Football – Page 5

BVIFA Super 6 Tournament underway

February 16, 2021 by Admin

Fitzroy Daley (Old Madrid) leveled the game with a penalty kick against the Rebels

The BVI Football Association’s brand new Super 6 Tournament got underway on Sunday, February 14 with Old Madrid FC using all their experience to beat Rebels FC, 3-1, at the East End Long Look stadium.

The unique format sees the member clubs vying for a top six finish whereby they will then play a round robin to see who can qualify for the best of three final in June.

Old Madrid certainly laid down an early marker showing their intent to grab one of the spots that ensures progression with what turned out to be a comfortable, but highly contested victory against a youthful Rebels team, despite going a goal down early on.

Jamal Sargeant put the Rebels ahead in the 17th minute and it was not until added time at the end of the first half that Fitzroy Daley leveled the game from the penalty spot. Giovanni Grant scored a superb solo goal in the 75th minute, to put Old Madrid 2-1 up, when after a mazy run down the left-hand side he calmly lobbed the Rebels keeper.

“It was like experience against youth out there and experience came out on top,” commented Kenrick Grant of Old Madrid. “They seemed very quick and aggressive in attack, but we capitalized on their mistakes in them keeping their shape and caught them on the counter.”

Once Old Madrid had taken the lead, they began to dominate possession and created several good chances, especially from Kenmore Simmonds who seemed to lose his footing at the last minute when scoring seemed an easy option.

Simmonds though would make amends when he wrapped up all three points for his team with a strike in the 89th minute to make it 3-1.

In the other games, played over in Virgin Gorda:
Lion Heart FC beat Virgin Gorda United 2-1 with Janel Ferdinand scoring twice in the first half before Joshua Ramprashad pulled one back for VG Utd in the 82nd minute to set up a frantic last ten minutes. However, Lion Heart remained solid at the back to ensure all three points.

And Sugar Boys FC also got off to a winning start as they saw off the challenge from One Caribbean FC to secure a 2-1 victory. McGraw Baptiste from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute put them ahead before Michael Castello doubled the advantage in the 52nd. Kelvin Glasgow scored a late consolation for One Caribbean.

Weekend schedules:
Saturday 20th February –
One Caribbean FC v One Love FC – East End / Long Look – 4.00pm

Sunday 21st February –
Wolues FC v Islanders FC – East End / Long Look – 4.00pm
Panthers FC v Old Madrid FC – Virgin Gorda Rec. – 5.45pm
Rebels FC v Virgin Gorda Utd – Virgin Gorda Rec. –8.00pm

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVIFA Super 6 Tournament

BVIFA National Youth and Women’s Futsal Leagues culminate with All Star matches and presentations

February 16, 2021 by Admin

Wolues FC BVIFA Women’s Futsal League Champions 2021

The culminating matches of the BVI Football Association National Youth Leagues and Women’s Futsal League took place on Saturday, February 13 at the National Stadium Venue in East End Long Look with a galaxy of future stars of the game on show.

In the U13 game, Panthers FC, THE Champion team overcame their All-Star opponents, 3-0, with goals coming from Myles Penn (2) and Lashawn Gibbs.

The U13 Girls Exhibition – added to the day’s play on an initiative from Julia Reich of the Wolues FC – saw a scintillating display that ended 2-2 with goals coming from Millie Cottreau, T’Nyah Richardson, Kyla Flax and Edith Ferrer.

The U17 boys, named as North Ballers and South Strikers by Coaches Richie Morton and Morris Mark, also ended as a draw, with goals from Ikyjah Williams and Sam Potgeiter.

The women’s game, which saw them playing on the full pitch and eleven a side after their Futsal Season, showed how quickly they are returning to full competitive action capability as Tola Broderick scored the only goal of a fast-paced game for Tortola in their 1-0 victory over Virgin Gorda.

All the coaches agreed that the day had been a great success, sentiments echoed by BVIFA Executive Board Members, Mr. Avanell Morton, responsible for Youth Development, Mrs. Loralee Walters-Abrams, the driving forces behind getting so much football organized throughout difficult times, and BVIFA Treasurer, Mr. Kenrick Grant, “It was an excellent day!” noted Walters-Abrams as both she and Morton congratulated all the players and coaches who had made it all possible.

After the dust had settled on some exhilarating displays on the field, the team and individual awards were presented.

U13 National Youth League
Champions; Panthers FC
Golden Boot; Myles Penn (Panthers FC)
Golden Glove; Akeem Paddy (Panthers FC)
MVP; Jaheim Bijai (Panthers FC)
Fair Play Award; (Old Madrid FC)

Individual Club MVPs
Morris Mark III (One Caribbean FC), Azaniah Glasgow (Old Madrid FC), Hugo Hlavacek (Wolues FC), Qu’yl Billingy (VG Utd), Myles Penn (Panthers FC), Kyle Farrington (Sugar Boys FC)

U17 National Youth League
Champions; One CARIBBEAN FC
Golden Boot; Adrian Padilla (One Caribbean FC)
Golden Glove; Oliver Henderson (Wolues FC)
MVP; T’Khoi Richardson
Fair Play Award; Old Madrid FC

Individual Club MVPs
Kemani Forrest (Old Madrid FC), Luca Reich (Wolues FC), Jaden Abrams (VG Utd), Adrian Padilla (One Caribbean FC), Jalen Prentice (One Love FC), Denvin Jones (Rebels FC).

BVIFA Women’s Futsal League
Champions; Wolues FC
Golden Boot; Darci Reich (Wolues FC)
Golden Glove; Tinia Van Zoost (Wolues FC)
MVP; Darci Reich (Wolues FC)
Fair Play Award; Wolues FC

Individual Club MVPs
Morgan Creque (Panthers FC), Tahirah Bascombe (VG Utd), Tola Broderick (Wolues FC), Makeda Fahie (Avengers FC)

Tola Broderick (Wolues FC) congratluated for her goal

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVIFA National Youth Leagues, One Caribbean FC, Panthers F.C., Wolues FC

Wolues FC win BVIFA Women’s Futsal League

February 3, 2021 by Admin

The Wolues FC brought their BVI Football Association Women’s Futsal League campaign to a close on Saturday, 30th January with another victory, 3-1, against the Avengers FC, going six from six for a perfect season!

Already guaranteed the championship title in their first year of competitive play, the “Blue Wave” could have been forgiven for taking the foot off the pedal, but not so this group, as the players that have trained together for years as part of the Manatees Programme and played together for various school teams, showed true champion qualities in making sure they kept their 100 % record intact.

The Avengers would prove to be their toughest challenge yet and if it had not been for the alertness, composure, and bravery in the Wolues goal of Tinia Van Zoost, who played most of the second half with a broken finger, the unbeaten streak would have been over.

Darci Reich had put the Wolues up early to settle the nerves, but Laverne Fahie struck back before half time to level the game at 1-1. Undaunted and unfazed, the Wolues girls stepped up their game and Gabi Jermyn fired home a sublime half volley from a corner kick a minute later to make it 2-1.

A back and forth second period saw the Wolues passing the ball around, probing for the cushion of another goal, but also defending resolutely as the Avengers remained a constant threat and it wasn’t until the 44th minute when Reich settled matters with her second goal of the game.

It was a complete team effort and beautiful to watch according to many of the Wolues supporters.

The Coaches also noted that the perfect season was the culmination of the girls’ dedication to training and putting in so much hard work over a lot of years.

The “Blue Wave” should be congratulated for an incredible achievement.

The Wolues FC “Blue Wave” end the 2021 season with a perfect six-for six. *Photos: BVIFA*

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, Wolues WFC

Panthers FC (U13) Wolues (U17) pave the way for National League Championship titles

February 3, 2021 by Admin

The Panthers FC made sure they would be crowned U13 National League Champions with a classy 6-2 victory over the Sugar Boys FC on Saturday 30th January at the East End / Long Look Stadium venue.

With the win, the Panthers are assured top spot as they are ahead of the Wolues FC on goal difference and have a game to play, whilst the Wolues have concluded their season.

“We played at a real high level, starting build ups from the back, and working the ball up the field. The team showed their strength and ability to attack sugar boys defense taking their game to the next level,” commented Coach Wayne Phillip, who was also quick to praise the Sugar Boys for the level of their performance as well.

Christian Vanterpool netted a hat trick, including one exquisite move that saw Jahim Benji dribble down the wing before hitting the perfect cross for Vanterpool to head home. Myles Penn smashed a rocket shot from long distance that caught everyone by surprise on his way to a brace and Marcus Butler.

Kyle Farrington was on hand to score both goals for the Sugar Boys.

One Caribbean FC thumped Old Madrid FC, 5-0, in the other U13 game played at the same venue, as Morris Carey scored a hat trick and both Marc Tan and Dawen Atime one each.

“It was a wet day, but the Old Madrid players did well in the first half,” noted One Caribbean’s Morris Mark. “But once Carey scored the opener, we took over and put the game away.”

Meanwhile in the U17 League, One Caribbean top the standings after a 14-0 rout of Old Madrid, but the destiny of the championship trophy is out of their hands as the Wolues have a game to play and are level on points with the table toppers, who have finished their games.

Adrian Adams (7), Johari Lacey (3), Milton Creque (2), Dylan Cline and an own goal filled the scoresheet for One Caribbean.

Short handed through injury, Coach Morris Mark was pleased to see his younger players take center stage. “After a quick start, Adams and Lacey were put on the bench to allow the youngsters to play and it was good to see how they passed the ball around and kept possession.”

Anything else other than defeat to VG Utd next week will see the Wolues crowned as Champions and they made sure of staying in contention with a 3-1 victory against One Love Utd on Sunday.

Their opponents went ahead through Felix Walters in the 19th minute before Luca Reich equalized in the 26th. Johannes Blok put the Wolues ahead in the 31st and Reich netted his second to make sure of all 3 points in the 38th.

“It was a great game,” confirmed Wolues’ Asst. Coach Walter Reich. “Very competitive!”

VG Utd saw their own slim chance of grabbing the title end in a 2-2 draw with Rebels FC, who went ahead through Denvin Jones in the 43rd minute and doubled their advantage in the 46th through Ikyjah Williams before T’Khoi Richardson struck back in the 47th and 57th minutes to grab a share of the points.

“It was a good, hard fought game,” stated Coach Jermain Abrams. “But we needed to win it!”

Next Saturday, February 6th, in the U13 League, Old Madrid FC take on the Panthers FC and VG Utd face One Caribbean FC, with both games scheduled for a 2pm kick off on the field at East End Long Look. In the U17’s, Rebels FC play Old Madrid, also at East End with a 3.30pm kick off.

On Sunday, February 7th, the Wolues FC against VG Utd takes place at the East End venue, with a 2pm kick off to conclude the season.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVIFA National League, Panthers F.C., Wolues FC

Local coaches benefit from Session Planning webinar delivered by Jason Blake , a EUFA Pro Licensed Coach

January 26, 2021 by Admin

Several regional coaches and technical directors joined dozens of local coaches on Saturday, January 23rd on a Session Planning webinar hosted by Jason Blake, a UEFA Pro License Coach and founder of Global Soccer Education with over fifteen years’ experience of soccer coaching in the English Academy system with Southampton FC, AFC Bournemouth and Burnley FC.

Blake, who is currently working with the Canadian Soccer Association as well as being the Technical Director of the West Canada Soccer Academy, took the participants through the basic principles of session planning and put across his own ideas on best practices as well as making sure everyone understood that coaching is not all about following someone else’s philosophy but also creating your own ideas through experience and knowledge sharing.

“Session planning should be kept simple,” noted Blake. “You don’t want to give an overload of information to the players or cause confusion. I use the rule of 3, where I only plan for 3 practices within a session, 3 coaching points per practice and 3 progressions per practice.”

Blake also pointed out that coaches need to be consistent, have trust in the programmes they put together and stick to plans and include all players in the sessions with some built in flexibility in case things do not quite according to plan.

“Coach education is of paramount importance if we are to develop our football provision on the island. To have the best possible football we need to have the best possible coaches and to achieve that the BVIFA is offering lots of opportunities and support for local coaches to continue to develop and improve,” commented Dan Neville the BVIFA Technical Director.

Recently the BVIFA partnered with the H Lavity Stoutt Community College as well as the International Soccer Science and Performance Federation (ISSPF) to assist in providing resources and online courses to further develop the knowledge of coaches and the signs are already very encouraging as the standards of play across youth, women and men are on the rise.

The players’ side is not being ignored as the BVIFA is also putting on webinars that benefit that side of the game, including establishing clear player pathways, definitive understanding of roles, clear and precise tactical responsibilities by position, the importance of nutrition and the benefits behind a good night’s sleep!

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, Jason Blake

Islanders reclaim title to BVIFA President’s Cup

January 26, 2021 by Admin

The Islanders beat Sugar Boys 2-0 to win the BVIFA President’s Cup and reclaim their title. *Photo: BVIFA*

The Islanders FC completed a Domestic Double on Sunday 24th January 2021, when they slid past arch rivals, Sugar Boys FC, 2-0, to lift the BVI Football Association’s President’s Cup at the National Stadium venue in East End / Long Look.

Usually when these two sides meet, the game is tense and tightly contested with this final no different as each team probed for the breakthrough against resolute defenses and tough tackling midfields.

The longer a game goes on though – when you are playing the habitual champion side and you are not able to gain advantage through goal scoring – the more likely, history has shown, the Islanders are to wear you down and snaffle a victory.

And this is exactly how it went on Sunday as a game that was in deadlock until the 74th minute was suddenly blown wide open by Rohan Lenon.

Karu Charles broke down the right-hand side, evaded two challenges and played the perfect ball into the path of Lenon, who made no mistake shooting home with power and accuracy. The destiny of the Cup was sealed when Lenon was quickest to react to a Montgomery Butler goal kick in the 81st minute, dribbling around the last defender and wrapping up victory with a thumping strike.

“The game was a great advertisement for the quality of football now being played,” noted BVIFA President Mr. Andy Bickerton. “A good crowd enjoyed a very tight game which was decided by the introduction of Islanders’ veteran striker “Chi-Chi” Leonard with 2 opportunist goals in 5 minutes. Both teams should be congratulated a fitting finale to the season.”

“It was great to win, regain the trophy from the Sugar Boys and show them that we are the real Champions,” commented Islanders’ Captain, Ranalie Cains.

In 2017, The Sugar Boys had beaten the Islanders, 1-0 in the final and in 2018 the Sugar Boys knocked the Islanders out in the semifinal, 5-1, before going on to beat Wolues FC 5-2 in the Final

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, Islanders FC

Panthers top BVIFA U13 League with One Caribbean leading the U17s

January 21, 2021 by Admin

U17s Old Madrid v VG Utd BVIFA Youth League. *Photo: BVIFA*

Goals galore highlighted the BVI Football Association’s U13 and U17 Youth Leagues on Saturday and Sunday, January 16th and 17th with no fewer than 43 goals scored across the 5 games that took place at the East End / Long Look venue.

Action got underway in the U13’s with the Sugar Boys FC overcoming Old Madrid FC 7-2 courtesy of a hat trick from Shau’mauri Lennard (6th, 30th and 43rd minutes), a brace from Kyle Farrington (9th and 29th) and one apiece from Liam Munn (3rd) and Kenroy Williams (50th).

David Chinnery and Malik LaTouche scored for Old Madrid.

Also, in U13 action the Wolues FC reached double digits in a 10-1 hammering of VG Utd with both Charlie Potgeiter (15th, 24th and 57th) and Oakley Hodges (6th, 44th and 53rd) scoring hat tricks. Blake Kirk netted a brace (25th and 48th), whilst Sofia Preddy (21st) and Giada Palladino (30th) were also on the scoresheet.

Qu’yle Billingy scored what turned out to be a consolation goal for VG in the 23rd minute.

The Panthers FC rounded out the U13 games beating One Caribbean FC 7-1, with a rush of first half goals putting them 4 goals up inside the first 21 minutes. Myles Penn grabbed two of those on his way to a hat trick (3rd, 9th and 32nd), an own goal bonus came their way in the 18th minute, Christian Vanterpool scored twice (21st and 57th) and Jaheim Bijai rounded things off in the 50th minute.

Devonte Smith found the back of the net for One Caribbean.

The Panthers’ win was enough to keep them on top of the standings, ahead of the Wolues albeit on goal difference with both teams on 9 points. In third are the Sugar Boys on 6 points.

In the U17 League, One Caribbean managed to bring some relief to the Club, running out 6-1 victors against One Love FC.

“We had a game plan to come out and score as many goals as we could, and we did that as well as missing several other chances to add to the score line,” commented Coach Morris Mark.

Dylan Cline and Johari Lacey both scored a brace. There was a goal right from the restart of the second half for Chad Fearon and Tai Thomas also scored for One Caribbean, whilst Jalen Prentice netted for One Love.

And to bring a hectic weekend to a close, VG Utd had a resounding 8-0 win against Old Madrid.

“Definitely a good restart after the break,” noted VG’s Manager, Jermain Abrams. “We were just a little bit sharper than them and had good ball movement. Lewis Munn was impressive scoring a hat trick, but skipper, Jaden Abrams also led the defense well.”

Munn scored his goals in the 10th, 32nd and 38th minutes, Abrams and Samuel Gilford also found the back of the net in the first half, whilst Mekyle Williams, Cedric Mars and Levon Williams all scored in the second half of a dominant display.

One Caribbean are top of the standings with 9 points but have played one game more than VG Utd who are second on 6 points just ahead of the Wolues, who also have 6 points, on goal difference.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVIFA Youth League

Wolues beat Panthers to stay in the lead in BVIFA Women’s Futsal League

January 20, 2021 by Admin

Tola Broderick scored a hat trick for the Wolues FC in the 8 -0 win over the Panthers FC in the BVIFA Women’s Futsal League Game on January 16, 2021
*Photo: BVIFA*

The Wolues FC welcomed back head coach John Reilly with a resounding 8-0 victory against the Panthers FC as the BVI Football Association’s Women’s Futsal League continued at Cedar School on Saturday 16th January 2021.

Having not played a league match in over a month, and with Coach Reilly pitch side for the first time, the girls were keen to set the tone early in the game and leave no doubt who the league leaders were.

Passing the ball around with confidence the Wolues created all the early chances and it was Gabi Jermyn who opened the scoring, firing home at the back post from a Darci Reich cross.

The Panthers though looked to hit back straight away, and it took the cat-like reflexes of Tinia Van Zoost to keep the lead intact before the Wolues were able to put the game to bed with some silky passing moves.

Tola Broderick took full advantage of some great build up play, often inspired by Ariel Mohammed, to claim her first hat trick for the club and further goals came from Reich (2), Jermyn with her second of the game and Zolita Bamford as the Wolues dominated.

“It feels amazing to be part of a team that has put so much effort into getting to the level we are at now,” commented Broderick. “We have trained together for years waiting to put our hard work into match situations and I’m proud of our progress. Having scored a hat trick is merely a bonus!”

“Each of the goals was a result of great buildup of play with wonderful final passes that has become a bit of a trademark for the Wolues Ladies’ team,” noted assistant coach, Walter Reich.

Islanders FC to play Sugar Boys in Presidents Cup Final Meanwhile, in Men’s football, the Sugar Boys FC and the Islanders FC will meet in the final of the BVIFA President’s cup after both secured comfortable wins in the “Clash of the Big 4” semifinals.

De Andre Rogers, Ranalie Cains, from the penalty spot and Kevin Fisher- Daniel scored the goals for the Islanders in their 3-1 win against the Panthers FC, for whom Timothy Louisnel scored a late consolation.

“The win was a good one for us,” said Cains. “We got knocked out in the first round of the last President’s Cup, but we played a good game, and I knew a win would be the result.”

The Sugar Boys went ahead in the second half against the Wolues FC through Derrol Redhead and made sure of reaching next Saturday’s final when Jorge Gonzalez made it 2-0 in the dyeing moments.

The match will be played on Sunday, January 24th at the BVIFA’s East End / Long Look venue with a 4pm kick off.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, Wolues WFC

BVIFA signs MoU with HLSCC to develop capacity in sports management and coaching

January 5, 2021 by Admin

L-R: Mrs. Juliana Luke, BVIFA Gen Sec., Mr. Andy Bickerton, BVIFA President, Dr. Richard Georges PhD , President of HLSCC, Mr. Dan Neville, BVIFA Technical Director at the signing of a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to develop local capacity in sports management and coaching. .Photo: BVIFA

The BVI Football Association and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) have formed a strategic partnership, with the signing of a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to develop local capacity in sports management and coaching.

“This relationship will allow for the professional development of FA members and all stakeholders,” commented BVIFA President Mr. Andy Bickerton, who signed the MOU along with Dr. Richard Georges PhD, President of HLSCC.

Some of the specific areas will be the use of HLSCC facilities by the BVIFA for training purposes, use of the BVIFA’s facilities by the college for shared vision activities and the BVIFA providing regional and international contacts of interest to the college.

“The College and the BVIFA have been talking and working together for a number of years,” said Georges. “This Memorandum of Understanding formalizes this collaborative relationship while laying a foundation for more ambitious projects in the future.”

The use of the HLSCC campus to provide training facilities will further enhance the BVIFA’s ambitions to provide top class education programmes for its coaches and, according to BVIFA Technical Director, Dan Neville, is another step to add to the recent partnership with the International Soccer Science and Performance Federation.

“We are delighted to be working in conjunction with college to deliver high quality live and online coaching courses in the BVI and ultimately regionally. HLSCC’s outstanding facilities and infrastructure will complement our coaching courses perfectly to deliver a high standard of sports education both locally and even regionally,” said Neville.

The BVIFA is also developing its own accredited foundation level courses to act as springboards into CONCACAF level programmes.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVIFA, H Lavitty Stoutt Community College, HLSCC, Sports Capacity building MoU

BVIFA partners with ISSPF to provide online training resources for coaches

January 5, 2021 by Admin

Taking further strides in the ongoing development of its coaches the BVI Football Association has signed a partnership agreement with the International Soccer Science and Performance Federation (ISSPF) to provide cutting edge online training resources delivered by leading soccer professionals.

The online courses are for all abilities and knowledge levels and include topics such as nutrition, psychology and mental skills, youth soccer player development, training methodology, fitness training, tactical analysis, talent identification and the principles of coaching.

BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton saw the partnership as an exciting and necessary move noting that “this is another step forward for the BVIFA as we create further learning opportunities for our coaches. We have seen significant improvement in the level of coaching particularly over the last year which has translated into an improved level of playing performance in our youth teams. We now have a significant number of talented youngsters transitioning from our youth program into both national league teams and the national team. They have been well coached and are improving the overall standard of play in the territory.”

The educational possibilities provided through the courses are open to almost anyone involved in the game as a coach, manager, physio, trainer or talent scout and ideal to provide insights in best practice to design and implement plans and sessions with individual players and teams.

As a leading online soccer education organization, ISSPF is not only seen as the trusted partner of elite, semi-professional, amateur and youth soccer clubs, international & continental federations, but also as key educational partners of schools, colleges, universities and training institutes worldwide.

In an invited statement ISSPF confirmed the partnership. “We are delighted to become the official online educational provider and partner for the British Virgin Islands Football Association. Provision of bespoke soccer related courses, across coaching & performance development is something we are proud to work together with for the progression of all individuals interested in improving their skill set. Our BVIFA accredited courses cover a range of coaching interests from grassroots, through to the elite professional coaching level.”

BVIFA Technical Director, Mr. Dan Neville, who has been instrumental, not only in this initiative, but also in creating pathways for coaches and players to fully realize their potential concluded that “Coach education and developing our suite of online coaching qualifications is at the forefront of our strategic plan and this partnership aligns both elements. We will be using the ISPFF platform to upskill our local coaches and will also be able to offer the courses to Coaches across the Region.”

The program has already gone “live” on the internet and access for coaches will be via links posted on the Association’s social media pages.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, International Soccer Science and Performance Federation, ISSPF