BVI to face ‘tough’ group in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

August 25, 2020 by
BVI drawn to play in Group C of the first round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers for Qatar 2022

The Draw for the first round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying for Qatar 2022 took place in Zurich, Switzerland on August 19, 2020. The six highest ranked teams of were pre-seeded into groups A through F and revealed a number of exciting match-ups among the 30 teams.

The British Virgin Islands, led by 18-year-old Tyler Forbes, are in Group C and will look to rekindle the same fighting spirit they displayed in the CONCACAF Nations League Qualifiers. The BVI faces tough competition from Group C which includes Curacao, Guatemala, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Cuba.

“The team is very excited to play in this group especially with the talent we have and the growing bond we have together,” commented Forbes. “It won’t be easy, but we like a challenge and us underdogs we always seem to perform better like in the game against Martinique. I feel the BVI will be proud of us – and surprised too – when, hopefully, they get to see what we have to offer with some home games. After the hurricanes of 2017 and the Covid-19 pandemic, the team is hungry for success and ready to finally play in front of our home fans.”

BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton noted the World Cup Draw had thrown the BVI into a tough group and is hoping the pandemic won’t stop the opportunity of staging home games. “We have been drawn in a very strong group and have to hope that despite the COVID challenges we are able to play our home matches against Guatemala and Curacao in the BVI.”

Matches in the group are expected to take place from October 2020.

Full CONCACAF World Cup qualifying groups:

Group A: El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, United States Virgin Islands
Group B: Canada, Suriname, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Aruba
Group C: Curacao, Guatemala, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Cuba, British Virgin Islands
Group D: Panama, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Dominica, Anguilla

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Islanders F.C. top National League

August 17, 2020 by

The Islanders F.C. returned to the top of the National League on Sunday, August 16 with a comfortable 3 – 0 victory over the defending champions, One Love F.C. at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground.

Ranalie Cain opened the scoring for the Islanders on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot and then Devron Medica (59th min.) and Oswart Holder (65th) made sure of all 3 points padding out the score line, which not only saw their team leapfrog the F.C. back into first place, but also saw them level the goal difference between the two sides.

Playing the later game on the same pitch, the Wolues knew only a win would put them back to the league summit. However, they were thwarted by VG United, ultimately battling to a 2 – 2 draw, with the club second from bottom, but with a vociferous “home” crowd.

Noel Maxwell put the Wolues on their way, scoring in just the 7th minute, but then Sheldon Toney equalized in the 34th minute, before Marknique Williams put VG ahead in the 58th.

William Green calmed the Wolues nerves, netting the leveler in the 69th, but neither team could find a winner.

The Islanders are on 28 points and the Wolues 26, whilst the Sugar Boys are in 3rd place on 23 points, courtesy of a 2-0 win against Old Madrid F.C. with goals in each half by Andres Bailey (15th) and Rawl Hoyte (77th).

Upcoming schedule:

Sunday 23rd August

Rebels F.C. v One Caribbean F.C. East End / Long Look 4pm

Lion Heart F.C. v Islanders F.C. VG Rec. Ground 6pm

Sugar Boys F.C. v Panthers F.C. VG Rec. Ground 8pm

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BVIFA to host Youth Festival Tournament

August 11, 2020 by

Hot on the heels of the successful BVI Football Association Women’s and Men’s Festival Cups, attention now turns to the Youth Festival Tournament for girls and boys scheduled for Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16 at the National Stadium venue, East End / Long Look, Tortola.

BVIFA President, Mr. Andrew Bickerton and the Executive Committee along with Technical Director, Mr. Dan Neville and the coaching staf led by Tinnie Percival, have continued to focus on youth development plans geared towards inclusion of players across the Territory and have even been able to recently launch regular coaching sessions on Jost Van Dyke.

According to Neville, the Youth Festival is a key component in the BVIFA’s development plans: “It is a great way to get all the players back together again in a competitive environment for the first time since lockdown and the Festival will also act as a lead-in to the BVIFA’s Academy Youth League.”

The Youth Festival Tournament is split into two age groups with those born between 2008 and 2011 featuring on the Saturday, whilst those born between 2003 and 2007 play on the Sunday.

Both age groups will play in the same round robin format with the younger group having games of 20 minutes duration and the older group 25 minutes.

The BVIFA promises both days will be action packed and filled with fun as there will be a DJ, food, refreshments, trophies and lots of competitive football.

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Sugar Boys are BVIFA Festival Cup Champs!

August 7, 2020 by
The Sugar Boys F.C. were crowned as BVIFA Festival Cup Champions on August 4, 2020

The Sugar Boys F.C. were crowned as BVIFA Festival Cup Champions on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 after MVP, Derol Redhead scored a winner late in the first half of a 2 – 1 defeat of Lion Heart F.C. at the East End / Long Look National Stadium venue.

Although the newcomers, Lion Heat, were playing in their first ever final, they matched the Sugar Boys from Virgin Gorda virtually kick for kick and the two sides were inseparable after Sheldon Brown equalized for Lion Heart in the thirteenth minute, following Terrence Nanton’s tenth minute opener.

However you can never discount the effect Redhead can have on a game and – not for the first time – he popped up big when it mattered most and netted the go ahead goal and what proved to be the winner.

“It means a lot,” said Redhead, whose goal also earned him a share of the Golden Boot Trophy along with team mate Norman Hernandez.

The second half saw no further goals and Lion Heart skipper Dwayne Smith was left to rue not putting the Sugar Boys under more pressure, paying too much respect early, losing the midfield battle and ultimately the game.

BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton presented the awards, which apart from the Trophy and a winner’s check for 4000 dollars to the Sugar Boys, also included a Runners Up check for 2,000 dollars to Lion Heart. The Fair Play Trophy was claimed by the Sugar Boys and the Golden Glove Trophy, which went to Lindell Williams.

The Sugar Boys claimed their spot in the last four following a 4 – 1 win against Old Madrid F.C. courtesy of a hat trick from Derol Redhead (26’, 36’, 79’) and Akeem Hendrickson, who scored in the eightieth minute. Fitzroy Daley netted for Old Madrid.

Their opponents in the last four, One Love, had a much sterner test to come through as VG United took them all the way to a penalty shoot-out, after the match ended 1 – 1. However, Mauricio Guevara Villanueva held his nerve to fire his team into the semi, scoring the decisive penalty in a 3 – 2 win.

Lion Heart found themselves 1 – 0 down to the Wolues, but Shevaughn Thomas equalized in the forty fifth minute, before adding a second to put Lion Heart on the way to the last four and the win was confirmed as Oshane Ingram made it 3 – 1 at the death.

A brace of goals by Jean Charles Jnr. either side of a strike by Julian Davidson was enough for One Caribbean to secure their place, beating The Rebels F.C 2 – 1.

The first semi was scheduled for the National Stadium venue at East End / Long Look between the Sugar Boys and One Love at 4pm, whilst semi final number 2 featuring One Caribbean and Lion Heart was on the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground at 6pm.

  • Derol Redhead (Sugar Boys) shares in Golden Boot Trophy
  • Lindell Williams (Sugar Boys) receives Golden Glove Trophy at BVIFA Festival Cup
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Pure Trouble comes out top in BVIFA Women’s Festival Cup

August 7, 2020 by
Pure Trouble, captained by Tinia Van-Zoost, came out on top of the points table after winning all three games in the BVIFA Women’s Festival Cup held at the East End / Long Look Stadium, Tortola on August 2, 2020.

The BVIFA Women’s Festival Cup was staged at the East End / Long Look Stadium on Sunday, August 2 with four teams participating in a round robin tournament.

Pure Trouble, captained by Tinia Van-Zoost, came out on top of the points table after winning all three games, with 9 points. Fire, captained by Ariel Mohamed, was second with 6 points. Purple Rain , captained by Joi-Ann Thomas, came third with 3 points and Pink Panthers placed fourth.

Individual awards went to Decima Lambert as Best Goalkeeper, Chelsea Edwards for Best Young Player, Casandra Gregg as Golden Lady, Shevonne Vanterpool as Golden Boot and Van Zoost as MVP.

Recently re-appointed BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton was on hand to present the trophies and was pleased with the turn out and complimented all those involved: “It was an excellent start to the revitalization of Women’s Football in the BVI. Coaches Anna French and Wayne Phillip are to be congratulated on the high level of technical ability displayed by all of the women.”

In the first match, Purple Rain defeated Fire 1 – 0 in a penalty shootout, with Mohamed the lone scorer, whilst in the next game Pure Trouble defeated Pink Panthers 3 – 2, also, in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 1 – 1 tie. Vanterpool scored for Pure Trouble and French equalized for the Pink Panthers in regulation time before Vanterpool, Van-Zoost, and Morgan Creque all converted their penalties to give Pure Trouble the win. 

Purple Rain got their second win by defeating Pink Panthers 2 – 0 with Jacintha Weeks and Darci Reich on the scoresheet. Pure Trouble then defeated Fire 1 – 0 with Vanterpool scoring again. In the penultimate game, Pure Trouble kept their undefeated record intact when Kiara Woodley scored a late equalizer against Purple Rain, who had gone ahead through Kara Lewis. However, the momentum turned in the favour of Pure Trouble who went on to capture the win in the ensuing penalty shootout 2 – 1. 

The last match of the day saw Fire and Pink Panthers play to a 1 – 1 draw with goals from Murcella Gordon and French. 

  • Chelsea Edwards, Best Young Player, BVIFA Women’s Festival Cup
  • Shevonne Vanterpool wins Golden Boot, BVIFA Women’s Festival Cup
  • Tinia Van Zoost wins MVP of BVIFA Women’s Festival Cup
  • Decima Lambert wins Best Goal Keeper, BVIFA Women’s Festival Cup
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BVIFA plans a weekend of Football Festivals

July 30, 2020 by

The BVIFA is promising an August holiday weekend full of football, Festival Style, at its National Stadium venue in East End / Long Look from August 1 – 4, 2020.

Although the Men’s Festival Cup kicks the action off on Saturday, August 1, full attention will be on the Women’s Festival Cup, scheduled for Sunday, August 2, as newly appointed Head Coaches, Wayne Phillips and Anna French look to revitalize and showcase women’s football within the BVI.

According to French, “the goal of the event is to revitalize and showcase women’s football within the BVI, identify and recruit talented players for the national program, and boost excitement for the upcoming women’s club competition.”

The Women’s Festival Cup will be run as a one-day round robin-style five-a-side tournament featuring 4 teams that will be drafted by national coaches on the morning of the event. Check-in and warmups will begin from 11:30 am with the first matches kicking off at 1pm. Round-robin games of 20 minutes (10 minutes each half) will be played throughout the day and the final match kick-off is at 3:30.

Players of all skill levels are highly encouraged to attend and participate. Supporters are welcomed but please note that social distancing measures will be enforced.

Lorrelle Walters-Abrams is the BVIFA Executive Member responsible for Women’s football and she noted, “one of the BVIFA’s strategic plans is to develop and promote Women’s football in the territory and get the Clubs more actively involved. The importance of Women’s football is not only recognizable, but it can also bring positive change and impact the Territory. Knowing we are a small country in comparison to our Caribbean neighbors, it is important to our well being both physically and mentally. With the support of the BVIFA Executive body and Technical staff along with strong leadership of Technical Director, Dan Neville, we will achieve our goals”

“We are all really looking forward to August 2 when we host the Women’s Festival Cup,” noted Neville. “I’m delighted with the growth of the women’s program over the last 12 months. Wayne and Anna have grown the numbers week-on-week and Lorrelle has played a key part in the program in terms of energy and ideas.”

Neville added that the BVIFA are also in advanced preparations and talks with the National League clubs to get a Women’s National League started in September.

There is also a Men’s Festival Cup over the Bank Holiday weekend, with games scheduled for East End / Long Look as well as Virgin Gorda.

In the first round the Wolues will face Lion Heart, at the National Stadium, East END / Long Look (4pm) whilst over on Virgin Gorda, the Panthers are up against the Rebels at 6pm and then the Islanders take on the Sugar Boys at 8pm.

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Works begin at Greenland Stadium

January 14, 2019 by

The Government of the Virgin Islands in partnership with the BVI Football Association, under the FIFA umbrella, breaks ground in Greenland for the development of a 2,500 seat multi-purpose stadium for recreational and sporting facilities and associated works. Photo: Provided

The Government of the Virgin Islands in partnership with the BVI Football Association, under the FIFA umbrella, has broken ground in Greenland for the development of a 2,500 seat multi-purpose stadium for recreational and sporting facilities and associated works.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Greenland Stadium on Friday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE said, “This sporting facility was conceived a few years ago and it is gratifying to know that we are about to embark on the second phase of this project…Today does much for our morale at this stage of our recovery.”

The Premier added, “This is a partnership of mutual benefit, where the Government of the Virgin Islands leased the crown land for the purpose of developing this facility, and the BVI Football Association, through their alliance with FIFA, will provide the project funding.”

The Government has agreed to lease approximately four (4) acres of crown lands known as the Festival Grounds at East End to the registered company through a Special Purpose Vehicle established in connection with the project and for the purpose of developing and operating the facilities.

The facility is expected to include a six lane, 400 meter grass track; Netball and Volleyball courts; the covering of ghuts on both sides of the stadium and fencing of the stadium; parking lot for 200 cars; and access road between the parking lot and the multi-purpose stadium.

Premier Smith further stated, “With a regulation-sized football field and a 400 meter track, here will be the location of many engaging matches of football, track and other field sports that will provide entertainment to spectators, locally and from abroad, as it will be suitable to host international and regional matches.”

Remarks were also delivered by Deputy Premier, Minister of Natural Resources and Labour and Representative for the Seventh Electoral District, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering; Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn; Minister for Health and Social Development and Representative for the Eighth Electoral District, Honourable Marlon Penn; Manager of STO Enterprises, Mr. Dion Stoutt; and Contractor Representative for Tarris Hill Associates, Ms. Deseree Potter.

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Men’s National Football team executes a game of guts and pride in CONCACAF Nations League Qualifier

October 31, 2018 by

By BVI Football Association

BVI Men’s National Football Team in CONCACAF Qaulifier, Martinique.

The BVI Men’s National Football team had a week to remember in Martinique when they came up against two tough opponents who have historically given them a hard time in the CONCACAF Nations League Qualifier for the Gold Cup.

The BVI team first came up against Suriname Saturday on October 13 and then three days later had to play against a very experienced Martinique team. The Suriname game which started around 4.00pm was played at the Andre Kampervieen stadium while Martinique chose to play their game at their pride and joy, their national football stadium – the Stade Municipal Pierre Aliker multipurpose stadium in Fort-de-France, Martinique.

All scheduled home games for the CONCACAF qualifiers could not be played in the BVI due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Irma to the football stadium in Greenland.

The Suriname game proved to be a hard one with the talented Stefano Rijssel finding the back of the net in the 23rd minute of play. The BVI men looked good but conceded another goal score by Brian Eshot 2 minutes before the half.

The BVI played good football in the second half until a left boot shot by Donnegy Fer wrong footed the goalkeeper to make the score 3-0. It was the talented Stefano Rijssel who scored in the 75th minute to make the score 4-0 and then a late goal by Ivenzo Comvalius saw the game end 5-0 in favour of Suriname.

Coach Dan Neville knowing his team had another tough encounter in three days from a better Martinique team did not allow the team to focus on the defeat but rather concentrated on the upcoming game and on making adjustments.

Well after 45 minutes of play, the strategy seemed to have worked as the BVI went into the locker room with a nil-nil score line and disappointed French supporters. Credit for the first half was mainly attributed to Ben Chapman who executed three amazing saves in the first half.

The BVI got out done in the second half by a set play which saw Kevin Parsemain put a free kick over the BVI wall and into the top right corner of the net. The rest of the game saw the BVI team play excellent football and with 80 minutes played the BVI stood at 0-1 down, while a restless Martinique crowd were shouting for goals at their national stadium. The chain was broken in the 83rd minute by Mickae Biron, followed by two back to back goals in extra time by Parsemain and Biron, which could only go down to lack of experience by this young BVI team who seemingly relaxed a little too soon before the final whistle.

Coach Dan Neville praised his team for a game of guts and pride, which were it not for the few lapses in concentration late in the game, could easily have ended at a very respectable 0-1.

Coach Dan has also named an 18-man squad in preparation for their upcoming game to include Ben Chapman, Charles Medway, Josh Bertie, Troy Ceasar, James Drury, Tosh Gallimore, Jamie Wilson, Bailey Rowe, Carlos Septus, Leo Forte, Phillip Jules, Phil Nelson, Trevor Peters, Chris Pease, Christian Zavier, Robbie Green, Jordan Johnson and Tyler Forbes.

The BVI team now move onto Anguilla on Friday 16th November where they will play a home game in the CONCACAF Nations League against Bonaire. Their final qualifier game will be against Turks & Caicus next year March 2019.

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2 VI juniors going to World Cup 2018!

May 18, 2018 by

BY BVI Football Association

(L-R) Deshawn Richardson and Ryan Ramlall will be gong to the World Cup 2018 in Russia as part of “Gazprom Football For Friendship”, an international children’s social programme supported by Soccer’s World Governing Body, FIFA and UEFA. Photos: provided

The BVI Football Association is pleased to announce that both Ryan Ramlall and Deshawn Richardson will be gong to the World Cup 2018 in Russia as part of “Gazprom Football For Friendship”, an international children’s social programme supported by Soccer’s World Governing Body, FIFA and UEFA.

The participants will be split into teams and organized using the “football for friendship” principle – athletes of different nationalities, different genders and different physical abilities will play in one team. Each team will be trained by young coaches from different countries and more than 5000 media from around the world will cover the programme events, as well as the F4F International Children’s Press Center, consisting of young 12-year-old journalists from 211 countries and regions.

As an ecological initiative of Football for Friendship, all the 32 International Friendship Teams will be named after endangered animals of all the continents of the world

Chaperoned by the Mr. Richie Morton and Mr. Ramlall, Deshawn from Virgin Gorda will be going as a player, whilst Ryan, also from VG and attending the Bregado Flax Educational Center, decided to say ‘yes!’ to this opportunity to represent the BVI as a young journalist.

“I love sports and I love writing – a combination of which makes me a great junior reporter and I am thankful that I am given this rare and unique opportunity to help promote football and important human values such as friendship, equality and fairness. Most importantly, this opportune global event enhances a critical focus: FRIENDSHIP. That is, in my opinion, what would and should help to improve our world, making it a better place through the Football for Friendship Programme,” said Ryan.

The event culminates with the Football for Friendship World Championship on June 12, 2018. The next day the young ambassadors will meet at the most important event, the Football for Friendship International Children’s Forum, where they will discuss ways of promoting the programme’s key values across the globe.

During their time at the F4F, young players, under the guidance of young coaches and under the supervision of famous players, will be learning about 9 key values of the F4F programme in the Nine Values School: Tradition, Peace, Friendship, Victory, Equality, Health, Fairness, Respect and Devotion.

This initiative has already been recognized by the UN as a unique educational programme.

211 countries and regions joined the Football for Friendship in 2018, with the final events of the season held in Moscow, Russia, 8-15 June 2018.

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One Love F.C. topples Sugar Boys from perch to take the lead in BVIFA National League table

May 14, 2018 by

By BVI Football Association

Kevin Fisher (centre) scored twice in the Islanders 3-0 win over the Wolues in the 2018 BVIFA National League fixtures of May 13. Photo: Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway

Another pulsating weekend in the BVI Football Association National League action saw One Love F.C. take over at the top of standings, the Panthers score ten goals, and wins for both the Islanders and Rebels.

The Panthers beat F.C. Sea Argo 10-2 to get the weekend underway, with Ken Saunderson opening the scoring in the 1st minute on his way to a personal tally of five. Stanny Francis added a couple of his own, with Shannon Lawrence, Leon Smith and Wayne Phillip completing the rout. Janel Ferdinand scored both for F.C. Sear Argo who remained rooted to the bottom of the standings.

One Love showed their championship credentials as they then came from two goals down to beat Old Madrid 3-2 and leap frog the idle Sugar Boys to top the standings. Xavier John and Frederick Salmon gave Old Madrid a 2-0 half time lead before Akeem Campbell made it 2-1 in the 58th minute. Breaton Douglas made it 2-2 10 minutes later and Richard Morgan put One Love ahead for good in the 78th minute.

The Rebels followed up on their 1-0 win last weekend against the Sugar Boys by completing a sweep of Virgin Gorda, beating VG Utd 1-0 on a goal from Fladimir Septus. The Islanders crept up into third place with a 3-0 win against the Wolues thanks to a brace from Kevin Fisher and one from Francis Primo.

Click here for results, top scorers and standings.

Click here for up coming fixtures.

 

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