Robinson O’Neal, Bregado Flax and First Impressions Champions of BDO Primary League

Photo courtesy of BVIFA

Photo courtesy of BVIFA

By the BVIFA

As the BVIFA BDO Primary School Leagues drew to a close yesterday at Baughers Bay, Robinson O’Neal beat First Impressions 2-0 to be crowned U7 champions after an own goal and a cleanly struck penalty from Kyle Farrington.

“I’m very pleased with them” commented Coach Thomas Albert “we worked hard all week on how we were going to play this game and we were successful”.

In the Under 9’s Joel Mars netted twice to hand Bregado Flax a 2-0 win over St Georges.

“The whole season they had been playing a certain style, but it took them a while to settle down. At half time I reminded them of how they should be playing and in the second half they put it all into practice to win the game” stated Albert, who also coached Bregado Flax.

And in the U12 Final, First Impressions proved too strong for Cedar G Green to run out 2-1 winners with Justin Smith and Nathan Adams on the score sheet. Azarni Callwood pulled one back late on for Cedar, who were indebted to goal keeper Ollie Henderson for keeping them in the game as he pulled off a string of great saves.

“We had a couple of good players who are very technical and made good use of the ball, control, passing and of course scoring goals. Their goal keeper should be praised though, he made some great saves and kept them in the game” noted First Impressions Coach, Michael Fieron.

The Golden Boot awards went to Kyle Farrington in the U7’s, Christian Vanterpool in the U9’s and Azarni Callwood in the U12’s.

The MVPs were Te Mauri Isaac, Joel Mars and Justin Smith respectively.

Golden Gloves went to Caliq Creque, Jaden Abrams and Ollie Henderson.

Andy Bickerton, BVIFA President summed up the tournament: “It has been tough getting the leagues done in the September Term, but in the end today all three finals were good contests. We shouldn’t forget the runners up either; Cedar School had a young team, which gave First Impressions a good run for their money in the U12’s. The overall standard and the quality of play makes the BVIFA very happy and to see the likes of Henderson playing so well in goal, can only bode well for the future of the game”

BDO Under 12 Football League Reaches Semi-Finals Stage

Photo courtesy of BVIFA

Photo courtesy of BVIFA

By BVIFA

Heavy rains may have caused the postponement of the last quarter final between St Georges and Althea Scatliffe Primary School in the BDO U12 League, but not before Cedar School were victorious in their match ups.

Cedar White braved the early rain to overcome Bregado Flax 3-2 on Penalties after normal time had ended 3-3.

Ariel Mohammed slotted home the coolest of strikes to secure the win after some great saves by Matthew Harris between the sticks and following T’Khoy Richardson giving BFEC the lead in the first minute of the game.

Remi Clarke and Sebby Santos sent Cedar into the half time break with a slender 2-1 advantage. Sheldon Tony made it 2-2 early in the second half, Nici Haycraft restored the lead and then in the 40th minute, Richardson’s second made it 3-3.

Then came the penalty drama as the sides remained deadlocked, both goalkeepers made saves and scored in the sudden death nerve wracking finale to the game, before Mohammed sealed her team’s place in Monday’s (30th November) semi final.

In that semi final they will be taking on their School Mates as Cedar Green “G” overcame Robinson O’Neal Primary 4-0, with goals coming from Gethin Jones (2), Azarni Callwood and  Darci Reich.

Reich settled the nerves with a sublime curling effort in the 7th minute, Callwood doubled the lead in the 14th and Jones delivered the coup de grace in the second half as torrential rain soaked the Baughers Bay field.

The two Cedar School teams will play the first semi final on Monday, followed by the re-arranged quarter final between St Georges and ASPS and then on Tuesday the winner will take on First Impressions Primary for a place in Wednesday’s Final.

First Impressions to face Robinson O’Neal in BDO Primary U7 Final

Photo by BVIFA

Photo by BVIFA

By BVIFA

Two intense and closely fought BDO U7 Primary School Football semi finals took place last week with First Impressions eventually overcoming Cedar White 3-0 on two goals by Roman Nibbs and one from Blyden Aldridge.

In the second semi final Robinson O’Neal progressed after defeating Bregado Flax 1-0, with Kyle Farrington notching the only goal of the game.

The Final is scheduled for Wednesday 3rd December on the renovated A.O. Shirley Ground.

Meanwhile in the U9 Division Alexandrina Maduro had already confirmed their semi final place, finishing top of Group A. Althea Scatliffe Primary secured their semi final berth with back to back wins over Cedar School and First Impressions. Johari Lacey scored the only goal of the game against JSPS and a brace in the game with Cedar in a 2-0 win.

ASPS qualified as the best third placed team after ending their Group B campaign behind Bregado Flax, who rounded out their season with a 3-0 win against Joyce Samuel Primary, courtesy of goals by Joel Mars, Jaden Abrams and Andres Bailey. The VG team also recorded a 4-1 victory against Cedar School with Jaden Abrams scoring twice, Jadon Abrams once and Emmanuel Ettiene also once.

The Semi Finals are scheduled for Wednesday 25th November when Alexandrina Maduro will play Bregado Flax and St Georges, who topped Group C, face Althea Scatliffe Primary.

In the Under 12’s the regulation season ended with Althea Scatliffe beating Alexandrina Maduro 4-1 on a hat trick by Shammah Peters. St Georges beat Cedar 1-0, with B’Jhon Christopher scoring the only goal of the game and AMPS bounced back from the loss to ASPS by beating Joyce Samuel Primary thanks to Felix Walters’s lone strike.

The eight teams that reached the quarter finals are Seventh Day Adventist, St Georges, Cedar White, Cedar “J” Green, Cedar “G” Green, Althea Scatliffe, Bregado Flax and First Impressions Primary School.

The Quarter Finals are Thursday 26th and Saturday 28th November in Baughers Bay.

BVI Football Association Announces New Coaching Course

Photo provided by BVIFA

Photo provided by BVIFA

By BVI FA

Announced at the “Town Hall” meeting for Clubs and Teams on Monday 16th November, 2015, amongst other new procedures, initiatives and expectations for 2016, was the BVIFA’s “Raising Standards” Programme, which is to commence in January with the second Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) “D” License Coaching Course.

“The “D” License is a four day course packed full of learning from Technical to Tactical to Theory” commented BVIFA Technical Director, Katie Rowson “It is the first step for our Coaches into a structured coaching pathway and also an important step as we look to ensure those working, especially with our Youths, are fully qualified”.

The Course, which is scheduled from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st February, 2016, also covers Principles of Attack, Principles of Defense, Small Sided Games, Session Planning and concludes with both a theory test and practical exam.

Additionally to the CONCACAF License, the BVIFA have introduced a First Aid component to the course to ensure all Coaches have at least a basic understanding of how to look after their players in case of injury.

“First Aid is obviously something all Coaches should be certified in” added Rowson “We will holding the First Aid Course on Saturday 13th February and attendance at both the First Aid and also the introduction to the BVIFA Raising Standards Programme will be a pre requisite to gain a place on the “D” License “ stated Rowson.

The introduction workshop will explain to all the prospective course attendees exactly what will be expected from them, what the BVIFA offers in return with opportunity to become involved in National Youth and Senior Teams, Development Programmes such as the soon to be re-launched Digicel Centre of Excellence and also the BDO Primary and BVIFA High School Leagues and what the requirements and expectations are for the CONCACAF “D” License.

“It might not prove to be for everybody, this time around” noted Rowson “However it is important that we make it clear what is expected ahead of the course as space is limited and therefore it is crucial to make sure each attendee completes the training. The BVIFA have agreed that each course will be free of charge to participants and also to support suitable Coaches in further Education and Licensing Programmes”.

Anyone interested in signing up for the Coaches Development Programme can contact either the FA’s Ag. General Secretary, Arletta Bickerton via email: bvifa@surfbvi.com or the Technical Director, Katie Rowson via coachkatebvi@gmail.com.  Alternatively the BVIFA Office number is 494 5655.

BDO Primary School Football League Reaches Semi-final Stages

BDO-League-3

Photo courtesy of BVI Football Association

By BVIFA

The semi finalists in the BDO U7 School League have all been confirmed after the latest round of matches and the teams will learn their opponents on game day when they will be pulled out of a hat.

Finishing at the top of Group A was Robinson O’Neal Primary, whilst Group B leaders were Cedar White. In Group C First Impressions ended an impressive campaign in top spot and in Group D Belgrade Flax progressed to the post season knock out stages with an unbeaten record.

Robinson O’Neal rounded out their campaign with a 5-0 romp against local rivals Cooney, with Kyle Farrington notching a hat trick and Tempura a brace.

In other recent games, Cedar White beat Enid Scatliffe Red 1-0 with Ethan Mohammed scoring the game’s only goal in the third minute, also First Impressions had a 5-0 romp over Enid Maroon on two goal salvo’s from Blyden Aldridge and Jordan Smith. Tre Lake rounded off the goal spree in the 17th minute. In Group B action, Montessori beat Enid Scatliffe Red thanks to a 5th minute penalty by James Tucker-Davies and in Group C, Cedar Green had a 2-0 win over Alexandrina Maduro, with goals from Neven Josipovic and Joshua Tobin, whilst over in Group D, BFEC drew 0-0 with Althea Scatliffe, whilst Alexandrina Maduro beat SDA 1-0 , courtesy of a third minute penalty by Jaheim Bijai.

In BDO U9 action, SDA beat ASPS 3-0 on a brace of goals by Kevaun Glasgow and one from Andre Mundle. St Georges also beat Pelican Gate 4-0 with a hat trick from Jefferson Frank and one from Christan Vanterpool. Begrado Flax recorded a 4-0 win over First Impressions with a goal each for Andres Bailey, Jaadon Quashie, Dremalachi Findlay and Emmanuel Ettiene.

It’s all to play for in the U12’s as well with Cedar Green and First Impressions level on points at the top of Group A and Robinson O’Neal hot on their heels following a 5-0 win over Claudia Creque. Cameron Rhymer netted twice and there were further goals for Lekoy Lennard, Jahlam Millett and Shakoy O’Neil. Cedar J Green went top of the group on goal difference with a 3-0 win over Althea Scatliffe Primary thanks to Alejandro Santos (2) and Johan Blok.

In Group B, Cedar Green and the Seventh Day Adventist School are locked in a battle for top place with Cedar narrowly ahead on goal difference, and in Group C, St Georges went into first place with a narrow 1-0 win against Pelican Gate on a lone goal from Michael Palladino. Cedar White are nestled into second place after a forfeit win against Willard Wheatley.

In High School U15 action, St Georges beat Cedar School, 4-2. An own goal gave Cedar the lead against the run of play before Jose Lopez equalized with a 20 yard free kick. In the second half, substitute Michael Pallidino grabbed a quick fire hat trick to put the game beyond doubt, before Alex Salter scored a late consolation for Cedar and St Georges conceded an own goal.

BVIFA Nine a Side League Continues

Photo courtesy of BVIFA

Photo courtesy of BVIFA

By the BVI Football Association

In the BVIFA Men’s Nine a Side games at the weekend the Panthers secured a 4-2 victory over the Islanders F.C. The game was tied up at 2-2 going into the break after two early goals from Stanley Francis and Rudolph Davis were cancelled out by Rohan Lenon and Jamal Sergeant. However Prevell Asson and Brad Remy both scored in the second half to secure the points.

The win put the Panthers into second place in Group B, a point behind the Islanders who still lead the standings and three points ahead of Old Madrid, who have a game in hand.

In Group A, the Wolues completed their second win of the week, 3-2, over the Sugar Boys. An own goal and a Tim Parsons strike had given the Wolues a two goal advantage before Terrence Nanton pulled one back for the Sugar Boys. Busta Player of the Week, Kevin Carragher, then restored the two goal cushion until Leslie Ambrose made it 3-2 to set up a final few frantic moments.

On the previous Wednesday, the Wolues had demolished VG United 6-2, with goals from Tommy Farrell, Kevin Carragher, Marc Savage, Rory Greenan, Stephen Sangar and Paledino. Charles Frederick and Rendell Reynold replying for VG.

The Wolues top the Group with a prefect record of three games played and three wins, in second place are the Sugar Boys on five points, whilst both Ballstars and VG Utd have two points and are no means out of contention for a semi final place.

In Women’s action, Philia James and Lily Pierce ensured the Ballstars had a comfortable 2-0 win over the Avengers, with both goals coming in the first half, whilst the Panthers maintained romped to 1 5-1 win over VG Utd Ladies, courtesy of four goals from Alphonso Warner Insurances Female Player of the Week, Sapphire Flax. Christine Jackson also scored for the Panthers, whilst Kezia Gumbs scored directly from a corner for VG Utd.

BDO Primary School League Football Continues

BDO-League

Photo courtsey of BVFA

By BVI Football Association

The top of the Group clash between Cedar Green and Seventh Day Adventist School U12’s ended all square at 1-1, as BDO Primary School Football continued this week.

After squandering a trio of good first half chances, Cedar finally went ahead through Azarni Callwood late in the second half. However SDA kept going and got their reward inside the last two minutes when Elijah Davies equalized after a goal mouth scramble.

In other U12 games, Joyce Samuel beat Enis Adams 3-0, Khiri George scoring twice and Brandon Benjamin once. St Georges beat First Impressions 4-1. Xiomar Gun netted a brace and both Michael Pallandino, B’John Christopher one each. Also in Cedar White left it late to win 2-1 after Wayne Reid put Pelican Gate ahead. An own goal leveled the match in the last 5 mins and Alex Fox scored the winner with two mins to go.

In Under 9 Montessori drew 1-1 with St Georges, Giovanni Baptiste opened the scoring in the 15th minute and Christian Vanterpool equalizing, Montessori were then indebted to a cool Sam Potgeiter penalty kick in the 20th minute to secure a 3-2 victory over Althea Scatliffe 1. Giovani Baptiste put CHMS ahead in the 12th minute before Mario Carter equalized for ASPS in the 15th. Baptiste then restored the lead for Montessori, only to see Carter level once again, before Potgeiter sealed the points from the penalty spot.

ASPS bounced back with a 2-0 win against Pelican Gate, with Carter again scoring twice and Seventh Day Adventist School beat Pelican Gate 1-0 courtesy of a 7th minute strike from Kevon Glasgow.

In Open High School Boys action, Elmore Stoutt beat St Georges 2-0 on goals from Phillip Jules and Kedesh Talla. Cedar beat SDA 7-0. Leo forte hit four, Liam Blok 2 and Noel Maxwell one.

In Under 15’s, Begrado Flax beat St Georges 4-0, Khemron Tillack notching a hat trick and Kyreek Gardiner scoring one. In U15 Boys Cedar White were powered to a 7-1 rout against ESHS, by Luca Reich’s four goal salvo. Alejandro Santos with one and Liam Blok with a brace rounded out the scoring whilst Marcus Butler scored for ESHS.

In the Girls Tournament, ESHS beat SDA 8-0, with hat tricks for Morgan Creque and Sheneice St Jean, whilst the other two came from Laresha Martin.

BDO Primary and BVIFA High School Football Leagues ready for kick off

By BVIFA

BDO Primary Schools League, BVIFA High Schools League at the opening ceremony of the 2015 Leagues. Photo: BVIFA

BDO Primary Schools League, BVIFA High Schools League at the opening ceremony of the 2015 Leagues. Photo: BVIFA

A wave of hundreds of young footballers rolled down Waterfront Drive, Road Town, Tortola, on Wednesday 30th September, 2015, adorned with brightly coloured football shirts designating their BDO Primary School League and BVIFA High School League team colours.

The now traditional march through the capital of the British Virgin Islands brought traffic and bystanders alike to a halt as they waived and cheered on the boys and girls. Families and friends lined the procession, a police escort steered the way, the Althea Scatliffe Primary School Drum Corps played their hearts out and DJ “Dre” kept the feet tapping with cool sounds on a blistering hot afternoon.

Once safely arrived at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School auditorium, the youths were greeted by the Honourable Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, BVI Football Association President, Mr. Andy Bickerton,  the Minister for Education, Culture and Sports, Hon. Myron Walwyn, Mr. Ryan Gelug from Sponsors, BDO, and Mr. Paul Hewlett, Acting Director at the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.

“You have a bonus this year,” stated Mr. Bickerton. “This is the second league of the year as we are now changing to a September start to avoid clashes with other events. Football is spreading from Primary School to High School and will hopefully stay in your blood. Our coaches are improving through attending licensed courses and hopefully that will make you all better players as we look to continually improve the standard of football throughout the territory.”

“It’s good to see that the numbers have gone up from a couple of years ago,” commented the Premier. “Seeing so many of you who have now gone onto High School and remain keen on playing is also encouraging for the continual growth of football.”

The Minister for Education, Culture and Sports noted that he was very pleased with the work done by the Football Association: “If you want to keep anything alive, it’s important that you always ensure the younger persons are involved and this School League is one of the success stories. If this continues Football will become one of the leading sports in the territory.”

Hon. Walwyn also acknowledged the importance of sponsors and that businesses have a responsibility to the community to support and build programmes such as these and noted that “coming together we can get a lot more done for the Country.”

Speaking on behalf of sponsors, BDO, Ryan Gelug expressed that the company was very proud of its continued support for the Primary School League and reminded the children to make sure they have fun and enjoy their season. “Football is about a lot of fun. Winning is fun, but so is just taking part, so remember to have fun. Make sure you enjoy yourselves and may the best team win.”

After the ceremony several youngsters were invited to represent their school in various skill drills, including shooting, passing and dribbling, organized by the FA Coaches and Technical Director, Katie Rowson.

The Primary and High School Leagues both kick off on Monday 5th October and the schedules will be available to schools from Friday 2nd October, 2015.

BVI Football Association hosts coaches certification course

Photo courtesy of BVI Platinum

Photo courtesy of BVI Platinum

The BVI Football Association is hosting a CONCACAF “D” license certification course for coaches starting Thursday.  The programme is being conducted by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) officials Jonathon Martinez, Vin Blaine and Marcos Santillan.  The training covers a wide range of areas, including principles of coaching, training by age, fundamentals of planning a training session, physical training, health and security, the development of community clubs, as well as other elements related to coaching youth football.  CONCACAF has been operating these courses since 2013, upkeeping its commitment to education so that the standard of the game can be raised throughout the region.Experts in coaching/player development are leading the instruction of the “D” license training course, which consists of educating coaches in the following areas – the principles of coaching, the adequate training by age, the fundamentals of planning training sessions, physical training, health and security, the development of community clubs, among other components of coaching football.

After four days of training, the 20 participants will be subjected to an examination, after which they will receive their CONCACAF “D” license certification.

Consultant gives all clear for next phase of new East End Stadium

By BVIFA

BVIFA Executives, President, Mr. Andy Bickerton (R) and Avanell Morton on site at the BVIFA's new East End Stadium. Photo:BVIFA

BVIFA Executives, President, Mr. Andy Bickerton (R) and Avanell Morton on site at the BVIFA’s new East End Stadium. Photo:BVIFA

Dr. Ian Mc Clements, consultant for STRI, a Turfgrass Research and Consultancy Business from the United Kingdom, completed a successful visit to the BVIFA’s new East End Stadium on Friday 11th September, 2015, giving the all clear for the next stage to begin.

Dr. McClements, who is a FIFA Consultant for the artificial turf pitch installation, which forms the next stage of the FA’s Goal Project, was very impressed with the preparation of the site, including the leveling and compaction “in terms of the development, the filling of the site etc, it has progressed quite well and we can now start the next stage which is putting the pitch installation out to tender. Everything is progressing quite nicely”

BVIFA Executives, President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, First Vice President, Mr. Aubrey Liburd and Avanell Morton also attended the site inspection and as Bickerton explained, there would be some delays to the original date line, but they were to be expected as the project moves forward.

“We are very happy as well,” Bickerton noted. “The earth moving has progressed on time, the leveling and the fill at the site has been of the highest quality and will be completed, once the guts have been covered.”

The pitch installation will take a little longer than originally expected as both the Consultant and the Contractors begin to iron out the specifics of the layout, required drainage, and location of the bases for the flood lights, and irrigation pumps, pipes and sprinkler heads.

One Consultant is usually in charge of each project from start to finish and as McClements said, “I will make a number of visits during the various phases of the project, with the next visit due to take place when the pitch has been constructed to the sub base stage.”

McClements then expected to make a follow up visit in another six months to one year after the final installation to see how it has been contained and if there are any issues with the pitch.

Back n March 2014 during a FIFA development committee meeting, the BVIFA was granted approval for the project as part of the FIFA Goal Program.

The project includes a 2000 seat main stand, 400-meter track and field, a regulation-sized soccer field with associated facilities, a netball court/volleyball court, concession stands and more than 200 parking spaces. There will also be the construction of an access road between the parking lot and stadium by Andy’s Car Wash.