two exciting matches.

First up on Saturday, over one hundred youngsters gathered on the field at East End / Long Look for the start of the Mini Youth Leagues with youngsters from Virgin Gorda and other sister islands set to join in from next week. The warm up event indicates a future that is definitely bright for football and for the upcoming BDO School Leagues.

In the U13 National League, One Caribbean FC had a 3-0 victory against VG Utd, courtesy of a double strike from Keallun Louise and an own goal.

The Sugar Boys FC then lost their 100% record, losing 1-7 to Panthers FC, who, with the win, closed the gap on the Sugar Boys at the top of the standings to just one point.

Kamauri Fenton and Myles Penn both scored twice, whilst Tiondre Martin, Christian Orlando and Mario Carter also found the back of the net.

Liam Min scored the consolation goal for the Sugar Boys.

“To be honest, I’m really proud of the boys and want to keep this Panthers team together as they are definitely the future of BVI football,” said Coach Wayne Phillip.

Phillip went on to explain how the game had kept the crowd on the edge of their seats as players from both teams showed their talents. “It was a brilliant game! My team stuck to the plan and executed exactly what I wanted from them. They passed the ball around without rushing, catching the Sugar Boys out of position, and then attacking with full force.”

Despite the margin of victory, Phillip was also quick to commend the coach, management, and players of the Sugar Boys. “They have a good team, but honestly, with my players running at them and pressing, they just couldn’t get into the game at all.”

The two women’s games that were scheduled both ended in forfeit wins for the Avengers FC and Wolues FC as the Panthers FC and VG Utd were unable to field teams.

In the Men’s National League, Lion Heart FC climbed to the top of the standings with a 6-1 drubbing of Old Madrid FC as Daveian Barnum netted four goals and both Dwayne Smith along with Michael Butt scored once.

Nano Ottley scored for Old Madrid.

In the other game played, One Caribbean got their first win of the season, seeing off One Love Utd by the odd goal in five as both teams were reduced to ten men before Errol Van der Muelen netted the winner in the 6th minute of added time at the end of the game, to make it 3-2.

Brent Bowman and Zeron Samuel put One Love 2-0 up inside the first 25 minutes, but One Love was reduced to a team of ten in the 34th minute when Carlos Septus made it 2-1 from the penalty spot in the 38th minute. Adrian Palladin equalized in the 61st minute, One Caribbean then saw one of their players sent off for a second bookable offense right at the death, but as the game seemed destined for a draw, up popped Van Der Muelen to seal the win.

Filed Under: Football, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

BVI U20 Squad close out CONCACAF Championship with back-to-back victories for 3rd place finish

November 14, 2021 by

Jake Forbes’ 38th minute penalty secured back-to-back victories for the BVI to close out the CONCACAF U20 Championship in fine style and a third-place finish in Group A.

The final day of the Tournament, hosted by the Dominican Republic, began with the boys closing out in strong fashion with a 1-0 win over Dominica, to take third place in Group A, just two days after picking up their first three points of the tournament in a 1-0 win versus Sint Maarten.

Jake Forbes kept his cool in a dominant first half display shutting out distractions to fire home. “Their players were trying to put me off before taking it but I’m glad I scored and hopefully I’ve done my country proud,” said Forbes.

Forbes was a constant threat throughout the game and was an incredibly happy young man at the final whistle. “I was incredibly pleased with the overall team spirit throughout the tour. There were many positives and things that we can build on.”

It was a reshuffled team that took to the field with key players sitting out through injury, but each and every one put in a real shift to knock Dominica off their stride and create many chances to score. “The team was much more confident due to the win against Sint Maarten and built on the positives from that game to give us the upper hand. We did have a rough start to the tournament, but to come back and win two games is amazing.” confirmed Captain Malakai Stanners.

Coach Clinton “Tinnie” Percival was understandably a delighted man after a long week. “I am really proud of the guys. They played with pride and a never-say-die attitude. Even though we had to play the game without three of our regular starters, the other players showed character and the will to fight until the end.”

Percival also vowed to continue the processes established and see the boys realize their full potential. “Now that they have experienced the feeling of winning at this level, I can only see them going from strength to strength and we as the coaches will do everything that we can to assist them in the progress to greater things.”

BVI Football Association President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, who was on hand to witness the successful conclusion to the tournament, was also full of praise for the team. “With key players missing we knew knew we had a lot of work to do, and everyone gave 100%. All of them worked so hard and we could have won by three or four. We controlled them, did not let Dominica get into the game, we harassed them and chased them, and, you know that if you work really hard, you get the benefits.“

Bickerton was also reluctant to pick out any players for special mention in such a team performance, but Mekhi Walters in goal again impressed as did Malakai Stanners leading the team from a more central position. “Stanners held the team together,” confirmed Bickerton. “Having won two games, got six points to finish third in our group of five and then add getting our first win a day ago and now a win again today against all the odds, then you know we had great performances out there. Mekhi Walters again was great in goal. Jakes Forbes out front was just constantly causing problems. He had a great game. But you know again, it is difficult to pick out players. Malakai Stanners, Captain for the day, he held the team together, playing out of position in the centre of the defence. Justin Smith was his normal unbelievable self – both backwards or forwards – but these guys played together for each other, for their country and for National pride”

Bickerton was also quick to state that the hard work doesn’t end here. “We had National Coach, Chris Kiwomya here observing and helping, looking to see which players he wants to add to the National squad and obviously we have to find more competitions for this group. The players have showed him what big hearts they have and what potential they have. What we must do now is when the boys get back to Tortola, we have to work with them on the weaknesses that Kiwomya has identified. Our coaches will work with the players to help them improve themselves. Because if we can come out here and win two games like this in a tough group and then go away and spend time with our players to improve themselves, then what are we going to be like when those improvements begin to show? We now understand how to play in a system. We now understand how we have to support each other and we now understand how we have to run for 90 minutes.”

Kiwomya had used his observer role well and identified that after a tough start, the boys had shown real desire to win. “Today proved just what the boys can do. Obviously the first two games were disappointing, but with a lot of meetings and heart to heart conversations they all came out and showed desire to do everybody proud including themselves and the people on the island, so you know I’m really proud of them and the work they put in today as well as in both the last two games. We wanted it more than opposition.”

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ,

U20 Boys’ Football team face defeat in first CONCACAF Championship match

November 9, 2021 by
BVI Boys U20 lost 7-0 to strong Curacao team in opening match of 2021 CONCACAF Championships on Nov 5. Photo: BVIFA

The U20 Boys were handed a 7-0 defeat by a strong Curacao team on Friday, November 5 as they opened their Group A campaign in the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF) Championship.

The game, played at the Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, was a baptism of fire for the boys palying against a stronger, faster – especially when transitioning into attack – Curacao, who opened the scoring in just the 4th minute through Gio-Renys Felicia as the BVI lost possession on the right-hand side.

Naygiro Sambo doubled their advantage in the 18th minute and Curacao were 4-0 up inside the half-hour mark with further goals coming from Juruel Bernadina and Felicia before Sambo scored his second, making it 5-0, just after the re-start. The BVI though rallied defensively, and it was not until the final few moments of the game that Curacao scored through Shudelmar Dorand (90’) and Akram Potmis (90+3’) to pad out the final score at 7-0.

“The boys started the game in very high spirit but after conceding a goal within the first three minutes we never recovered,” commented Coach Clinton “Tinnie” Percival. “Curacao took advantage of our defensive mistakes but as the game went on, our boys started playing better. During the half time break we made a few changes and in the second half our confidence and ball play also improved, and we competed well up until the last five minutes of the game, when we conceded two more goals. I am confident though, that the team will make the necessary adjustments for the next game on Tuesday and have a better outcome.”

“A disappointing result against good opposition,” commented FA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, who made the trip to support the team. “A lot of improvement (in the second half) and I am proud of the way the boys fought to the end showing great National pride! We have to pick ourselves up and move forward.”

The BVI’s next opponent, Grenada had a comfortable, complete performance in a 7-0 victory over Sint Maarten as Deanroy Phillip notched a hat trick (41’, 45+3’, 90+3’), while Aquil Lawlite (13’), Benjamin Ettienne (44’), Shermine Williams (61’) and Simeon Mitchell (73’) all chipped in with goals.

The full BVI squad includes, William Butler, Mekhi Walters, Oliver Henderson, Tai Thomas, Jalen Prentice, Jahmal Prentice, Ikyjah Williams, Justin Smith, Devin Jones, Alejandro Santos, Johari Lacey, Deshawn Richardson, Levon Williams, Luka Chalwell, Sheldon Toney, Gethin Jones, Jarrell Federicks, Milton Creque, Jaden Abrams, Jake Forbes, and Malakai Stanners.

The Technical Staff is Coach, Clinton Percival, Asst Coach, Ritchie Morton, Trainer, Javon Carty, Physio, Levy James, and Manager, Cathie Caine.

Apart from Grenada on Tuesday, November 9, the boys will also be playing Sint Maarten next Thursday, November 11 and Dominica on Saturday, November 13.

At the conclusion of the Championship, the finalists (two teams) will qualify for the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023 and 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. The two losing semi-finalists (two teams) will also guarantee their participation in the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.

The 2022 CMU20 Championship Group Stage will be played the summer of 2022.

BVI Boys U20 lost 7-0 to a strong Curacao team in the CONCACAF Championship opening match, November 5, 2021. Photos: BVIFA

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