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

January 5, 2021 by
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.

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BVIFA partners with ISSPF to provide online training resources for coaches

January 5, 2021 by

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.

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Islanders FC take BVIFA National League Trophy and $10K!

January 5, 2021 by
Islanders FC take the BVIFA National League Trophy as well as the winner’s check for $10,000. Photo:BVIFA

BVI Football Association President Mr. Andy Bickerton was on hand at the weekend to present the Islanders FC with the National League Trophy as well as the winner’s check for $10,000.

Other Awardees were
Most Goals: (20) Nigel Sanderson Panthers FC
MVP: Sheldon Harry, Islanders FC
Outstanding Youth Player: Luca Reich, Wolues FC
Golden Glove: Linden Williams Suger Boys FC
Fair Play: Sugar Boys FC

“Congratulations go to the Islanders on securing another National League Championship,” commented Bickerton. “They played exciting, attacking football and deserved their success. They can now look forward to their opportunity to compete in the Caribbean Club Championship in 2021!”

  • Linden Williams, Sugar Boys FC, Golden Glove. Photo: BVIFA
  • Luca Reich, Wolues FC, Outstanding Youth Player. Photo: BVIFA
  • Nigel Sanderson, Panthers FC, Most Goals. Photo: BVIFA
  • Sheldon Harry, Islanders FC, MVP. Photo: BVIFA
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Panthers, Wolues and One Caribbean secure wins in BVIFA National Youth League games

January 5, 2021 by
  • One Caribbean v VG Utd U17 (VG in yellow) Photo: BVIFA
  • Panthers FC v VG Utd – U13 (Panthers in red shirts) Photo: BVIFA

Miles Penn scored six goals as Panthers FC went on an eight-goal rampage against VG Utd in the BVI Football Association’s National U13 Youth League on Saturday 19th December 2020 at East End / Long Look.

The final score was 8-1 and saw the young Panthers stay top of the standings. “Honestly my team played some lovely football,” beamed Coach Wayne Phillip. “They were passing the ball, dribbling, playing aggressively and it was brilliant to watch.”

Penn’s first goal for Panthers came in the 16th minute after Kyia Flax had given VG Utd the lead in the 14th minute, but then the flood gates opened with Penn scoring again in the 21st minute, to give his team a 2-1 lead at half time and then in the 31st, to complete his hat trick, and the 59th, 60th and 61st.

“Penn’s left foot was sweet, and he made great contact for his goals, but the whole team played well. It was a collective effort and all in all it was a really good performance,” noted Phillips.

The other scorers were Latriel Williams and Christian Vanterpool

Also, in U13 action, the Wolues FC beat The Sugar Boys FC 3-1 with Oakley Hodges rounding out the scoring in the 90th minute after an own goal and a 50th minute strike from Charlie Potgeiter had put the Wolues in command before Kyle Farrington pulled one back for the Sugar Boys.

In the U17 Clash between One Caribbean FC and VG Utd, it was again the team from Virgin Gorda who took the lead through Deshawn Richardson in the 5th minute, but Azarni Callwood equalized in the 16th minute from the penalty spot and with another goal from Callwood almost at the final whistle, One Caribbean came away with a 2-1 victory.

“It was a battle,” commented Coach Morris Mark. “We stuck to our game plan though, stifled the speed and skill of their senior players and with Ryan Lettsome and Callwood back from school in the UK we had enough firepower to come through.”

Nicholas Haycraft was called upon to make a fine save in the dying moments and Dylan Cline and Callwood combined on a swift counterattack that saw Callwood net the winner.

In the other U17 results, Wolues FC beat Rebels FC 1-0 with a Michael Palladino 8th minute goal separating the teams.

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BVIFA National Youth Leagues continue with victories for Wolues FC U13s, One Caribbean FC (U13s & U17s) and One Love FC U17s

December 18, 2020 by
  • Photo:BVIFA
  • Photo:BVIFA
  • Jalen Prentice Photo: Cathie Caine
Action in BVIFA National Youth Leagues in match between One Love FC vs Old Madrid (in green)

The BVI Football Association’s National Youth Leagues continued at the East End / Long Look venue over the weekend of December 12 – 13, 2020 with hat tricks for Hugo Hlavacek in the U13s and Jalen Prentice in the U17’s grabbing the headlines.

Hlavacek scored his first goal in the 1st minute of the game as the Wolues FC went onto to beat Old Madrid FC 9-1 and scored in the second minute before going onto complete his hat trick in the 16th minute. Further goals came from Quinn Woodfield (2), William Sanders, Ethan Mohamed and Charlie Potgeiter, whilst Derick Williams scored a consolation for Old Madrid.

“My boys put up a good fight for their first game and I’m super proud of them,” commented Coach Darren Jones. “We have a lot of work to do, but I also saw a lot of talent out on the pitch.”

Also, in U13 action, One Caribbean FC beat the Sugar Boys FC 2-0 with Devonte Smith scoring twice.

“The boys were a little raw, having not played much since the COVID-19 pandemic, but they had a determination to win,” stated Coach Morris Mark. “Super sub, Smith has great track speed and certainly showed that – not once, but twice!”

Meanwhile in the U17 National Youth League, Old Madrid came up against a firing-on-all-cylinders One Love FC outfit who duly romped to a 5-0 victory as Jalen Prentice scored a hat trick, including one dazzling virtuoso effort that saw him dribble past four opposition players before firing home. Shajahni Duporte and Felix Walters also found the net to round out the scoring.

“We lost our first game, so it was good to bounce back and see the boys settle into playing their game early,” noted Coach Javon Carty. “The boys were composed and disciplined from the outset and played a good game.”

Coach Mark returned to the field on Sunday and saw his One Caribbean FC U17 team to a 1-0 win against Rebels FC. “We had a well-prepared game plan to shut down their senior players and that made the difference,” he said.

Adrian Padilla scoring direct from a corner kick was the icing on the cake.

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Wolues FC take the game against VG Utd in Women’s Futsal League

December 18, 2020 by
Wolues FC stay the course to beat VG Utd in BVIFA Women’s Futsal League game of December 12, 2020

The Wolues FC stayed on course for what could be a perfect season in the BVI Football Association’s Women’s Futsal League with a 2-0 victory over VG Utd on Saturday, December 12 at Cedar School.

Once again, the women had to demonstrate their composure, patience and skill to break down a well-organized, compact defense, whilst being mindful of their opponent’s ability to hit them on the break and again they proved highly adept at overcoming even the most tenacious tackling of VG Utd.

“If there was anything lacking, and I think the girls would agree, it would have been the finishing,” remarked Coach Walter Reich. “In these types of tight matches, it really helps loosen the team up if the early opportunities can be converted into goals.”

Gabi Jermyn, Tola Broderick and Darci Reich each had opportunities to put the Wolues up in the first 10 minutes, but the shots were either saved or went wide, but Tola Broderick finally broke the deadlock, latching on to a pass from Reich and making the net ripple for a 1 nil lead.

With the game 1 nil, Coach Peter Van Zoost would make some strategic changes by bringing on both Zolita Bamford and Jhaniqua Collymore, who, despite bringing some fresh energy to the team, were unable to add to the score line and the first half ended 1-0.

Within seconds of the restart, Tinia Van Zoost pulled off a smart save, diving low to her right to keep the Wolues ahead and seemingly gaining more confidence or shocked into a reaction, the Wolues started to turn on the style.

Reich’s curling attempt heading towards the upper right corner of the goal could only be blocked by a defender’s hand and Reich then stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot to make it 2-0.

Darci Reich brings the Wolues score up to 2-0 against VG Utd in BVIFA Women’s Futsal League game of December 12, 2020
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Visit to Jost Van Dyke football progamme leaves BVIFA Technical Director and Coach impressed

December 11, 2020 by
Youths in the Jost Van Dyke football programme managed by Darren Jones. Photo: BVIFA

BVI Football Association’s Technical Director, Dan Neville and Coach, Clinton “Tinnie” Percival came away from a visit to the Football programme on Jost Van Dyke on Thursday 10th December extremely impressed with the enthusiasm for the game shown by the youths as well as the efforts being made on their behalf by Coach Darren Jones.

With just over 400 inhabitants on Jost Van Dyke, Coach “Tinnie” was moved by how many of the youths were there to greet them. “It was a real eye opener for me to see the enthusiasm of the kids as they saw our vehicle arrived at the training ground and to have nearly 20 youths showing up and wanting to play the game of football really moved me in ways I couldn’t imagine,” he beamed.

After putting the players through some technical drills, Coach Tinnie also commented on how impressed he was with the standard. “I can assure you that with constant training and support I can see some very good players emerging to represent the Virgin Islands at some level. I must give mention to the coaches and Darren, in particular, for the tremendous work he’s doing to help develop the talent there.”

TD, Neville said “it was great to visit Jost Van Dyke today and see firsthand the excellent work Darren Jones is doing for young players on the island.”

Neville was also happy to announce that with what he saw, two players have been invited to training at the BVIFA Talent BVI program.

“The aim of the BVIFA is to bring the game of football to as many of the Sister Islands as possible and to do that we need reliable, enthusiastic staff and Darren is doing a great job in motivating young players on JVD,” concluded Neville.

Youths in the Jost Van Dyke football programme managed by Darren Jones impress BVIFA Technical Director Dan Neville and Coach Clinton “Tinnie” Percival. Photo: BVIFA

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Islanders FC claim 8th BVIFA National League Title

December 10, 2020 by
Islanders FC claim 8th BVIFA National League title after defeating Old Madrid FC 3-1 on Dec, 6 2020. Photo: BVIFA

The Islanders FC claimed their eighth National League title with a 3-1 win against Old Madrid FC on Sunday 6th December, 2020 at the BVI Football Association’s new stadium venue in East End / Long Look.

According to player / coach of the Islanders, Andy Davis, his team went into the game fully prepared and understanding what a win would mean. “We were able to create chances and capitalize on them despite making a few mistakes,” he commented. “We did not take Old Madrid lightly as we knew they can cause upsets, but the guys stuck to their task, took the game to Old Madrid and scored the goals for a well fought victory.

Going a goal down did not help the nerves much, but captain Ranalie Cains cancelled out Fitzroy Daley’s 15th minute opener in the 26th minute with both goals coming from the penalty spot. “This game was a crucial one and we had to come out victorious,” said Cains.

Sheldon Harry then put the Islanders ahead in the 35th minute, but it was not until the 72nd minute when Rohan Lennon made it 3-1 that the Islanders settled the title race. “I knew we would win the championship, although it was a very tight race because we have a group of young and experienced talented players combined together to form a good team.” noted Cains.

“It’s a good feeling winning the league after missing out the previous year,” confirmed Davis. “The title gives the younger players in the team the chance to be part of a winning culture that makes them fight even harder during every game. The tournament has been incredibly competitive with a number of teams showing great potential and developing young players and we now set our sights on next season where we can step up our game and hoping other teams follow suit.”

BVIFA president, Mr. Andy Bickerton was quick to applaud title winners. “Congratulations go to the Islanders on securing another National League Championship. They played exciting, attacking football and deserved their success. They can now look forward to their opportunity to compete in the Caribbean Club Championship in 2021,” he said.

Wolues captain, Philip Nelson was also quick to congratulate the Islanders on holding off his team’s challenge for the Championship. “It was disappointing to come so close, but it wasn’t to be. The Islanders were the more consistent team throughout the year, and we congratulate them as worthy winners. We are already looking forward to battling again next season.” he warned.

Nelson’s comments came immediately after seeing his team romp to a 5-0 rout of One Love FC. “A great performance from start to finish and we were happy to secure second. We managed to take the lead in the first minute and never looked back with all the lads being fully committed to finishing the season the right way. One Love battled well throughout, but the quality of chances created was the ultimate difference,” said Nelson.

The Wolues’ goals came from Nelson, who scored from the penalty spot in the 4th minute, Ian Chambers, who scored twice in 29th and 52nd minutes, Noel Maxwell in the 32nd and Chester James in the 82nd.

In other results, the Sugar Boys FC thumped the Rebels FC 4-0 on goals from Jorge Gonzalez (24th), Terence Nanton (42nd) and Derrol Redhead (83rd and 89th), and Lion Heart FC drew 3-3 with the Panthers FC with Necarious Watt (28th), Dwayne Smith (34th) and Sheldon Brown (79th) all on target for Lion Heart, whilst Nigel Sanderson (45th and 75th) and Vanrick Depesche (50th) replied for the Panthers.

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Wolues, VG Utd take lead in U17 National Youth League. Draw for Panthers and VG Utd in Women’s Futsal

December 7, 2020 by
  • VG Utd v One Love U17
  • Walues V One Caribbean U17

The BVI Football Association launched its U17 National Youth League over the weekend with two cracking games of football as the Wolues FC beat One Caribbean FC and VG Utd overcame One Love FC.

In unparalleled sporting development the BVIFA has now supported its member clubs in setting up officially registered women’s and youth teams to supplement men’s teams and, going by the youngsters on view in both games, it will certainly lead to great success in the future of the game.

The Wolues v One Caribbean game had the feel of a local derby as many of the players from both teams had come through the Manatees Youth Programme, but any friendships were soon put aside as, right from the kickoff, the Wolues especially, adopted a high pressing game.

Denying their opponents time and space certainly paid dividends as the Wolues enjoyed lots of early possession and were able to bring out fine saves from Nici Haycraft. However, in the 17th minute, as One Caribbean defended stoically, they conceded a free kick just outside the area which Luca Reich chipped high into the box where Sam Potgeiter reacted first to a loose ball to fire home.

One Caribbean responded well to going a goal down and Adrian Brown in articular saw a couple of good chances saved by Ollie Henderson, but in 24th minute Michael Pallandino, latching onto a through ball from Reich made it 2-0, slotting home after his initial shot had been saved by Haycraft.

Hendersen was again called into action as One Caribbean went on the front foot looking for a way back into the game, making a great save from a Dylan Cline effort, but unable to stop Adams who made it 2-1 just before the break, bursting through the Wolues’ line to score.

The second half got underway with the Wolues stringing together a series of passes and flowing moves, but it was another Reich free kick in the 41st minute that put the match firmly in the favour of the Wolues as his tantalizing delivery into the box was allowed to bounce all the way into the back of the net as Pallandino’s run seemingly distracted Haycraft and his defense.

Reich also scored the 4th Wolues’ goal in the 48th minute, cutting out a pass and making no mistake with a well-directed shot.

To their credit, One Caribbean kept playing football and put some real pressure on the Wolues’ goal and eventually scored a deserved consolation goal in the dying moments as Adams scored from a free kick to make it 4-2.

VG Utd beat One Love FC

VG Utd U17s had a comfortable 4-0 win over One Love in the BVIFA National Youth League

The second game of the weekend saw VG Utd to a comfortable 4-0 win over One Love as T’Koi Richardson scored a hat trick (28th, 32nd and 37th minutes) and Lewis Munn rounded out the scoring in the 51st minute.

“We started a little flat footed and took time to settle into the game,” commented VG Coach, Jermain Abrams. “Once Richardson scored that opener, we seemed to settle down and were able to play our game in the second half, stringing passes together, executing what we practiced and dominating passages of play.”

The Panthers WFC and VG Utd share the points

VG Utd’s Kezia Gumbs scores a late equalizer against Panthers FC in the Women’s Futsal

Meanwhile in Women’s Futsal action, VG Utd and the Panthers FC battled to a 3-3 draw as Kezia Gumbs scored a late late equalizer for VG.

“It was a physical game. We didn’t think the Panthers would be so tough to break down and had to really step up our game,” noted VG coach Thomas Albert. “There has been definite progress made and the girls are really enjoying playing again.”

The Panthers went ahead through an own goal before Kayla Bolus equalized for VG in the 13th minute only for Morgan Creque to put the Panthers 2-1 up in the 14th. Gumbs levelled the game just before half time and in the second half Creque scored from the penalty spot (31st) to see the Panthers lead 3-2, before Gumbs’ late intervention.

“We played a much more aggressive game,” commented Panthers coach, Jacintha Weekes. “We passed the ball around more and took more shots on goal.”

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Islanders FC in the lead in BVIFA National League

December 1, 2020 by
Islanders FC v Wolues battle it out in BVIFA National League on Nov 29, 2020

The Islanders FC and Wolues FC proved inseparable on Sunday 29th November as the top two sides in the BVI Football Association’s National League drew 1-1 at the East End / Long Look venue on Tortola.

The shared points favored the Islanders as they now have a five point lead in the race for the Championship with just two games to go and if they avoid defeat this coming weekend when they play Old Madrid FC  and the Wolues fail to beat One Love FC, then the title will be theirs.

Kevin Fisher-Daniel fired his team into the lead in the 32nd minute of a tense game and it took the Wolues until the 67th minute to equalize through Robert Green.

Earlier in another action-packed weekend, One Caribbean FC secured a 3-2 victory over One Love FC, with all the goals coming during a frantic 35-minute period in the first half.

Rickson Augustin opened the scoring for One Caribbean in the 5th minute before Santos Caines made it 1-1 in the 8th minute. Kelvin Glasgow restored the lead in the 22nd minute and Richard Morgan made it 2-2 on the half hour mark only for Glasgow to score his second and what turned out to be the winner in the 40th minute.

The Panthers FC nabbed all 3 points from Old Madrid with a brace from Nigel Sanderson, including a 75th minute penalty sealing a 2-1 win after Nano Ottley had levelled the game at 1-1 in the first half and VG Utd and Lion Heart FC battled to a 1-1 draw after Jevonne Demming opened the scoring just before half time and Shevaugn Thomas equalized for Lion Heart in the 76th minute.

VG Utd v Lion Heart battled to a 1-1 draw in BVIFA National Leagues

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