2014 Defending Champions the Islands. Photo: VINO/file

By VINO

With the AO Shirley Grounds renovation work now complete and the venue open once again to the Association’s planned competitive, organised fixtures, the Competitions Committee has wasted no time in finalising plans for both the Terry Evans Cup and the the Wendoll Williams Cup, which for the first time will also include 11-aside women’s football.

Fixtures have also been planned for Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground as the BVIFA Executive continues its plans to ensure the game is taken to all parts of the territory and continues to grow not only in participation, but also popularity.

The Islanders are defending Champions from 2014 when they beat One Love 2-1 and they begin the defense of their title on opening day, April 17, 2016 at 7:00pm against Wolues on the A.O. Shirley Ground.

Other matches on the same day include the Ballstars Women against VG United Girls at 3:30pm and then the men’s teams from the same clubs will play at 5:15pm.

Action continues on Sunday April 24, 2016 over in Virgin Gorda with the Avengers Women playing the Panthers Women at 3:30pm. Old Madrid will then play the Panthers at 5:15pm and the night rounds out with Sugar Boys taking on Haitian Stars at 7:00pm.

The semi-finals are scheduled for May 1, 2016 and the Finals will take place on May 8, 2016.

The winner team will receive $1,000.00 and a trophy, whilst the Runner Up will receive $500.00 and a Trophy.

The Terry Evans Knockout Cup is named after the former BVIFA President and one of the forefathers of football in the [British] Virgin Islands.

Dominica’s Julian Wade scored a hat trick. Photo courtesy of BVIFA

By BVIFA

The Caribbean Cup dream for the BVI is over as they failed to overcome a fast, free flowing Dominica at the A.O. Shirley Grounds on Saturday 26^th March, 2016.

A sizeable crowd supporting both teams were treated to 15 minutes of BVI dominance in the first half, but being unable to make a breakthrough, compounded by the loss of influential midfielder Karl Espley to injury, soon turned into a first half nightmare as Dominica grabbed the game by the throat and scored 4 times, to go into the half time break with a comfortable lead.

In the 20^th minute an in swinging corner bounced off the knee of Ryan Dicker to leave Ben Chapman helpless and handed the visitors the opening goal, Kelrick Walters was on hand in the 27^th minute to no home the second after Chapman’s initial save saw the ball bounce back of the post. Chad Bertrand scored in the 33^rd minute and then Julian Wade scored the first of what was to be a hat trick in the 44^th minute.

The second half saw Kelrick Walters score the 5^th and then Wade rounded out his hat trick with a delightful chip over the advancing Daniel Barker and a well taken penalty.

“The chip gave me the most satisfaction” noted Wade “It was such a good pass and I enjoyed making the lob”.

Wade also commented that his team had settled down nicely into the game and had grown in confidence.

Head Coach, Shane Marshall, was equally as happy with his team’s performance “it took us a little time to get into the game, but once we were able to play our game, we controlled the match and I’m pleased with the way the guys passed the ball around, created chances and also scored goals”.

BVI Captain, Troy Caesar said that the BVI came out with a game plan, but despite a bright start were unable to recover from conceding the early goal and was sorry that they didn’t live up to the crowds expectations of a more competitive game.

Coach Avondale Williams thought his side looked tired after only one days rest, following the Martinique game “I don’t know what went wrong, the guys played their hearts out, but just looked tired. Losing Espley upset the balance of the team and the substitutions didn’t really work out. Overall it was very frustrating, some decisions didn’t go in our favour, but that’s football”.

Photo courtesy of BVIFA

By BVIFA

The BVI went down 3-0 to Martinique in their first Group 7 game of the Scotiabank Caribbean Cup on Wednesday 23^rd March, 2016 at the Stade Pierre Aliker in Martinique.

Martinique, playing at home, opened the scoring in the 12th minute of play against the British Virgin Islands, when Kevin Parsemain netted. Yuan Aquino made it 2-0 in the 68th minute, while Steven Lange scored Martinique’s third and final goal in the 84th minute.

“Although we lost, we didn’t allow Martinique to play their usual game or run away with things” commented Troy Caesar, “In fact at times we silenced the crowd and even their players were getting frustrated”.

“They were technically good and very fit” stated Asst. Coach John Riley.

“It was tough conceding two late goals” noted Team Manager, Wendell Nichols. “The game was also tough against a very strong team, full of players from France, but now we have to regroup and get ready for Dominica.

The next game, a must win encounter against well known foe in Dominica, is scheduled for Saturday 26^th March, on the A.O. Shirley Grounds at 4pm.

“We are looking good, strong and disciplined” stated Riley.

“We have been coming here for a few years now” commented Dominica’s Coach, Shane Marshall.  “We hope as always to make our fans here happy. The BVI team has changed a lot and these days they send for players from England and elsewhere, but we have a good combination of youth and experience. Our preparation hasn’t been the best, but we are ready to go”.

The last time the teams met was in the World Cup qualifier in 2015, which ended as a 0-0 stalemate and a result that gives the BVI plenty to be positive about in terms of securing all 3 points.

The full squad includes:

Goal Keepers: Daniel Barker, Ben Chapman, Vesquever Frett.

Defenders: Ryan Dicker, Troy Caesar, Karl Espley, Joshua Fines, James Quinn, Gregory James, Vanquever Frett.

Midfielders: Jordon Johnson, Peter Monks, Kristan Javier, Lewis Jones, Gladstone Burke, Christopher Telemaque, Robert Green.

Forwards: Trevor Peters, Allon Williams.

Avondale Williams is the coach, John Riley the Asst. Coach and Sheldon Harry the Physio.

Fans are encouraged to come out early as their will be plenty of excitement pre-match with a “Fan Village”, food, refreshments and of course a chance to grab the best seats in the house.

The game time has been arranged to suit those coming from Virgin Gorda and of course all those who will be heading back to Virgin Gorda to enjoy the Easter Festival Celebrations.

Entrance to the game is just $5 and all Boys and Girls Under 12 get free entry.

Photo provided. Players celebrating better days for football.

The British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) Competitions Committee has formalized the Calendar for Spring/Summer 2016, with a series of Knockout Cup Tournaments, slated for both the A.O. Shirley Ground and the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground.

The new season actually begins with the Men’s National team facing two games in the first round of the Scotiabank Caribbean Cup, firstly an away fixture against Martinique on the 22^nd March and then a home tie with Dominica on March 26^th at the A.O. Shirley Ground in Road Town.

Domestic football will then take centre stage with the Terry Evans Cup for Men and Women’s teams being staged from the 17^th April and then a one day ”Nations Cup” , held on Virgin Gorda as part of the Whit Monday Holiday Celebrations.

The Wendoll Williams Cup will then be up for grabs with matches for Men and Women held on both Tortola and Virgin Gorda, starting on June 5^th and with a Final scheduled for July 3^rd.

According to Committee Chair, Aubrey Liburd, the spring and early summer will be a fiesta of Football for everyone. “As we look to build back up the sports profile ahead of being able to utilize the new venue in East End, it was important to plan a comprehensive season that will satisfy demand and the needs of our Member Clubs. Apart from the Knockout Cups, we are also supporting a Street Soccer imitative by Road Town Wholesale and will also be hosting a Beach Soccer Tournament as well as a CONCACAF Women’s Day Celebration in late May” he commented.

Mr. Liburd also reminded all Clubs that they must have paid up all BVIFA affiliation fees and submitted Rosters to be considered eligible to participate in what will be a fascinating new season.

“Teams have until close of business on Monday March 21^st to become completely compliant with the FA’s Constitution and Rules” confirmed Liburd. “We have already extended the time frame, but now all teams must take note of the new deadline and submit their payment and relevant documents to the General Secretary of the FA”.

Any Club requiring further information on the requirements of compliance can also contact the FA Office on 494-5655.