VG United through to Quarter Finals of 2017 Terry Evans Cup

July 7, 2017 by

By BVI Football Association

VG United stunned Old Madrid with first a late equalizer and then a penalty shoot-out victory on Wednesday 6th July 2017, to reach a Terry Evans Cup quarter final against either the Rebels or One Love.

Kenmore Peters had given Old Madrid a 17th minute lead, ahead of their trip to St Maarten to participate in a Masters Tournament and it seemed for all the money in the world, the goal would see them safely past VG.

However, in added time at the end of the game, Charles Frederick popped to level the game and send it to the drama of a penalty shoot-out.

Diego Jimenez then made two excellent saves as VG won 4-3 to progress.

“Their keeper kept them in the game and was their hero on the nigh,” said Old Madrid Player / Manager, Kenrick Grant. “He made some important [moves] during the game to keep VG hopes alive and then, in the shoot-out, made two great saves to keep his team in the competition with the win.”

In other games, the Islanders beat One Love, 1-0, thanks to strike from National League Golden Boot, Kevin Fisher, who came off the bench to seal progress for his team into a semifinal clash with the Sugar Boys.

“We made the right changes in the second half and scored the goal that mattered. What you put into training comes out in the game and I knew where I wanted to place the ball, near post and left the keeper on his knees.” commented Fisher.

The Rebels beat F.C. Sea Argo 9-1, to keep their hopes alive and will next take on One Love for the right to face VG in that quarter final.

Both games will take place at the A. O. Shirley Grounds on Sunday, July 9 with the Rebels against One Love at 5.00pm and then the Islanders taking on Sugar Boys at 7.00pm.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ,

Queen’s Baton Relay leads BVI athletes to Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games

June 21, 2017 by

BVI athletes, tennis coach and Chef for the Bahamas 2017 Copmmonwealth Youth Games with the BVI Commonwealth Games Association, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye for the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, and Mrs. Angeleta Bernard, Chef for the previous youth games in Delhi, Isle of Man, and Samoa. Photo: BVIOC

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in its capacity as the Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA) introduced the itinerary and route of the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay which heralds that start of the quadrennially held Commonwealth Games and announced the 8 young athletes that will be attending the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The BVI delegation to the Bahamas 2017 CYG (July 18 – 23) was introduced by Ms. Sabinah Clement, Chef de Mission for the Games at a media briefing at the BVIOC office on Monday, June 19.

The BVI team comprises Arianna Hayde (Long Jump and Javelin), Rackeel Jack (400m), Joshua Hill (400m), Mikkel Bassue (100m and 200m), Beyonce Defreitas (200m), Djimon Gumbs and Diamante Gumbs (both competing in Shot Put and Discus), and Adrian Baijnauth (Tennis). The team will be accompanied by Track Coach, Willis Todman, Field Coach, Omar Jones and Tennis Coach, Malcolm Dabre.

The athletes will take part in the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through the communities of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda in a series of public activities and relays planned for Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a unifying event that invites members of the Commonwealth and the Overseas Territories to showcase their country, culture, hospitality, communities, and sports. It is a unique event and an occasion for all who reside in the BVI to come together in the spirit of friendship and unity and we strongly urge everyone to make an effort to join in where they can,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association.

The full programme starts with the official welcome reception on Monday, July 3 from 9.00am to 10.00am at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park when the baton is officially handed over to the Premier and the Virgin Islands.

The public relay will then start with the first baton bearer on a route through Road Town to take in the Tortola Pier Park, Waterfront Drive, Queen Elizabeth Park, Old Government House, the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Sir Olva Georges Plaza, Main Street, Botanic Station and ending at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground.

The baton will then be driven to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cow’s Bay where the students will be back at school with a short presentation to welcome the QBR.

The relay will then continue to Manuel Reef and the baton will be sailed to Nanny Cay aboard a Tortola Sloop and a flotilla of dinghies. At 3.00pm the relay will pass through Cane Garden Bay from De Wedding heading east to Quito’s.

A relay supported by residents will pass through Great Harbour at 4.00pm before the baton is transported back to Tortola.

On Wednesday, July 4, the Deputy Premier will speak at a public welcome ceremony at the Walters Recreation Park, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda from 9.00am – 10.00am. The baton then will be handed over for a relay through the Valley up to the Baths. All residents of Virgin Gorda and Anegada are encouraged to participate.

The baton will arrive back to Tortola at 4.30pm where it will be received by cyclists at Trellis Bay and ridden across the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and handed over for a relay on foot through Long Look, the Sticket and East End and end at the Greenlands Playing Field.

A cultural presentation by traditional musicians, dancers and performers to include performances by the Australian resident community will form part of the official closing ceremony starting at 6:00pm at the Central Administration Complex. The evening will end with music and local food and refreshments on sale.

The key stakeholders involved in the planning and hosting of events include the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports including the Departments of Culture, and Youth Affairs and Sports, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the BVI Tourist Board and GIS.

Event sponsors include the Government of the Virgin Islands, the BVI Bank Association – Banco Popular, CIBC FirstCaribbean, FirstBank, National Bank of the Virgin Islands and VP Bank – Premier Dental, Harneys, Meridian Construction, BVI Painters, Road Town Wholesale, Eureka Medical and Bougainvillea Clinic.

National Federations, schools, and Community and Social Groups will be supporting the event in the form of volunteers and participation in the relays as they pass through various districts.

The baton, which contains the message from the Queen to the athletes competing in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia in April 2018, and international crew will arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1 at 7.00pm and will depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.

The last time the Queen’s Baton Relay toured the BVI was ahead of the Glasgow 2014 games.

More information can be found on www.bviolympics.org. Anyone who wishes to volunteer or who would like more information on the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay event in the VI can contact the BVI Olympic Committee on 496 6007.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

One Love F.C., Sugar Boys and Islanders win matches in Terry Evans Cup

June 20, 2017 by

By BVI Foootball Association

Julian Davidson fires home the winner for the Islanders against the Panthers. Photo: BVIFA

All the Joy and misery of cup football was on show at the A.O. Shirley Ground on Sunday 18th June 2017, when the Wolues lost a penalty shoot-out, 4-2, to One Love F.C. in the Terry Evans Cup.

Christopher Farmer had given the Wolues the lead in the first half with a stooping clinical header and then stayed ahead, through a string of fine saves from Andre Gaymes and once or twice the woodwork, until the 95th minute.

Richard Morgan, who despite being hampered by an injury and unable to be replaced from the bench, latched onto a ball over the top, flicked it past Gaymes with his head and guided in the equalizer.

The Penalty shoot-out was all One Love as they kept their calm and were able to rejoice.

“I must commend the Wolues keeper,” commented One Love Coach, Marc Savage. “We had numerous chances, but Gaymes made some great saves and the Wolues played really well. The penalties were nerve wracking and no one likes a game to come down to that, but of course we are happy to have come out victorious.”

It’s not all over for the Wolues though as the Cup format is double elimination and they now await the loser of the game between Old Madrid and Sugar Boys.

The Sugar Boys started the Cup season on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over the Rebels.

The game was settled in the second half when Derol Redhead rose unmarked by the penalty spot to head home a corner from Allon Williams past Maxcell Dabreo.

The Rebels were unable to create much in the way of clear cut chances to equalise, but in the dying seconds Atebe Creese miscued an attempted volley from 10 yards out, which on another day could have and probably should have sent the game to Penalties.

Redhead thought his team deserved the win “we had control of the game although weren’t at a 100 per cent, as we progress we will get better and are confident of reaching the final.”

On his goal, Redhead noted it was a near perfect cross and he timed his header just as perfectly to send the ball crashing into the net.

The other completed fixture saw the Islanders defeat the Panthers on a free kick from Julian Davidson.

“The Panthers were very competitive and surprised us. However, we have a lot of experienced players and withstood their pressure well. My goal was a bit lucky and probably a mistake from their keeper, but it crossed the line and a goal is a goal.”

Next weekend VG Utd take on F.C. Sea Argo on Saturday, whilst on Sunday Old Madrid play the Sugar Boys and the Rebels play the Panthers.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ,

BVI U15 National Boys’ Football team returns from Sint Martin with Fair Play Award

June 7, 2017 by

By BVI Football Association

BVI U15 National Boys team return from Sint Martin’s Soualiga Championship with Fair Play Award. Photo: BVIFA

Coming home on Sunday, June 5, 2017 from the inaugural Soualiga Championship hosted by the Sint Martin Football Association, the U15 National Team brought the Fair Play Award with them.

Starting play with a match against Barbados, the BVI team lost 6-0 to a much stronger, more physical and experienced team.

“We started a little nervous, let Barbados control the early stages and take the lead,” commented BVIFA Technical Director, Marcos Falopa, who oversaw the team along with Assistant Coach, Richie Morton. “Despite the early setbacks the team grew a little in confidence after half time and created some chances with an attractive style of play, keeping the ball on the ground.”

The Barbados game had begun at 8.45pm and the boys had to be back on the field at 11.30am the next day for a game against Union Sportif Marinoise from Martinique. The boys showed little sign of fatigue as they recorded a 1-1 draw, thanks to a swirling, curling goal from Luca Reich in the first half.

“I was shouting for him to curl the ball towards goal,” commented Falopa. “And it worked brilliantly!”

The boys controlled almost the entire game, keeping the ball on the ground with some quick passing and could have doubled the lead in the second half with what seemed an obvious penalty, when the linesman changed the referee’s mind.

The game against Guyana was like the game against Barbados in as much as the boys found themselves outmatched by some physical and skillful players and suffered a 5-0 defeat.

“We tried to control things and attack on the break,” said Falopa. “But they scored three goals in the first half and two in the second. We did look like getting on the score sheet in the second half, but their defense was strong and well organized.”

The final game of group play was against Stade Lamentinos from Guadeloupe and ended 3-0.

“Again, we had our chances, but in truth they were much better than us in their teamwork and determination to win,” concluded Falopa.

In the Medal rounds, the team took on Anguilla and came out 2-0 winners on goals from a free kick by Miquel Marshall in the first half and then Guillaume Parkins in the second half.

“The team played with much more confidence and improved technically and tactically against the more evenly matched Anguillan outfit. We also made some changes to the line-up and everything worked out well, with the players adapting and accepting new roles.”

Overall, Guyana were Champions, Sint Martin the runners up and Barbados placed third.

The BVI were awarded the Fair Play Trophy and Falopa was pleased with the way the team showed signs of improvement during the competition. “We came home with some valuable lessons and we will now have to look at how we best prepare for future tournaments. We need to be more professional, more disciplined and get more exposure against better opposition in order to be more competitive.”

Next up for the boys will be the CONCACAF U15 Tournament in Florida in August.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , ,

BVIFA National U15 Boys’ team ready for St Maarten

May 26, 2017 by

By the BVI Football Association

The BVIFA National U15 Boys’ team will participate in the inaugural Soualiga Championship, St Maarten from June 2-4, 2017. Photo: BVIFA

The BVIFA National U15 Boys’ team has been hard at training at least three times a week, including playing practice matches against senior opposition and is now ready to depart for St Maarten next week to participate in the inaugural Soualiga Championship.

Teams also taking part include Anguilla, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, Martinique and the USVI.

The full squad includes: Ikyjah Williams, Giovanni Grant, Jalen Prentice, Jhamal Prentice, Guillaume Parkins, Alejandro Santos, Shamoi Dore, Marcus Butler, Miquel Marshall, Justin Smith, Sheldon Harry, Luca Reich, Mekhi Walters, Luka Chalwell, Jerell Frederick and Kahil Farrington.

The BVIFA Technical Director, Marcos Falopa, has been in charge of the training along with Assistant Coach, Richie Morton and so far, has been happy with the progress of the squad and is quietly confidant.

“Our target at the Tournament is to see how the Boys will take the training into competitive match situations and show how much they have learned. We will be looking for technical and tactical improvements from the team and, of course, have to decide what system works best for the BVI. We will let the boys play to their own style and comfort on the ball, but also try to play in spaces and develop their team work.”

Falopa stops short of how far the team will reach at the tournament, but is very keen to see improvements in all aspects. “If just one or two players show they are learning new things and put them into practice, then we are on the right path.” he said.

The tournament which runs from June 2-4, 2017, is hosted by the St Maarten Football Association and will be followed by the CONCACAF U15 Championship in August 2017 at the IMG Academy in Florida.

“Another important reason to put in a good performance is that we will be heading off to Florida to compete against the best from our region, so St Maarten will be the ideal preparation for our boys,” said Falopa.

The tournament, which will take place from August 13-19, is expected to include a record number of youth players from CONCACAF’s member associations in a competition format designed to provide valuable experience. All 40 eligible CONCACAF member associations are expected to participate.

IMG Academy sits on more than 550 acres and features more than 20 multi-sport fields, 50 tennis courts, a 5,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium, two 10,000+ square foot weight rooms and residential halls and accommodations for athletes and guests. The IMG campus provides an ideal all-around environment for CONCACAF’s under-15 teams to train and perform.

In addition to providing a world-class venue, IMG Academy will also offer training and development programming for the athletes, coaches and referees. Programming could include coaching education, athlete leadership development, referee development and cognitive and visual perception training.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , , ,

Queen’s Baton Relay returns to the BVI for fourth time

May 17, 2017 by

Kyron McMaster carries the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton in a relay leg through Road Town in April 2014.

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay (GC2018 QBR) is on its journey through the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories as it heralds the start of the quadrennial Commonwealth Games which will be held in Australia in 2018.

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in its capacity as the BVI Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA), will host the Relay in the British Virgin Islands when the Baton and traveling crew arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1, 2017 until they depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5.

There will be two days of community-oriented activity as the relay passes through Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“Although called a relay, running is not central to the QBR and the activities planned through Road Town, Sea Cow’s Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Great Harbour in Jost Van Dyke, The Valley, Virgin Gorda and East End/Long Look will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President BVIOC/BVICGA.

The GC2018 Queen’s Baton was designed by Queensland-based Designworks and incorporates Macadamia wood which is native to the Gold Coast, LED

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton

illumination which lights up when held, a Queen’s message window and GPS to track the Baton in real time.

Working with key stakeholders, the BVICGA organizing committee has planned a relay route and activities that will showcase to the world the VI’s residents, its sports-men, -women and -children, its beauty, culture, diversity and hospitality.

The Delhi 2010 Queen’s Baton makes a stop at the Elmore Stout High School in March 2010.

“This is definitely a community event and we are delighted to have the support of the Governor’s Office, the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Departments of Education, Culture and Sports, the BVI Tourist Board and the Royal BVI Police Force as well as the Australian community in the planning and execution,” said Mr. Penn. “We also invite businesses to join private sector entities, the BVI Bank Association, Premier Dental, Harneys and RTW in sponsoring this unifying initiative.”

Everyone is encouraged to participate in all the relays and public activities which will include an official ‘Welcome’ ceremony on July 3, relays involving the spectrum of sporting associations and a grand cultural finale on July 4 showcasing the traditions, music and culinary treats from the VI and Australia as organized by the resident Australian community members.

The Relay started at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 13, 2017. At the commencement ceremony, HM Queen Elizabeth II placed Her message to the athletes in to the Baton which will pass through the hands of the many batonbearers who will carry it around the Commonwealth.

Covering 142,915 miles in 388 days, the Queen’s Baton Relay will be the longest in Commonwealth Games history traveling to more than one third of the world’s

population. It engages communities and provides a platform for thousands of people to ‘share the dream’ ahead of the quadrennial celebration of Commonwealth sport from April 4 – 15, 2018.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will embody the values of the Commonwealth Games Federation – Humanity, Equality and Destiny and build upon the event’s reputation as the ‘Friendly Games’ and the integral role sport plays in uniting and strengthening communities.

Get more information on the GC2018 QBR.

 

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , ,

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay in the BVI

May 16, 2017 by

Join in and share the dream of the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through your community in Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

Click here to read the itinerary and route of the Baton in the BVI.

For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Sofia Fay by email at sofia@broadswordpr.com or by ‘phone on (284) 541 7845 or Cleave Farrington by email at cmfarrington@bviolympics.org or by ‘phone on (284) 494 6920.

Images of the Dheli 2010 and Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relays in the BVI

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Uncategorized, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

20+ attend BVIFA Level II coaching course

May 1, 2017 by

By BVI Football Association

Marcos Falopa, BVIFA Technical Director presented Level 11 Football Coaching Course to over 20 attendees. Photo: BVIFA

Over 20 coaches attended the first of a series of three sessions of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) Level II Coaching Course, presented by Technical Director, Marcos Falopa, at the BVIFA head office.

The course is designed to improve on both the communication with, and education of all the BVIFA’s Coaches and enhance the pathway into further qualifications for those keen to give back to the game.

To launch the programme, which runs every Wednesday both in the classroom and on the soccer pitch, BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton asked those present to utilize Falopa’s experience and be ready to put back into the game.  “We are in problems right now, especially in the primary schools as we don’t have enough coaches,” said Bickerton. “Those we do have are spread too thin and we are losing the quality of our programmes. So, what’s been happening is that we have been running courses for people who haven’t given back, so what I would like to emphasize is that we really need you to stay involved.”

The BVIFA pays coaches to work in the schools’ football programme.

The programmes that the BVIFA wants more and more coaches for is grassroots football in the schools which are open to any boy or girl of any ability to learn the game.

“What we are doing is looking to provide the community with a means to put their kids into programmes and keep them off the streets and out of trouble, so please come back and contribute,” Bickerton urged.

Marcos Falopa also welcomed the attendees and laid the foundation for the course, which is split over three Wednesdays to include theory such as the Principles of Coaching, Technique, Planning, Small-sided games, Warm Up’s and Tactical Games.

“I’m here for the challenge and very pleased to see how many coaches registered for the Level II Course. You will all learn something over the duration, no one knows everything and even if you only learn ten per cent then the course will be successful,” said Falopa.

Falopa also went to explain the methodology of coaching, the importance of coaching education, the establishment of grassroots programmes and how everything fits together to improve football in schools and the performances of national teams.

The sessions continue this Wednesday 3rd May at 4.30pm at the BVIFA office.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , ,

BVIFA appoints Juliana Luke as new General Secretary

April 11, 2017 by

By BVI Football Association

BVI Football Association appointed Mrs. Juliana Luke as new General Secretary. Photo: BVIFA

BVI Football Association appointed Mrs. Juliana Luke as new General Secretary. Photo: BVIFA

As of Monday, 3rd April 2017, the BVI Football Association confirmed the appointment of Mrs. Juliana Luke as the new General Secretary, following the successful interim term of Mr. Paul Hewlett.

Hewlett came into the Association and added new dimensions of professionalism and organisation within his 12-month contract to the BVIFA office and all the while Mrs. Luke was assisting him, learning the ropes, adding her own authority and character to one of the toughest jobs in sport and coming up with systems that will allow the sport to develop and grow.

Mrs. Luke becomes one of only a handful of general secretarys among FIFA members worldwide and has already begun to ensure the local association is run smoothly and efficiently.

BVIFA president, Andy Bickerton was full of praise for the outgoing Hewlett and also looking forward to the new era saying “we were fortunate to have the benefit of Mr. Hewlett’s experience and expertise to upgrade the BVIFA’s administration. We are confident that Mrs. Luke will continue his work as we strive for excellence in the future.”

Mrs. Luke began her interest in Football, over 10 years ago, watching kids play the game whilst a teacher at Little Rainbow Primary School over on Virgin Gorda.

Mrs. Luke then got more and more involved in helping to organize the sport, as she was actively involved in various committees including the Virgin Gorda League, the BVIFA Youth Committee and the BVIFA Women’s Committee.

Her secretarial, organizational skills and ability to interact with people across the communities and territory proved excellent and the BVIFA soon began to acknowledge that her commitment to enhancing the game was invaluable.

When Paul Hewlett took over to hold the reigns, Mrs. Luke was the obvious choice to appoint as the assistant and over the past eight months has more than proven she is ready to take over the sports top job.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ,

Football coach training sessions set for end of April

April 5, 2017 by

By BVI Football Association

New BVIFA Technical Director, Marcos Falopa recently attended the FLOW Ultimate Football Challenge on the A.O. Shirley Ground and got to witness some of the talent he is now working with in preparation for upcoming U15 tournaments. Photo: BVIFA

New BVIFA Technical Director, Marcos Falopa recently attended the FLOW Ultimate Football Challenge on the A.O. Shirley Ground and got to witness some of the talent he is now working with in preparation for upcoming U15 tournaments. Photo: BVIFA

New BVIFA Technical Director, Marcos Falopa has been hard at work both on and off the field in his short time with the Association, planning coaching events and training the U15 Boys’ team.

Falopa first met the young boys as part of the delegation that went to Puerto Rico for the GPS Tournament back in January and has since been hard at work with them in preparation for tournaments in St Maarten and the CONCACAF U15 Championship to be held in Florida.

Falopa believes “that it is important to develop and have success from the grassroots levels up to senior teams” and hopes to get the boys to play the ball on the ground like all top teams.

“The boys need to have better exposure in all aspects of the game from technical fundamentals to tactical awareness,” said Falopa. “But we also need to get the coaches better too.”

Getting around in a car provided in a joint deal between the BVIFA and VI Motors of Duffs Bottom, Falopa has visited many schools to hold sessions and has also spoken to many of the coaches involved in schools and after school club coaching.

Following a well-attended grassroots coaching seminar, which is the first step in the BVIFA’s new coaching programme, Falopa will be hosting stage 2 at the end of April, which is a 3-day course featuring both theory and practical excercises.

The course begins April 26 and will be run from 4.30pm until 6.30pm on consecutive Wednesdays until May 10.

Prospective coaches can contact the BVIFA office on 494 5655 for more information and to enroll.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »