BVI football squad in Curacao for CONCACAF Qualifiers for World Cup Qatar 2022

The BVI Football squad has safely arrived at its base in Curacao ahead of the first round of CONCACAF Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022 games against Guatemala and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Based at the Acoya Hotel, just across the road from their main training ground in Willemstad, the players have already begun work on acclimatization and fitness with strength and conditioning coach, Javon Carty. They also are being given comprehensive plans on strategy and expectations from the coaching staff, including Dan Neville, Clinton Percival, John Reilly and Morris Mark.

One of the debutants, Kevin Fisher-Daniel, felt the work out had been a nice introduction to the Camp and had set the tone as to the levels of hard work to be expected. “It was just a little thing, but good to have the entire squad together. The work out certainly helped to get rid of the jet lag, but I feel match fit and am ready to go!” he said.

Fisher-Daniel also said he was thrilled to be a part of the squad, ready to play to win and to give his all.

Coach Carty was also happy with the first session. “They are looking very good, the fitness level seems high, and I’m definitely pumped up to see how they perform on the field,” he said.

The squad will have another strength and conditioning session today (Friday 19th March) ahead of an afternoon of training at the Curacao National Stadium named after local goalkeeping hero, Ergilio Hato.

A full programme of training will continue over the weekend and then on Monday, a warmup game against the local Division One champions.

The BVI play Guatemala on Saturday March 27th behind closed doors, due to local COVID-19 protocols and then St Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday 30th March, also behind closed doors.

Both games kick off at 6pm and details of how to watch will be confirmed by the BVI Football Association as soon as they are available.


Full squad: Phillip Jules, Daniel Gilford, William Butler, Kristian Javier, Giovanni Grant, Miguel Marshall, Jerry Wiltshire, T’Sharne Gallimore, Jamie Wilson, Joshua Bertie, Carlos Septus, Robbie Green, Tyler Forbes, Justin Smith, Luka Chalwell, Luca Reich, Liam Blok, Kevin Fisher-Daniel, Ikyjah Williams, Jahmal Prentice and Charles Medway.

Head Coach: Dan Neville
Coaches: Clinton Percival and John Reilly
Fitness Coach: Javon Carty
Goalkeeping Coach: Morris Mark
Coach: Richie Morton
Manager: Wendel Nichols
Physio: Sheldon Harry

Sugar Boys FC maintain 100% record of wins in BVIFA Super 6 Tournament

The Sugar Boys FC are now the only team with a 100 per cent record in the Super 6, whilst One Love FC were victorious in the Jamaican Derby against Lion Heart FC at East End / Long Look on Sunday.

Richard Morgan rose highest to seal the come from behind 2-1 win for One Love after Janel Frederick had put Lion Heart ahead in the 20th minute. Jalen Prentice saw his 30-yard free kick in the 56th minute fly into the back of the net with the keeper only able to get a glove on it diverted into the net for the leveler, before Morgan met Samuel Zeron’s cross in the 83rd minute to grab all 3 points.

“It was a physical and competitive game,” commented One Love Coach, Javon Carty, who saw his team rise to 5th in the standings with the win. “Worthy of any derby game, with lots of strong tackles, plenty of goal mouth action and it took a great move, ending in a pinpoint cross and a bullet like effort from our talisman, Morgan, to separate the teams.”

Also, at East End / Long Look, Wolues FC lost their perfect start to the tournament and slipped down to second in the standings, being pegged back by One Caribbean FC, who are in 6th, after racing into a two-goal lead.

Chester James in the 11th and Noel Maxwell in the 29th seemingly had put the Wolues well on their way to a fourth consecutive win, but first Carlos Septus in the 78th and then Gethin Jones in the 87th gave One Caribbean a share of the points in a 2-2 draw.

“It was a battle to the end,” noted One Caribbean FC Coach, Morris Mark. “The game was drifting, but Carlos created the drive for us to get back into the game and then with the full backs whipping in crosses, the momentum shifted. It’s was great to see youngster Jones popping up to slot home a deserved equalizer and definitely a moral victory for us.”

Meanwhile over on the recreation ground in Virgin Gorda, Sugar Boys FC claimed a 1-0 win against Panthers FC, courtesy of a Mohamed Kachour strike in the 78th minute to move into top spot and make it four wins from four.

The Panthers stay in 3rd place, whilst the Islanders, in 4th, closed the gap to just one point and began to look in top form as they beat Rebels FC, 3-1. The goals coming from Charles Bonnick in the 5th minute, Sheldon Harry in the 71st and Anfernee Johnson deep into added time at the end of the game.

Curtly Peters had managed to put Rebels level in the 27th minute from the penalty spot, but now that the Islanders have got themselves back into training, they are notching it up a gear and becoming a well-oiled machine again.

BVIFA Super 6 Tournament update

One Love FC and Panthers FC draw their match in the ongoing BVIFA Super 6 Tournament

As the BVI Football Association’s Super 6 tournament continued over the weekend at East End / Long Look, One Love FC and Panthers FC shared the points after a last gasp Richard Morgan winner was disallowed.

Winning a corner in the dying seconds, Richard Morgan appeared to have grabbed all three points for One Love when he latched onto the loose ball and fired home only for the referee to have already blown for full time, leaving the game tied at 2-2.

Abner Williams had put One Love ahead in the 20th minute before Nigel Sanderson equalized from the penalty spot 9 minutes later. Williams restored the lead in the 41st minute and then just after half time Sanderson leveled things up.

The Wolues FC had an impressive 0-4 victory over VG United with two goal salvos from both Timothy Parsons and Robbie Green.

Parsons opened the scoring in the 8th minute running onto a Phil Nelson through ball to finish first time past the oncoming goalkeeper. Green added a second later in the first half when he was the first to react to a saved shot and placed the ball into an empty net. The third came after Parsons skillfully lifted a pass over a defender and headed past the out rushing keeper for Green to smash the ball into the empty net and Parsons added the fourth after neatly volleying home from a brilliant Luca Reich cross.

The Sugar Boys FC took all 3 points from a tough battle against Old Madrid FC as German Gonzalez scored the only goal of the game in the 47th minute.

“The goal was spectacular,” commented McGraw Baptiste.“Both teams played well, and Old Madrid have improved physically – especially with their new signings. We missed quite a few clear chances in the second half, but overall, it was an exciting game.”

The Islanders FC also got their campaign underway with a 3-0 victory over One Caribbean FC, which came as a relief to Captain Ranalie Caines. “It was convincing in the end,” claimed Cains. “And a big relief after losing our first game (against the Wolues) and all the goals came from our brand of football, which was good to see.”

Sheldon Harry in the 9th, Kevin Fisher-Daniel in the 54th and Oswort Holder in added time at the end of the game from the penalty spot.

Standings as of 1st March

Coming up on Saturday 6th March, the Islanders take on Lion Heart FC at East End / Long Look with a 4pm kick off and on Sunday 7th March at East End, One Love FC face Wolues FC also with a 4pm kick off, whilst over on Virgin Gorda at the Recreation Ground, Sugar Boys FC are up Rebels FC at 5.45pm followed by Panthers FC playing VG Utd.
 

BVIFA announces CONCACAF squad

BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton and Interim Head Coach Mr. Dan Neville

Interim Head Coach of the BVI for the CONCACAF 1st Round Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022, Mr. Dan Neville has announced a squad of twenty-one players for the two games to be played in Curacao later this month.

“The upcoming World Cup qualifiers are another great learning opportunity for the squad and part of our strategic plan to create opportunities for our top performing young players,” stated Neville. “We go into both games fully committed to being as competitive as we possibly can, we cannot guarantee results, but we can guarantee we will be organized, show immense national pride, put sweat on the shirt and have “a never say die” spirit!”

Squad: Phillip Jules, Daniel Gilford, William Butler, Kristian Javier, Giovanni Grant, Miguel Marshall, Jerry Wiltshire, T’Sharne Gallimore, Jamie Wilson, Joshua Bertie, Carlos Septus, Robbie Green, Tyler Forbes, Justin Smith, Luka Chalwell, Luca Reich, Liam Blok, Kevin Fisher-Daniel, Ikyjah Williams, T’Khoi Richardson and Charles Medway

Head Coach: Dan Neville

Asst Coaches: Clinton Percival and John Reilly

Fitness Coach: Javon Carty

Goalkeeping Coach: Morris Mark

Coach: Richie Morton

Manager: Wendel Nichols

Physio: Sheldon Harry

With Guatemala being 78 places ahead of the BVI in the FIFA rankings and St. Vincent 40 places ahead, the task is difficult but there is genuine belief amongst the squad that they can cause an upset.

“It is well known that we were looking forward to playing Guatemala at home,” commented Mr. Andy Bickerton. “However, the worldwide pandemic had different ideas and now we will travel to Curacao to face two tough opponents, but we have invested heavily in our youth program for the best part of a decade and although we may be one of FIFA’s smallest member associations, we are probably one of the most ambitious.”

The average age of the squad for the first two games is just 20 and making a senior squad for the first time are Richardson, Chalwell, Reich, Williams and Smith – all of whom started in the BVIFA’s School Leagues.

Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 8pm and the BVIFA will announce full details on how to watch the games, and how to support the team by purchasing a match day program and match ticket in the next few days.

Saturday 27th March v Guatemala

Tuesday 30th March v St Vincent and the Grenadines

The venue is the Stadion Emilio Hato in Willemstad, Curacao.

BVIFA to host CONCACAF International Women’s Day Football Fest

The BVI Football Association Women’s Committee led by Mrs. Mary Phillip will be holding a fiesta of fun filled football for females to mark CONCACAF and International Women’s Day on Saturday March 6th, 2021 at the East End / Long Look venue.

All 41 members of the Confederation of North American and Caribbean Football Association will be participating in the event in their respective countries. On each previous occasion, the BVIFA has put the spotlight on efforts to create more opportunity for girls and women to play the game.

The Women’s Committee promises this year’s event will be an even more fun filled festival to further enhance their ongoing development programmes and regional participation at tournaments.

“The intention of this day is to foster a relationship with all women in the territory with the BVIFA and more so the game of soccer with the involvement of young girls and women, learning the game, getting fit, staying healthy and disciplined,” said Phillip.

Phillip also hopes the Women’s Day will foster the spirit of teamwork, improve skills, build confidence and show the girls there is a benefit to being involved in football that goes well beyond the field and which can lead to educational opportunities and even careers which perhaps once were only pipe dreams stating that it’s an opportunity to see “relationships created that lead to friendships and then Championships!”

Following the success of the recently concluded Women’s Futsal League – won by the Wolues FC with a team of girls who have been together since Primary School days highlighting Phillip’s vision – the BVIFA already has wasted no time in implementing much more competitive action for the girls, including a series of Tortola v Virgin Gorda matches, with a game played on Saturday, 27th February at the VG Recreation Ground and an U13 girls’ exhibition game, which showed a vast array of talent and plans to enter regional competition.

The CONCACAF Women’s Day begins at 10.00am on the field at the BVIFA’s new stadium venue in East End/Long Look and is open to all females. The Day will include games, skills’ challenges, entertainment, refreshments, and a special guest appearance from the Honorable Mrs. Shereen Flax-Charles, a long-time advocate of empowering women in football and in life.

BVIFA Super 6 Tournament underway

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

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

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)

Wolues FC win BVIFA Women’s Futsal League

Wolues FC win BVIFA Women’s Futsal League. Photo: BVIFA

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.

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

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.

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

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!