Cedar and Althea Scatliffe PS are BDO Primary School Champions

By BVIFA

Cedar Green beat Begrado Flax Educational Centre, 1-0, in the U12's to take BDO Primary School Championship. Photo: BVIFA

Cedar Green beat Begrado Flax Educational Centre, 1-0, in the U12’s to take BDO Primary School Championship. Photo: BVIFA

All the Age Group BDO Primary Schools Finals on Wednesday, 22nd March, 2017, were fiercely competitive between teams of equal skill and discipline with a shared will to win, whilst showing great sportsmanship despite the final outcome.

Of course, there can only be one winner and in the U7’s, which got off to a great start in front of a large crowd in the Grandstand at the A.O. Shirley Ground, Cedar Green eventually won 3-1 on penalties against Montessori, after the game had remained deadlocked at 0-0 until the final whistle.

The U9 encounter between Althea Scatliffe and Robinson O’Neal proved equally exciting with end-to-end action highlighting a game that was eventually decided by the predatory instincts of Latriel Williams.

A bouncing ball was only half dealt with by the defense allowing Williams to slip in between two defenders and volley home past the goal keeper.

In the U12’s an acrobatic Nicky Haycraft goal in the second half proved to be the only goal of the game in Cedar’s 1-0 win over Begrado Flax.

The MVP’s for each Final were named as Ethan Mohammed for Cedar Green in the U7’s, Latriel Williams for ASPS in the U9’s and Haycraft of Cedar School in the U12’s.

Golden Glove recipients were Steven Portus (Enid Scatliffe – U7), Akeem Paddy (ASPS – U9) and Ollie Henderson (Cedar Sch. -U12).

The Golden Boot honorees were Sam Potgeiter (Montesorri, 24 – U7), Jaden Quashie (Robinson O’Neal, 18 – U9) and Azarni Callwood (Cedar School, 15 – U12).

The Overall League MVP’s were Charlie Potgeiter (Montesorri – U7), Quashie (U9) and Ryan Lettsome (Cedar School, – U12).

In addition to all the Primary School trophies, the BVIFA High School champions also received their awards with Jakisha Rigobert (BFEC) named as Girls’ MVP, Kaylah Skelton (BFEC), and Lilly Pierce (Cedar) jointly as Golden Boots (10 each) and Davian Williams as Golden Gloves.

BFEC were also crowned as League Champions.

In the Open High School Boys, BFEC added the League Championship trophy to the Avanell “Clarky” Morton Cup and also saw Diego Jimenez (BFEC) named as MVP as well as Golden Gloves, whilst Chadwick Evans (ESHS), took home the Golden Boots trophy

In the U14 Tournament, ESHS were declared Champions and along with the trophy, were also presented with the President’s Cup, which they won as part of Opening Day celebrations, back in October 2016.

Golden Boot was Jahdique Winchester (BFEC), MVP, Sheldon Harry (ESHS) and Golden Glove Glenford Prentice (ESHS).

Teams set for BDO Primary School League finals

By BVI Football Association

Cedar Green beat First Impressions 1-0 to reach the BDO U7 Final. Photo: BVIFA

Cedar Green beat First Impressions 1-0 to reach the BDO U7 Final. Photo: BVIFA

The semifinals of the BDO Primary School League Age Groups proved action packed intense and dramatic as teams fought for a place in the showcase finals on March 22nd, as did the Avanell “Clarky” Morton Senior Boys Cup Final.

First Up, in the U7’s, an Ethan Singh goal settled the game for Cedar Green against First Impressions and they move onto face Montessori, who overcame Bregado Flax, 2-0, with goals from Lochlan Geyser and Charlie Potgeiter.

In the U9’s, an early strike from Re’Mauri Walters put Bregado Flax in the driving seat against Cedar Green and with further strikes coming from Kyle Farrington and Quyle Billingy, their passage into the Final was assured with a 3-0 score line.

Their opponents in that final will be Althea Scatliffe Primary, who beat First Impressions, 2-1, with the winner scored by Othniel Gillings after Mario Carter’s opener had been cancelled out by Orrit Kenedy.

The U12 semifinal between Cedar Green and Cedar White turned into a gladiatorial affair and was ultimately settled by a goal from Alex Salter and then in the dying moments, Azarni Callwood, who made it 2-0 with a scorching drive.

They will be facing Bregado Flax in the Final, after a Jaden Abrams penalty broke the deadlock against ASPS.

In the High School round up, Bregado Flax Senior Boys also had much success in winning the inaugural Avanell “Clarky” Morton Cup, 3-1, on home turf against Elmore Stout High School.

Tyrique Gardener, Daniel Gilford and Kemron Tillack all scored for BFEC, whilst Marcus Butler fired home a late consolation for ESHS.

In the Open High School Girls League it has come down to a two-horse race with Bregado Flax facing Cedar School on Saturday 11th March, 2017, knowing any result other than defeat will give the championship.

However, if Cedar win, then they will go to a game with St Georges Girls, with another victory handing them the title on goal difference from BFEC.

Teams vie for four age group spots in BDO Primary School League semis

By BVI Football Association

Felix Walters heading home as Alexandrina Maduro beat Claudia Creque 6-0 to round up the BDO Primary School Leagues regular season games. Photo: BVIFA

Felix Walters heading home as Alexandrina Maduro beat Claudia Creque 6-0 to round up the BDO Primary School Leagues regular season games. Photo: BVIFA

As the BDO Primary School League reaches the end of the regulation season, teams have been battling furiously to secure one of the four spots in each age group and qualify for the knock out stages.

In the U12’s, St George’s suffered a 1-0 defeat to Joyce Samuel, with the only goal of the game coming from Jesse Cockburn. Cedar White made strides up the standings with 2-1 victories against Alexandrina Maduro and Pelican Gate.

Johan Blok scored twice against AMPS and was also on hand to fire home the winner against Pelican Gate after Jalen Cameron had cancelled out Dylan Cline’s opener for Cedar. St George’s were also held 0-0 by Ciboney / Robinson O’Neal, but beat Jost Van Dyke, 2-0, on goals from Jefferson Frank and Adrian Padilla.

JVD and Pelican shared the points in a 1-1 draw with Mark Morris scoring for JVD and Tyler Franks netting the equalizer. An own goal by Claudia Creque handed Pelican Gate three points. Cedar Green also beat Ciboney/ Robinson O’Neal, 3-0, on a hat trick by Alex Salter.

AMPS beat Claudia Creque 6-1 with all the goals scored by Felix Walters and BFEC also beat CC, 6-0, with goals from Joel Mars, Jaden Abrams (2), Andres Bailey and Javelo Woodley (2).

The semi final line up sees Cedar Green against Cedar White and Althea Scatliffe facing Begrado Flax on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 and February 29 on the field at ASPS

In Under 9 Group A, Alexandrina Maduro beat Joyce Samuel Primary, 2-0, with Omari Simmons finding the net and JSPS contributing to their own down fall by scoring an own goal.

Althea Scatliffe Red then beat AMPS, 2-1, with goals from Malik Fenton and Amos Pollard but First Impression top group A, followed by JSPS, AMPS and Cedar Green.

In Group B games, Robinson O’Neal finished their season with 10 wins and 30 points after a 4-0 victory against Cedar White thanks to a brace from Kyle Farrington and one each from Jaadon Quashie and Te’Mauri Isaac.

Montessori claimed a semi final berth with a 4-0 win over Pelican Gate, with goals coming from Sam Potgeiter, Noe Pyranet and Tino.

The semi final line up sees Robinson O’Neal against Cedar Green, as well as First Impressions playing Althea Scatliffe Maroon on Tuesday February 28 on the ASPS playing field

The Under 7 league is complete with Cedar Green cementing third place with a 1-0 win over Claudia Creque thanks to a goal from Ethan Singh.

The semi final line up sees Montessori play Begrado Flax and Cedar Green against First Impressions on Monday, February 27 at Althea Scatliffe School.

BVIOC / CANOC complete 4th workshop in LTAD series – Periodization & Planning

BVIOC LTAD Periodization Feb 2017 0463The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in partnership with the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), Canada Sport for Life Society (CS4L), Canada Olympic Committee (COC) and Olympic Solidarity hosted the 4th Workshop on Long Term Athlete Development with emphasis on Periodization and Planning.

The two-day workshop which took place on February 9 and 10, 2017 at the Government Training Division Conference Room, focused on time management as a planning technique. It provides the framework for arranging the complex array of training processes (skill development, strength training, regeneration) into a logical schedule to bring about optimal improvements in performance.

The facilitator was Mr. Istvan Balyi of Sport for Life, Canada, a Planning and Periodization expert who worked with 17 different National Teams as a high performance advisor. He has led program development in the United States, South Africa, England, Ireland, Sweden and Bahrain.

On day one representatives of the six selected sports, Basketball, Archery, Track & Field, Rugby, Sailing and Football met with Mr. Balyi to analyze the work done so far on the Long Term Development of their sport.

Periodization & Planning workshop facilitator, Istvan Balyi addresses BVI sports representatives. Photo: BVIOC

Periodization & Planning workshop facilitator, Istvan Balyi addresses BVI sports representatives. Photo: BVIOC

The workshop was well received by the participants who represented the Basketball (3), Football (4), Rugby (2), Sailing (1), Archery (1), Track & Field (4), Volleyball (4), and Softball (2) Federations. Physical Education teachers (2) were also present. Also present was Mrs. Heida Joyles Selwood, the supervisor of Physical Education at the Ministry level

Raymond ‘Chi Chi’ Fonseca of Volleyball said “the presentation was awesome and enlightening. I have learned a lot about the importance of nutrition, mental and physical preparations of the athlete. I am now more aware of the concepts of burn out, over training, peaking and tapering”. He wishes that the workshop could be run again in the near future.

Supporting the comments of Raymond was Dwayne Rubaine also of Volleyball, “As coaches we need to be more prepared and this knowledge that we have received will foster better preparation of coaches and athletes that should lead to greater success.”

Jason Edwin of Basketball said “The information received leads us to realize that now is the time to get rid of a lot of misconceptions. Structure must be put in place and a national sport calendar is crucial to the development of the sport of basketball.”

Dag Samuels of Track & Field said that the information is very valuable for all coaches but it must be implemented and passed through a process of trial and error for success to be realized.

LTAD workshop coordinator, Angeleta Bernard introduces Ephraim Penn, president BVIOC (l) and Planning & Periodization expert and workshop facilitator, Istvan Balyi of Sport for Life, Canada. Photo: BVIOC

LTAD workshop coordinator, Angeleta Bernard introduces Ephraim Penn, president BVIOC (l) and Planning & Periodization expert and workshop facilitator, Istvan Balyi of Sport for Life, Canada. Photo: BVIOC

“The BVIOC continues in its quest to improve the sport practices of our coaches and individuals who are affiliated to Sport Federations in an effort to increase the nation’s podium finishes regionally and internationally,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC.

The workshop was number 4 in a series of 5. At the end of the series the sports of Basketball, Archery, Rugby, Sailing, Football and Track & Field should have a document outlining the Long Term Development of their sport.

The coordinator Mrs. Angeleta Bernard was very disappointed with the turn out. “Some coaches designated by their Federation did not show up and having noted the enthusiasm of those present and the questions asked, the absent ones would have benefitted. However, I am confident that with implementation of the periodization plan, the sports that were present will add to the successes they have

 

Islanders F.C. are 2016/17 National League Champions

By BVI Football Association

Kevin Fisher gets his head to the ball for the Islanders against Sugar Boys. Photo: BVIFA

Kevin Fisher gets his head to the ball for the Islanders against Sugar Boys. Photo: BVIFA

The Islanders F.C duly went through the 2016/17 National League season undefeated with a 2-0 victory against the Sugar Boys, who finished second, whilst the Rebels claimed third place with a 1-0 win over One Love

The Golden Boot Award was claimed by Kevin Fisher who scored twice in the Islanders win, taking advantage of goal keeping errors on both occasions, to reach 13 for the season, leaving both Mohammed Kachour and Richard Morgan, who failed to find the net on the final day of the National League, for Sugar Boys and One Love respectively, on 11 goals, in joint second.

At the other end of the table, the Panthers beat VG United, 4-0, on two goals by Phillip Graham, a candidate for National League Youth Player of the Year and further goals from Prevell Asson and Wayne Phillip.

The Wolues finished in 5th place with an emphatic 4-1 scoreline in their match with Old Madrid, with Xavier Gili, Giovanni Di Bliaise and Rory Greenan, twice, all finding the net.

The Presentations of Awards for the National League will take place at the end of the Presidents Cup Final, this coming Sunday February 12th at the A.O. Shirley Ground

The Top Four will be contesting the competition, with the Islanders facing One Love in the first Semi Final, whilst the Rebels take on the Sugar Boys in the second semi final.

Both games are scheduled for Saturday 11th February on the A.O. Shirley Ground at 5pm and 7pm respectively.

BVIOC set to host CANOC Long Term Athlete Development Workshop on Periodisation

Group work at the launch of the Long Term Athlete Development and Physical Literacy workshop in February 2016. Photo: BVIOC

Group work at the launch of the Long Term Athlete Development and Physical Literacy workshop in February 2016. Photo: BVIOC

The BVI Olympic Committee will be hosting the CANOC Long-Term Athlete Development Workshop in Tortola, British Virgin Islands from Thursday, February 9 – 11, 2017.

The fourth workshop in the Caribbean LTAD series will be facilitated by Mr. Istvan Balyi of Canada Sport for Life Society.

The focus is on periodization which is time management as a planning technique. It provides the framework for arranging the complex array of training processes (skill development, strength training, regeneration) into a logical schedule to bring about optimal improvements in performance.

The workshop is offered to all sporting organisations and those involved in coaching sports.

The first session took place in February 2016 and covered the key factors pertinent to athlete development and the 5 basic ‘S’s of training and performance – Stamina (Endurance), Strength, Speed, Skill, and Suppleness (Flexibility).

The second session, which took place in May 2016, focused on discussing the project outlines in the areas of Sport, Health and Education that followed on from the first workshop.

The third session took place in September 2016. The interactive session on Physical Literacy address looked at the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.

The Physical Literacy Workshops are supported by the Sport for Life Society of Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health.

For more information contact workshop coordinator, Mrs Angeleta Bernard.

Islanders take BVIFA National League title fourth time running

By BVI Football Association

Action from Wolues v VG Utd in the 2017 BVIFA National League. Photo: BVIFA / Charlie Jackson

Action from Wolues v VG Utd in the 2017 BVIFA National League. Photo: BVIFA / Charlie Jackson

Whilst they will have to wait for the official presentation of the trophy, the Islanders secured a 4th consecutive BVI Football Association National League title, with a 2-1 win over the Rebels F.C. on Sunday, January 29, 2017

Needing at least one point to deny the Sugar Boys, who beat Old Madrid 4-1 the previous day, a chance of sneaking the Championship, the Islanders went ahead in the first half through Fitzroy Daley. However, Joel Williams equalised and it was left to talisman, Avondale Williams to calmly slot home the winner from the edge of the box.

There are still games to go on Wednesday and at the weekend, but the presentations will be made at the conclusion of the last game of the season between the Sugar Boys and the Islanders, .

Sugar Boys had applied a little bit of pressure on the Islanders with a comfortable victory on Saturday against the Old Madrid side, with Mohamed Kafour scoring a hat trick and going joint top of the Golden Boot table on 11 goals.

Kevin Fisher of the Islanders also has 11 as does Richard Morgan of One Love.

The other goals came from Akeem Hendrikson and a Sugar Boys own goal.

Despite defeat, the Rebels guaranteed themselves a top four finish as did One Love with a 2-0 victory against the Panthers, courtesy of Goals from Morgan and Uriah Junior Baptiste

The Wolues 4-0 win over VG United was the penultimate weekend’s action with goals from Kevin Carragher, Giovanni Di Biaise (2) and Omar Elliston.

BVIFA Partner with Manatees F.C. to send Five Youth teams to GPS Caribbean Showcase Tournament in Puerto Rico, Feb 27th – Feb 29th

BY BVI Football Association

BVIFA Partner with Manatees F.C. to send Five Youth teams to GPS Caribbean Showcase Tournament in Puerto Rico, Feb 27th – Feb 29th. Photo: BVIFA / Charlie Jackson

BVIFA partner with Manatees F.C. to send 5 youth teams to GPS Caribbean Showcase Tournament in Puerto Rico, Feb 27th – Feb 29th. Photo: BVIFA / Charlie Jackson

In an unprecedented level of partnership the BVIFA has joined forces with the Manatees football club to send no less than five teams from the Territory to a Youth Football Tournament in Puerto Rico on Friday 27th January, 2017.

The tournament, the 2nd Global Premier Soccer (GPS) Caribbean Showcase, will be held at the Bayamon Facilities in Puerto Rico. Over 60 teams (boys and girls teams) from various USA states (Rhode Island, New York, Chicago, Florida and Boston) and from the Dominican Republic, US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands participated last year.

This year, GPS, the organisers, are hoping to see an influx of teams from other surrounding Caribbean islands along with the most competitive teams from Puerto Rico.

The event will be held January 27 – 29 and offers further exposure to college coaches for all of the showcase (U15-U18) players in attendance and a high level of competition for elite U9-U14 teams.

Last year the Manatees went to the tournament with one of their teams reaching the semi finals, so with the increased participation and higher level of preparation there are great hopes for the teams to go at least one better and reach the finals.

The BVIFA has partnered with the Manatees to increase the number of teams going in 2017 to include U17 Girls, U15 Boys, U13 Boys and Girls and U12 Boys.

BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton said that “it is going to a big challenge for our young players, it is a great opportunity though for them to get experience playing against quality players and we are full of confidence that they will do well.”

John Reilly said “it is great that we can partner with the BVIFA and we are really looking forward to it and will use the Tournament to build teams of youth players for the future.”

Luca Chalwell, who is Captain of the U13 Boys commented that he expects his team to play well and put into practice all they have been working on. “I hope we play well and come home with a trophy.  We have been working almost every day to prepare and it is going to be good!”

Miquel Marshall, U15 Boys Captain noted that “the tournament is going to be good – we have trained hard and with a couple of the team going before we know what is expected of us to do well.”

Tola Broderick, on behalf of the U13 Girls stated that “it will be a great experience” and one that her team is looking forward to. “Some of us have been before and know how tough it will be but we are ready!”

Morgan Creque spoke about how great an opportunity it will be to showcase ability and talent in front of college scouts and other teams from a larger area while Girls U17 Captain, Jakisha Rigobert mentioned that she was very proud of her team mates and knows they will do well. “I encourage us all to do what we have to do. To the new ones – I know you will enjoy the experience and all of us are looking forward to putting the hard work into practice on the pitch, win, lose, or draw.”

“It is a very important tournament for us at all levels,” commented new Technical Director, Marcos Falopa. “I will try to help the Coaches and players get better and am hoping everything goes well. I’m sure some of our talented boys and girls will catch the eye and get an opportunity to go onto bigger and better things like scholarships and chances to further their education and football.”

On Friday, January 27, students aged 15-17 will be attending a meet and greet with college scouts and coaches at the Tournament and will have an opportunity to find out about the colleges, how to apply, understand what is expected, and how best to impress.

Islanders top ongoing National League

By: VINO

Sugar Boys beat  Panthers F.C. 2-1 in National League match on Sunday, Jan 22. Photo: VINO/Charlie Jackson

Sugar Boys beat Panthers F.C. 2-1 in National League match on Sunday, Jan 22. Photo: VINO/Charlie Jackson

With a lot more hard work than they bargained for, the Islanders FC all but claimed the National League title with a 1-0 win against the resurgent Old Madrid on Sunday January 22, 2017.

The only goal of the game came in the 48th minute from the league’s leading scorer, Kevin Fisher and, whilst far from capping a performance worthy of champions-elect, it at least gave the Islanders a 9-point lead at the top of the standings.

The Sugar Boys have a mathematical chance of still grabbing top spot as they have a game in hand, are still to play the Islanders, but have a far less goal difference.

They stayed in touch with a nervy 2-1 win against the Panthers with Phillip Graham proving first a handful for them to beat in the Panthers goal and then supplying an acrobatic touch and volley to score in the 65th minute to leave the Sugar Boys season in the balance.

Terrence Nanton scored from the penalty spot and Keron Daniel gave the Boys a two goal cushion, which proved just enough to see them home.

One Love are in fourth place after two second half goals from Trevor Ellis finally overcame a tenacious Virgin Gorda United and the Rebels stay third after a 3-1 win over the Wolues, who now sit just outside the top four.

Carlos Septus scored in each half and Michael Baptichon netted the third deep in added time at the end of the game after Kevin Carragher had levelled the game at 1-1.

Full standings below

League Table

POS     TEAM                                WINS          DRAWS    LOST       GF       GA   GD        Pts        POINTS

1          ISLANDERS F.C.                  12                  0             0           38        3          35          36

2          SUGAR BOYZ F.C.                9                   0            2            31         9          22           27

3          REBELS F.C.                           7                   1             3           26        17          9            22

4          ONE LOVE F.C.                     6                   0             6           31        19          12           18

5          OLD MADRID F.C.               5                   0             7           18        20          -2           15

6          THE WOLUES F.C.              4                   1              7           22        32        -10           13

7          THE PANTHERS F.C.          2                   1              9           11        32        -21              7

8          VIRGIN GORDA UNITED  0                  1              11           6         51        -45              1

New CONCACAF rules require all BVIFA member clubs to become licensed

By BVI Football Association

(l-r) Paul Hewlett, BVIFA General Secretary, Alfredo Quiroz, CONCACAF, and Andy Bickerton, BVIFA President. Photo: BVIFA/Charlie Jackson

(l-r) Paul Hewlett, BVIFA General Secretary, Alfredo Quiroz, CONCACAF, and Andy Bickerton, BVIFA President. Photo: BVIFA/Charlie Jackson

According to Alfredo Quiroz of the The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, (CONCACAF), Club Licensing Department, all the member clubs of the local F.A. will have to become licensed.

“Football is changing and CONCACAF wants to make the game more attractive, as well as more organized, from those that run clubs to those that go watch,” said Mr. Quiroz. The statement was made at a meeting to which all clubs had been invited and which took place on Wednesday 18th January at the BVIFA Head Office.

Moving clubs into the process of falling into line with both FIFA and CONCACAF guidelines has begun, with a National Criteria to be reached by the end of 2017 and more immediate target dates for the various stages of completion by the end of March 2017.

All Clubs will have to fill out and submit four online documents as well as complete eleven additional criteria, such as naming a Head Coach, General Manager, Media, Finance and Marketing personnel, budgets and various legal documents.

“Going forward the process will be constantly reviewed and made more challenging as we look to develop stronger structures and levels of control,” said Quiroz.

Databases will be built of all CONCACAF’S member clubs and used to create effective tools for planning future competitions, such as the Champions’ League, where it will now become possible to see, at a glance, the type of facilities and infrastructure each participating club has.

“Sanctions are yet to be determined for non-compliant clubs,” explained Quiroz. “CONCACAF certainly won’t be coming in and saying if you are not licensed, then you cannot play, but there have to be some incentives to comply.”

The local FA office remains the first point of contact to assist the clubs in the process and provide support, but then, once the online forms are submitted. a ‘first instance’ body will be set up locally to review the applications and grant licenses.

There will also be an appeals body, but according to Quiroz it is a win win situation and clubs should not be put off by change or in adhering to the new policies and programmes implemented by CONCACAF.

“The benefits are there for all to see,” he concluded. “We will all be doing things a little better, step by step, for players, fans, sponsors. It can help identify the need for improvements on and off the field, increase the knowledge of support staff and help everyone understand what we need to do to move forward.”