BVI Football Association

BVI squad set to compete in CONCACAF U15 Championship

August 1, 2023 by Admin

A group of “bright and talented” BVI footballers are off to compete in the CONCACAF U15 Championship hosted by the Dominican Republic from August 6 – 13, 2023. The team is expected to put in a good performance.

The BVI team came top of Division C the last time the Championship was held in 2019. The team is now the top seed in the group, which includes Dominica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The other teams which are in the same division as the BVI, but in separate groups, include Sint Marten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the USVI, French Guiana, Anguilla, and Saint Maarten.

The squad, all members of which are based within the territory, is coached by Cassandra Gregg. Preparations have been intensive with a combination of regular training, tournaments and a series of friendly games all taking place in the past few months.

“Originally we were in a group of four and playing in Curacao, but how we are a group of 3 and playing in DR,” commented Coach Gregg. “We had a very successful tournament over Easter and, more recently, made a trip to play St Kitts, which was a great experience for the boys. What I always say to my players is anything they can do, we can do better,” she added.

First up will be a game next Tuesday, August 8th against TCI. The team will then play Dominica on Wednesday August 9th. Both games kick off at 9.00am local time.

Captain Mario Carter is feeling very positive about the teams’ chances. “Not too long ago we were in St Kitts and when we came back, we analyzed the games, saw the kinds of mistakes we made and worked hard in practice to correct them. We are mentally and physically prepared and although we have to work on a couple of things, like chemistry and discipline, I am very confidant,” he said.

The Assistant coach is Jeffrey Demming and the Goalkeeper Coach is Morris Mark.

The traveling squad includes Carter as Captain, Latreil Williams as vice-captain, Marc Tan, Christian Vanterpool, Tiandre Frett, Quyl Billingy, Myles Penn, Kyle Farrington, Akeem Paddy, Lashaun Gibbs, Temari Nanton, Othniel Gillings, Michael Findlay, Morris Mark III, Kenley Williams, Zeviah Abrahams, roman Nibbs, Malique Fenton, and D’Andre McSheen

“Our defense is very hard to get past and is really good, so once our midfield do their jobs, I’m pretty sure we will come out on top of our group,” said Coach Gregg.

BVI Football Association President, Andy Bickerton also noted that the young players were now well and truly on the pathway to Senior National team levels. “These boys are now playing at U15 levels and the next step from the BVIFA’s point of view is to be looking at the squad for U17 level. Two thirds of our Men’s National team have already come through our Youth Programs, so they all know that they way they behave on and off the field, with their studies and how well they represent the territory will keep them on that pathway.”

Filed Under: Football, Uncategorized Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVIFA, CONCACAF U15 Championship

Luka Chalwell makes sporting history as VI’s first professional footballer

June 20, 2023 by Admin

Luka Chalwell with Lea Bradbury, Manager of Eastleigh FC. Photo: Luka Chalwell

Luka Chawell is the first Virgin Islands national, who is born and raised in the British Virgin Islands, to become a professional footballer after signing a contract on Thursday, June 15 2023, to join Eastleigh FC in the English National League.

Chalwell, a product of the BVI Football Association development pathways, started under the watchful eye of Coach John Reilly. He flourished in the BDO Schools League and blossomed in the BVIFA youth teams before earning his first full international cap in the Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Guatemala in 2021.

Since then, Chalwell has represented the VI in the Concacaf Nations League. He moved to England to develop his talent at clubs such as Poole Town, where he scored a hat trick in the FA Youth Cup. BVI National Coach, Chris Kiwomya, who was working with Chalwell on improving his all round game, recommended Chalwell to Lee Bradbury, Manager of Eastleigh FC and the Eastleigh Elite Development Program.

Chalwell impressed both Kiwomya and Eastleigh with his work ethic. He demonstrated an exemplary attitude to gain his chance and be rewarded for his undoubted talent. He also showed a willingness to listen to coaches and mentors alike and benefited from being able to work with Coach Kiwomya.

“I was able to get Luka (Chalwell) the opportunity, but he had to show dedication to learn the game and improve himself,” said Kiwomya. “He has really improved over 12-18 months, has an eye for the goal, good stamina and is a good header of the ball. I was happy to step in and help him achieve his dream, which he’s grabbed with both hands, and I believe he has a good chance of making the breakthrough to the first team and playing at a higher level.”

Chalwell was excited to learn of the offer to sign the professional two-year contract on Thursday 15th June 2023.

“This is such a proud moment for myself and my family, signing my first professional contract with Eastleigh FC,” said Chalwell. “I want to thank my parents for their unwavering support and sacrifice throughout my journey so far. Words can’t describe how I feel to have reached this stage. I’ve always worked very hard but especially this past year, putting my all into further developing my physical and mental skills whilst working very hard to condition my body for the intense physicality of professional level football, which has allowed me this opportunity with Eastleigh FC. I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

According to an announcement on the Eastleigh FC website, “Chalwell has been involved in training with the first team in the latter stages of the season and impressed, earning himself a pro deal.” Chalwell’s new manager, Lee Bradbury said “I’m really pleased to have the lad on board. He has excellent ability and I’m looking forward to seeing the progress through the early years of professional football.”

BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton added “The BVIFA is very proud of Luka, he is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and the essential and necessary family support.”

Those sentiments were echoed by BVIFA Technical Director, Dan Neville, “Congratulations to Luka, the first of what we hope is many more to follow!”

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, Eastleigh FC, Luka Chalwell

BVI Men’s National Team to face Dominica and TCI in Concacaf Nations League C

June 12, 2023 by Admin

BVI vs Puerto Rico, Concacaf Nations League C Group D, A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, March 23, 2023

The BVI men’s National team has been drawn in Concacaf League C, Group C for the 2023/24 edition of the Nations League competition, which will begin in November of this year and conclude in March 2024.

Concacaf conducted the official draw for the third edition of the Concacaf Nations League (CNL) in a live event in Miami, Florida, hosted by sports anchor Carmen Boquin. The occasion included the participation of Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio, as well as former players Gonzalo Romero (Guatemala), Maylee Atthin-Johnson (Trinidad and Tobago and Wendy Acosta (Costa Rica).

Group C also includes Dominica and Turks and Caicos. Each team will play every team in their group, home and away, for a total of four matches per team (two at home and two away).

League C includes Bonaire, Saint Martin, and Anguillam in Group A and Aruba, Cayman Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands in Group B.

Promotion and relegation between CNL Leagues will take place at the conclusion of the third edition, as follows:

League A: 5th and 6th place finishers will be relegated to League B.
League B: Group winners will be promoted to League A, and 4th place finishers will be relegated to League C.
League C: Group winners and the best 2nd place finisher will be promoted to League B.

The 2023/24 CNL will be played in a three-League format (A, B, and C), with the region’s 41 men’s senior national teams distributed into the Leagues according to the results of the 2022/23 CNL.

The 2023/24 CNL Group Stage will be played during the official FIFA Match Windows in September, October, and November 2023. The 2023/24 CNL Finals, where the third CNL champion will be crowned, will take place at a to-be-announced venue in March 2024.

Concacaf will announce the competition’s schedule at a later date.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVI Men's National Football Team, Concacaf Nations League

Wolues victors of President’s Cup

May 23, 2023 by Admin

Wolues FC enjoyed a 1-0 victory over VG United in the President’s Cup Final at East End / Long Look on Sunday 21st May

Marcus Robinson scored the only goal of the game to hand Wolues FC a 1-0 victory over VG United in the President’s Cup Final at East End / Long Look on Sunday 21st May.

The goal came in just the 11th minute of a game that later saw Wolues reduced to 10 men. The match then developed into a tactical dual between two well organized sides. The game, which was played in front of a large crowd at the future National Stadium venue, was as worthy a match to celebrate the President’s Cup as there has ever been.

“We got off to a good start and put some pressure on them early,” commented Phil Nelson of the Wolues. “The game was pretty even when Marcus (Robinson) was slid through. He went on to finish perfectly and then found ourselves hanging on a little bit. We were really up against it when one of our players got sent off, but we changed the formation a little at half time to try block the middle and give up the space on the sides. We rode our luck a little but overall didn’t give up much. It was a real determined performance”.

Nelson went onto congratulate VG United on a good season and a good game noting that “they have built their team from the youths and play very well together. They are ones to watch for next year.”

Meanwhile Manager of the VG team, Jermain Abrams, thought that his team didn’t start too well. “We were a bit shaky to begin with but settled down after they had scored,” he said. “Our confidence grew when they were reduced to ten men, but it seemed like it wasn’t to be our day as we missed many opportunities to score. We tried, we hit the woodwork, and it just wasn’t meant to be. But it was a good game, and the fans definitely got their money’s worth.”

At the conclusion of the game, the BVI Football Association President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, the Premier, Mr. Natalio Wheatley and members of the BVIFA Executive celebrated the season with awards not only going to the Wolues FC as Cup Winners, but also to One Love as National League Champions, the Golden Boot Winners, Johari Lacey of Rebels FC and Derol Redhead of Sugar Boys FC, who both scored 22 goals, the Golden Boy award for League newcomer, which went to Devon Letteen of One Love FC, who was also the Golden Glove winner and League MVP who was named as Collin Lavia of One Love FC.
The Fairplay award went to Positive FC, the Manager of the Year was named as Nick Messum of Wolues and the Referee of the Year award went to James Ramprasad.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVIFA President's Cup, One Love FC, Wolues FC

National Head Coach hopeful of closing the gap in the CONCACAF Nations’ League match against Puerto Rico

March 14, 2023 by Admin

BVI Football Association Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya is looking to the future with young players as he looks to close the gap in Nations League encounter with Puerto Rico at the A.O. Shirley Ground on March 23rd, 2023.

In a recent interview on 284 Media, ahead of the CONCACAF Nations’ League clash with Puerto Rico, Men’s National team Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya noted that he had been impressed with the showing of two or three youth players and that some would, no doubt, get their opportunity to be involved and gain experience in the senior set up.

BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton, current National team captain, Troy Caesar and forward Tyler Forbes were also in attendance and, such has been the impact of a development plan spearheaded by Bickerton, supported by his Executive Committee, that those two, still youthful players are already considered stalwarts of the team and are about to be joined by the next generation from the BVIFA’s youth development programme.

When asked by the President, Coach Kiwomya cautioned that it was a big step up from youth to Men’s football, but mentioned Johari Lacey, Azarni Callwood, and the Abram brothers as being in line for a chance to gain experience in what will be a tough game to end the CONCACAF Champions League campaign.

Forbes recognised that the level of the National League had increased and was much more competitive. Coach Kiwomya is keen to reward those players doing well in the local league by giving them an opportunity to get used to being around the senior players. He also sees the benefits of involving them and encouraging them to continue their development and keep improving as they are the future of the national team.

Rebels coach, Latoya Sue – recently praised by the Deputy Governor, David Archer, for her work in Football – already has a cadre of other players like Denvin Jones, Jahmal Austin Prentice and Ikyjah Williams representing at National levels so Lacey and will be in good company.

VG United under Coaches Glen Bascombe, Richie Morton and Jermain Abrams are already boasting Giovanni Grant, Daniel Gilford, and Levon Williams having made senior debuts. That list could well be swelled by the likes of the Abrams brothers, Mekhi Waters and Sheldon Toney, who have all been involved at representative youth tournaments and are pushing for places in the senior squad. .

Another exciting prospect, and one mentioned by the coach as a possible contender, is Azarni Callwood.

According to the BVIFA, whatever the final squad is, and despite the fact that the reverse fixture resulted in a 0-6 defeat, with several youngsters coming into the frame, who are like family to each other, the game will prove a valuable experience against professional opponents and show the home fans National Pride.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVI National Football Team, Concacaf Nations League

Women’s Football Festival kicks off with 35 participants

February 16, 2023 by Admin

The first of two Women’s Football Festivals kicked off with 35 participants on Feb 11, 2023 at the Valley Recreation Grounds in Virgin Gorda. PHOTO: BVIFA/Javi Mars

The first of two Women’s Football Festivals kicked off at the Valley Recreation Grounds in Virgin Gorda on Saturday and attracted 35 participants, who not only learnt new skills, but also made new friends.

“Today was really great, I really loved it,” said Ciel Fox of Ciboney Centre of Excellence. “I really liked how the coaches helped us.”

Co-coordinator Gloria George-Fahie said despite a hiccup at the start, she’s glad of the way the day turned out. “It was well attended,” she noted. “The BVI Health Services, they showed up and the girls learned a lot about blood typing, their pressure and it was a really great day.” George-Fahie said the numbers could have been more, but several girls from Virgin Gorda went to Road Town for a jumps and throws camp with their respective schools. “It was also good to see the support of the coaches from Tortola,” she said. “We’ll have more folks over in Tortola (on Feb 25) but this is just the beginning. You can’t begin with a bang.”

Zambia Demming who attends Bregado Flax Educational Secondary School and participants in the girls Saturday morning academy on Tortola, said it was good to see an event catering only to girls.
“I liked everything about it,” she said. “It went well, and it will help more people to join the program. I’ll tell my friends that they need to be a part of this.”

The event offered Mia Lennard a dual role—first as a photographer then as a player. “It was awesome,” said Lennard who played football in high school. “I just wanted to learn more about the sport and meet other people interested in sports.” She said that it was interesting capturing images of the event when she wasn’t playing. “It was cool doing both sides today,” she said.

Following the event, Coach Cassandra “Coach Cass” Gregg, gathered everyone in a circle for a departing prayer as she usually does during the Saturday morning academies at the football field in Greenland. “We’re targeting 100 girls by the ending of December and today on Virgin Gorda, we had 35,” she told everyone. “We’ve doubled the amount now. Last month, we had 22, this month we’re up to 48—that’s for the Saturday morning program only not including all of you here—we’re hoping that we’re going to climb the ladder next month. We should be up to 75, then the next month we should target the hundred and keep going. That’s what we’re looking for. It was very nice to have all of you here today.”

Registration is in progress for the Tortola leg of the festival on February 25. Registration of girls in all ages, can be done on the day, via the BVI Football Association office or by email to
info@bvifootball.com. Further information can be obtained by calling (284) 340 3545.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, Women's Football Festival

Women’s Football Festival to be held on Virgin Gorda this weekend, February 11th

February 8, 2023 by Admin

Gloria George-Fahie, a co-coordinator of the Women’s Football Festival on Virgin Gorda, with a group of girls from the Bregado Flax Educational Center on Virgin Gorda, who will participate in the festival. PHOTO: BVIFA / Dean Greenaway

A Women’s Football Festival will be held on Virgin Gorda on Saturday, February 11 between 9:30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. with the aim of reviving the sport for women and eventually starting a league.

During the festival, women will be exposed to a number of activities besides the skills used in the game, including nutrition, blood sugar, blood pressure checks, communication, media, conditioning and physiotherapy. Sprinter Karene King will be the guest speaker on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola.

“The focus of all the presentations in these two events will be solely by women, which I think is very important,” said Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway, BVI Football Association Competitions’ Manager , who’s driving the festival. “The aim is to eventually see a Women’s League run entirely by women. Since taking up the position, I have come across a number of enthusiastic, dedicated, competent women with the requisite skills and they know what they want. I’m just the facilitator in the process.”

In November and early December, meetings with women were held on Virgin Gorda and Tortola, to get an understanding of their concerns and what they’d like to see for themselves. Their respective ideas were canvassed and having a Women’s Football Festival on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola, was seen as an important event in bringing women together, as building blocks for future development.

“There are a number of women in the process of obtaining their coaching license and at the end of January, several completed a referee’s course,” Greenaway noted. “Chandni Wattley and Shevorne “Sha Sha” Vanterpool for example, have been the first two women to work in men league games as assistant referees. Vanterpool and Keliene Smith – both from Virgin Gorda – worked a Feb 5 men’s game in Virgin Gorda, becoming the first two women from the island to do so, so the foundation for women’s development is being laid. They will also be part of the foundation for a women’s league.”

On Saturdays, Coach Cassandra (“Coach Cass”) has been working with a number of girls in Greenland who are joined by girls from Virgin Gorda. “Coach Cass has a goal of having 100 girls in the program by Dec 31 and we’re seeing the response of girls to this quest,” Greenaway said. “They will participate in the festival and help spread the seeds for getting their peers into the football program.”

A similar festival will be held on February 25 on Tortola, at the BVI Football Association stadium in Greenland.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, Karene King, Women's Football Festival

BVIFA’s BDO Primary School Leagues launch march returns

January 9, 2023 by Sofia Fay

Wednesday 11th January will see the return of the traditional launch of the BVI Football Association’s BDO School Leagues with all the participating schools involved in a march from iSmart to the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds in Road Town.

Missing from the sporting calendar since 2019, the much anticipated launch is the culmination of a lot of hard work from all the coaches involved in youth football, spearheaded by Cassandra Gregg who, has been tireless in making sure football continued during not only the hurricanes of 2017, but also the worldwide Pandemic, providing access to the “beautiful game” to as many youths as possible.

Gregg and her team have put together leagues in U7, U9 and U12 divisions, with each team allowed to select from boys and girls. There is a total of thirteen different schools and nearly 150 matches scheduled across the leagues, which will begin on January 16th, for the youths to display their ability and excite the crowds.

“The BVIFA is delighted that after a prolonged absence, the BDO Schools Leagues are back again,” commented BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton. “The youth program has been the foundation of the progress the FA has made in the development of young players. It has provided opportunities for young boys and girls to travel overseas and also to continue their studies through the provision of overseas educational scholarships.”

The march will begin at 3pm from outside the iSmart building to the A.O. Shirley ground followed by remarks from BDO, the sponsors, as well as special guests. The BVIFA is encouraging all parents to come out in support and encouragement of their youngsters.

U7 Division
Alexandrina Maduro Primary School (AMPS), Ivan Dawson PS (IDPS), Joyce Samuel PS (JSPS), Pelican Gate PS (PGPS), St Georges PS (SGPS), Enid Scatliffe PS (ESPS), Enis Adams PS (EAPS), Cedar International (CI) and Ciboney Centre of Excellence PS (CCEPS)

U9 Division
ZONE 1- Begrado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC), AMPS, CI, EAPS, IDPS, JSPS, SGPS
ZONE 2 – CI, CCEPS, Francis Lettsome PS (FLPS), PGPS, SGPS, Willard Wheatley PS (WWPS).

U12 Division
ZONE 1 – BFEC, CI, EAPS, IDPS, JSPS, SGPS, WWPS.
ZONE 2 – AMPS, CI, CCEPS, FLPS, Montessori, PGPS, SGPS

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BDO Primary School League, BVI Football Association

BVI secures 2nd draw against Cayman in CONCACAF Nations League

June 7, 2022 by Admin

GEORGETOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS. JUNE 6th: Teamphoto of British Virgin Islands during the match between Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands as part of the 2022 Concacaf Nations League held at the Truman Bodden stadium in Georgetown, Cayman Islands. (PHOTO BY CESAR D PAULI/CONCACAF/STRAFFON IMAGES/MANDATORY CREDIT/EDITORIAL USER/NOT FOR SALE/NOT ARCHIVE)

A tremendous second half performance saw the BVI Men’s National Football team battle back from a goal down to secure another 1-1 draw against Cayman Islands in the CONCACAF Nations League Group C action on Monday in George Town, Cayman.

There was little to separate the teams at the Truman Bodden Stadium, with the same end result meaning both teams have a pair of points ahead of clashes with Puerto Rico.

Early chances were squandered by both teams as Jamie Wilson saw his curling free kick safely smothered by the Cayman’s keeper, Albertini Hollness. Then, the home side had an excellent chance in the 10th minute, with Corey Smith sending a left-footed ball to the back post that was headed on goal by Jabari Campbell. Daniel Gilford made a point blank save, deflecting the ball onto the post and Jerry Wiltshire was on hand to complete the clearance.

The hosts went ahead in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot, when Trey Ebanks was pulled down in the box by Christian Javier, and Jonah Ebanks stepped up to convert to the left of Gilford.

Whatever words BVI Coach, Chris Kiwomya used at halftime showed immediate effect though as just seconds after the second half resumed, Wilson scored the equaliser. Luka Chalwell found Tyler Forbes with a slide rule pass into space ahead of the forward and he avoided the lunging tackle of Josua Frederick to put in a cross to the far post. Chalwell had continued his run and rose to nod the ball back across goal where Wilson was waiting, and although the keeper blocked his initial header, he reacted quickest to fire home the loose ball.

“The tactical changes in the first half worked and so did the plan to make more passes in the second half,” said Kiwomya. “We changed things a bit at the break, scored the goal and could have won the game. However, it’s small strides and the players are beginning to understand more and more about what is expected. We were forced to make changes, bringing on the likes of Quelani (Nickie) and Jake (Forbes), but kept our shape which was pleasing.”

“It always means so much more to me when I score for the BVI,” beamed Wilson. “I love representing the nation and all the people in it. I hope that they are proud of the performance that the boys put in. We created better opportunities to score, and our defensive set up has been highly effective. We can be a very stubborn team to break down; we have some big characters in the team and the future on the international stage is moving in the right direction in my opinion… onto Puerto Rico!”

“What character!” exclaimed FA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton. “We had to come back from goal down and gave debuts to two more youngsters in Quelahni Nickie and Jake Forbes. Onwards and upwards we go!”

Cayman Islands’ Joshewa Frederick Charlery had a chance for a winner just five minutes from the final whistle, coming forward and getting his head on a free kick, but it went wide and the teams shared a point.

“We got off to a good start and stuck to the game plan,” said Technical Director, Mr. Dan Neville. “An individual error gifted them a goal early, but we stuck in their and got our reward in the second half. We had chances to win the game in the second period and in the end showed great resolve to hold on and have to be pleased with a point on the road.”

Both teams now turn their attention to group rival Puerto Rico, with Cayman Islands hosting El Huracan Azul on June 9 and the British Virgin Islands traveling to Puerto Rico for a June 12 contest.

GEORGETOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS. JUNE 6th: Kymani Bowens #18 of Cayman Islands drives the ball during the match between Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands as part of the 2022 Concacaf Nations League held at the Truman Bodden stadium in Georgetown, Cayman Islands. (PHOTO BY CESAR D PAULI/CONCACAF/STRAFFON IMAGES/MANDATORY CREDIT/EDITORIAL USER/NOT FOR SALE/NOT ARCHIVE)

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVI National Men's Football Team, Concacaf Nations League, Team BVI

BVI Men’s National Football team ready for first home game since 2016, against the Cayman Islands on Friday at the A.O. Shirley Ground in the CONCACAF Nations’ League

June 2, 2022 by Admin

The hosts will be hoping that their second campaign yields more positive results than the first, which saw them finish bottom of the group despite some promising moments.

The Caymans, on the other hand, are eyeing promotion after narrowly missing out on League B last time around when they finished tied for first in their group but lost out to Barbados on goal differential.

Veteran Mark Ebanks has been banging them in for the Cayman Islands for over a decade and remains one of the top scoring threats on the team. He scored the goal in the Cayman Islands’ 1-1 draw with Bermuda during 2022 World Cup qualifying last year.

For the British Virgin Islands, most eyes will be on Tyler Forbes. Forbes impressed during the previous Nations’ League as a teenager, scoring three times and emerging as a young leader in the squad.

The two sides last met at the senior level during the first round of the 2005 Caribbean Cup, when the Cayman Islands edged a 1-0 victory.

Effectively the game sees the start of a new four-year cycle for the squad with many graduates of the BVI Football Association Youth Programs cementing their places and some making their debuts.

“It is a deliberate move and a policy of the BVIFA to introduce the youths to senior football,” said BVIFA president, Mr. Andy Bickerton. “The strategy has been to get our most promising youths overseas to not only play but gain education through study and the number of young players breaking through shows the idea has worked.”

Also, new Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya, will be in the dugout for his first competitive game since taking over the reins. “We have held camps during the buildup, and I am happy and confident with the composition of the squad. We are here to compete, play to our strengths, and how to win the game,” said Coach Kiwomya.

Kiwomya has been watching the younger players as well as the senior players and talking to all the local coaches to fully understand who can achieve what at this level.

“We have had to be careful with the players and the intensity of training, but we are taking each day at a time especially with games coming in a short time frame and assessing everyone before narrowing down to the final squad,” said Coach Kiwomya. “We must not get too far ahead of ourselves, it is a fresh start and there will be ups and downs, the players have to get the fans excited by their performance and over the next 18 months or so we can move forward, make progress and be a real force.”

After Friday, the squad heads off to the Cayman Islands for the return fixture on Monday, June 6 followed by a match against Puerto Rico on June 12.

Troy Caesar is also back as Captain having been unavailable for the more recent World Cup qualifiers. “We are here to compete, and it is great to see the camaraderie that flows throughout the players,” said Caesar. “Once we all listen and understand what the Coach wants us to do, then we will come out with a victory.”

Ikyjah Williams has already played at senior level, having starred for the U20’s and is now joined by many of his teammates from the tournament held in the Dominican Republic. “I’m excited for the game, I know we will compete, impress the Coach, and play to win!” said Williams.

Goalkeeper, Daniel Gilford has also been promoted to first choice between the sticks having been in and around the senior squad without getting a game. “Becoming first choice, I won’t let anyone down and have been working hard, like everyone said we are here to compete,” said Gilford.

“The BVIFA is really excited by being able to play home games again,” said Bickerton. “We are still working on the stadium at East End and once that is done there will be more games at home. For now, we are working with the Recreation Trust to host games, and are very thankful for their support, but playing home games is really important so the public can see the progress we are making.”

The game against Cayman Islands kicks off at 4pm on Friday 3rd June at the A.O. Shirley Ground. Adult tickets are just $10 and Children U12 just $5.

The full squad includes Mekhi Walters, Gilford, Ceasar, Jerry Wiltshire, Phil Nelson, Denvin Jones, Miguel Marshall, Justin Smith, Christian Javier, Giovanni Grant, Williams, Makimbo Demming, Quelani Nickie, T’Sharne Gallimore, Jamie Wilson, Liam Blok, Carlos Septus, Tyler Forbes, Luka Chalwell, Jake Forbes, Luca Reich, Levon Williams, Alejandro Santos, Tai Thomas, Gethin Jones.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVI National Football Team, Concacaf Nations League, Team BVI