By BVIFA
BDO Primary Schools League, BVIFA High Schools League at the opening ceremony of the 2015 Leagues. Photo: BVIFA
A wave of hundreds of young footballers rolled down Waterfront Drive, Road Town, Tortola, on Wednesday 30th September, 2015, adorned with brightly coloured football shirts designating their BDO Primary School League and BVIFA High School League team colours.
The now traditional march through the capital of the British Virgin Islands brought traffic and bystanders alike to a halt as they waived and cheered on the boys and girls. Families and friends lined the procession, a police escort steered the way, the Althea Scatliffe Primary School Drum Corps played their hearts out and DJ “Dre” kept the feet tapping with cool sounds on a blistering hot afternoon.
Once safely arrived at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School auditorium, the youths were greeted by the Honourable Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, BVI Football Association President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, the Minister for Education, Culture and Sports, Hon. Myron Walwyn, Mr. Ryan Gelug from Sponsors, BDO, and Mr. Paul Hewlett, Acting Director at the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.
“You have a bonus this year,” stated Mr. Bickerton. “This is the second league of the year as we are now changing to a September start to avoid clashes with other events. Football is spreading from Primary School to High School and will hopefully stay in your blood. Our coaches are improving through attending licensed courses and hopefully that will make you all better players as we look to continually improve the standard of football throughout the territory.”
“It’s good to see that the numbers have gone up from a couple of years ago,” commented the Premier. “Seeing so many of you who have now gone onto High School and remain keen on playing is also encouraging for the continual growth of football.”
The Minister for Education, Culture and Sports noted that he was very pleased with the work done by the Football Association: “If you want to keep anything alive, it’s important that you always ensure the younger persons are involved and this School League is one of the success stories. If this continues Football will become one of the leading sports in the territory.”
Hon. Walwyn also acknowledged the importance of sponsors and that businesses have a responsibility to the community to support and build programmes such as these and noted that “coming together we can get a lot more done for the Country.”
Speaking on behalf of sponsors, BDO, Ryan Gelug expressed that the company was very proud of its continued support for the Primary School League and reminded the children to make sure they have fun and enjoy their season. “Football is about a lot of fun. Winning is fun, but so is just taking part, so remember to have fun. Make sure you enjoy yourselves and may the best team win.”
After the ceremony several youngsters were invited to represent their school in various skill drills, including shooting, passing and dribbling, organized by the FA Coaches and Technical Director, Katie Rowson.
The Primary and High School Leagues both kick off on Monday 5th October and the schedules will be available to schools from Friday 2nd October, 2015.
