BVI squad set to compete in CONCACAF U15 Championship

August 1, 2023 by

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.”

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BVIFA sends members of Men’s National Team to UK training camp

January 24, 2022 by
Members of BVI Men’s National Football Team attend training camp at Bisham Abbey, UK. Photos: BVIFA

The BVI Football Association is taking full advantage of the latest FIFA International Football window by holding a training camp at Bisham Abbey, England under the watchful eyes of Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya.

Despite COVID-19 continuing to cause travel and availability issues for the BVI, a strong squad has been assembled at the iconic base in Bisham Abbey, in the heart of Buckinghamshire, UK for the likes of international teams and top flight clubs ahead of games and Cup Finals at Wembley as well as many other elite sports teams.

“The camp is another step in the development of the Men’s National Team as we work towards the Concacaf Nations League which commences in June,” noted BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton. “It provides another opportunity for our young players to learn from our National Coach, Chris Kiwomya, and understanding the patterns of play he is introducing plus his personal expectations of them.”

Apart from the week long training camp, a highlight will be a friendly game against Anguilla on Thursday 27th January at Bisham Abbey. Both nations have numerous players playing football across Europe at semi pro and full professional levels.

Players attending the training camp include:

Goalkeepers –   Philip Jules and Will Butler
Defenders –   Christian Xavier, Jerry Wiltshire, Vidal Hendrikson, Miguel Marshall, Ikyjah Williams
Malakai Stanners
Midfielders –   Carlos Septus, Luka Chalwell, Jaimie Wilson, T’Sharne Gallimore
Forwards –   Josh Bertie, Tyler Forbes, Jake Forbes, Kevin Fisher

Several of the upcoming players in the BVI were selected but unavailable this time around including Sheldon Toney, Kalani, Denvin Jones, Justin Smith, Luca Reich, Liam Blok, Alejandro Santos, Leo Forte and Gethin Jones.

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U20 Boys’ Football team face defeat in first CONCACAF Championship match

November 9, 2021 by
BVI Boys U20 lost 7-0 to strong Curacao team in opening match of 2021 CONCACAF Championships on Nov 5. Photo: BVIFA

The U20 Boys were handed a 7-0 defeat by a strong Curacao team on Friday, November 5 as they opened their Group A campaign in the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF) Championship.

The game, played at the Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, was a baptism of fire for the boys palying against a stronger, faster – especially when transitioning into attack – Curacao, who opened the scoring in just the 4th minute through Gio-Renys Felicia as the BVI lost possession on the right-hand side.

Naygiro Sambo doubled their advantage in the 18th minute and Curacao were 4-0 up inside the half-hour mark with further goals coming from Juruel Bernadina and Felicia before Sambo scored his second, making it 5-0, just after the re-start. The BVI though rallied defensively, and it was not until the final few moments of the game that Curacao scored through Shudelmar Dorand (90’) and Akram Potmis (90+3’) to pad out the final score at 7-0.

“The boys started the game in very high spirit but after conceding a goal within the first three minutes we never recovered,” commented Coach Clinton “Tinnie” Percival. “Curacao took advantage of our defensive mistakes but as the game went on, our boys started playing better. During the half time break we made a few changes and in the second half our confidence and ball play also improved, and we competed well up until the last five minutes of the game, when we conceded two more goals. I am confident though, that the team will make the necessary adjustments for the next game on Tuesday and have a better outcome.”

“A disappointing result against good opposition,” commented FA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, who made the trip to support the team. “A lot of improvement (in the second half) and I am proud of the way the boys fought to the end showing great National pride! We have to pick ourselves up and move forward.”

The BVI’s next opponent, Grenada had a comfortable, complete performance in a 7-0 victory over Sint Maarten as Deanroy Phillip notched a hat trick (41’, 45+3’, 90+3’), while Aquil Lawlite (13’), Benjamin Ettienne (44’), Shermine Williams (61’) and Simeon Mitchell (73’) all chipped in with goals.

The full BVI squad includes, William Butler, Mekhi Walters, Oliver Henderson, Tai Thomas, Jalen Prentice, Jahmal Prentice, Ikyjah Williams, Justin Smith, Devin Jones, Alejandro Santos, Johari Lacey, Deshawn Richardson, Levon Williams, Luka Chalwell, Sheldon Toney, Gethin Jones, Jarrell Federicks, Milton Creque, Jaden Abrams, Jake Forbes, and Malakai Stanners.

The Technical Staff is Coach, Clinton Percival, Asst Coach, Ritchie Morton, Trainer, Javon Carty, Physio, Levy James, and Manager, Cathie Caine.

Apart from Grenada on Tuesday, November 9, the boys will also be playing Sint Maarten next Thursday, November 11 and Dominica on Saturday, November 13.

At the conclusion of the Championship, the finalists (two teams) will qualify for the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023 and 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. The two losing semi-finalists (two teams) will also guarantee their participation in the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.

The 2022 CMU20 Championship Group Stage will be played the summer of 2022.

BVI Boys U20 lost 7-0 to a strong Curacao team in the CONCACAF Championship opening match, November 5, 2021. Photos: BVIFA

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BVI concedes CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier game to Cuba

June 3, 2021 by

It took a powerful Cuba team 70 minutes to finally break the hearts of the youthful Men’s National Team in a CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala.

Having gone into the half time break at just a goal down, the BVI were still a threat in the second half, but then having spent long periods defending stoically, they were caught out as they changed formation and tactics looking to at least equalize and ultimately were overpowered in a 0-5 reversal.

“For 65 plus minutes we were reasonably comfortable and defended our goal well,” stated Interim Head Coach, Dan Neville. “At one-nil down you have to make changes and try to get a goal, unfortunately we got picked off on the counter by some good moments of quality from Cuba and some moments we’ll be disappointed by. “

Due to injuries and non-availability, several younger players had the opportunity to make debuts and also gain some valuable playing time, which BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton, saw as a positive despite the result. ”It’s a very young team and obviously they’re still learning,” he noted. “At times in the game you could see that they haven’t yet learned how to keep possession of the ball when they are transitioning from defence into attack. However as time goes along they will get more experience and become more comfortable in themselves and then we won’t be under so much pressure. We defended well and, as Coach says, it was only when we actually changed our line up to try and chase the game that we conceded more goals.”

Next up for the team is another World Cup Qualifier against Curacao, which will also be hosted by the Guatemala Football Federation and played on Saturday 5th June at the Estadio Del Trebol in Guatemala City with a kick-off time at 5pm EST.

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

January 5, 2021 by
L-R: Mrs. Juliana Luke, BVIFA Gen Sec., Mr. Andy Bickerton, BVIFA President, Dr. Richard Georges PhD , President of HLSCC, Mr. Dan Neville, BVIFA Technical Director at the signing of a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to develop local capacity in sports management and coaching. .Photo: BVIFA

The BVI Football Association and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) have formed a strategic partnership, with the signing of a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to develop local capacity in sports management and coaching.

“This relationship will allow for the professional development of FA members and all stakeholders,” commented BVIFA President Mr. Andy Bickerton, who signed the MOU along with Dr. Richard Georges PhD, President of HLSCC.

Some of the specific areas will be the use of HLSCC facilities by the BVIFA for training purposes, use of the BVIFA’s facilities by the college for shared vision activities and the BVIFA providing regional and international contacts of interest to the college.

“The College and the BVIFA have been talking and working together for a number of years,” said Georges. “This Memorandum of Understanding formalizes this collaborative relationship while laying a foundation for more ambitious projects in the future.”

The use of the HLSCC campus to provide training facilities will further enhance the BVIFA’s ambitions to provide top class education programmes for its coaches and, according to BVIFA Technical Director, Dan Neville, is another step to add to the recent partnership with the International Soccer Science and Performance Federation.

“We are delighted to be working in conjunction with college to deliver high quality live and online coaching courses in the BVI and ultimately regionally. HLSCC’s outstanding facilities and infrastructure will complement our coaching courses perfectly to deliver a high standard of sports education both locally and even regionally,” said Neville.

The BVIFA is also developing its own accredited foundation level courses to act as springboards into CONCACAF level programmes.

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Islanders FC claim 8th BVIFA National League Title

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wins for Wolues FC, Sugar Boys FC and One Love FC in BVIFA National League

November 17, 2020 by
Johnathon Gonzalez after scoring VG United’s late equalizer against the Rebels FC. Photo: BVIFA

As the BVI Football Association’s National League continued over the weekend, the Wolues FC smashed eight goals past One Caribbean, VG United left it late to salvage a point against the Rebels FC and there were also wins for the Sugar Boys FC and One Love FC.

The Wolues FC were three goals to the good against One Caribbean FC at the National Stadium venue, East End / Long Look, inside the first seven minutes following a brace from Ian Chambers and the first of what turned out to be a Noel Maxwell hattrick.

Johnny Bissainthe gave One Caribbean a glimmer of hope in the 17th minute and at half time the score remained 3-1.

Luca Reich then scored in the 62nd and 72nd minutes to put the game and the points beyond doubt , and, although Erol Van Der Meulen scored a second for One Caribbean from the penalty spot in the 75th to make it 5-2, Maxwell notched his second and third goals in the 88th and 89th minutes respectively before Christopher Farmer made it 8-2 in added time at the end.

Meanwhile, the most dramatic game of the weekend unfolded over at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground, where VG United found themselves two goals down against the Rebels after Curtly Peters converted a 15th minute penalty kick and Austin Prentice doubled the lead in the 34th. However Marknique Williams pulled one back in the 39th minute and then after a dogged and determined display VG finally equalized in front of a large partisan crowd when Johnathon Gonzalez slid the ball home in the 6th minute of added time to earn a point.

The Sugar Boys FC also didn’t disappoint their home fans as they had no problem in overcoming Lion Heart FC 2-0 although it took an own goal in the 29th minute to set them on their way, before Rolland Roberts made sure of the win, scoring the second goal in the 72nd minute.

One Love United FC also had a comfortable win, beating the Panthers FC 4-1 with four first-half goals from Rushedo Robinson, Richard Morgan, Mauricio Guevara Villanueva and Carl Stewart almost settling the match before it began and Vanrick Depesche scoring the Panthers’ only goal half way through the second half.

Old Madrid FC play the Wolues FC at the East End / Long Look National Stadium on Saturday, November 21 with a 4.0pm kick off, whilst on Sunday November 22, the Rebels FC face Lion Heart FC, also at East End / Long Look at 4.00pm. Over on Virgin Gorda on the same Sunday, the Sugar Boys FC take on One Caribbean FC at 5.45pm and then One Love United FC clash with Virgin Gorda United FC AT 8.00pm.

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BVIFA collaborates with FA in continued coach education programme

November 16, 2020 by

The BVI Football Association Technical Director, Dan Neville continued to provide further high level additional learning opportunities to local coaches when he recently held the second part of the BVIFA’s Coach Education Programme, which, in a first for the Territory, was broadcast in conjunction with the English Football Association (the FA).

Grassroots champion and Training Ground Guru, Les Howie, senior lead in the FA Education Department, former professional footballer, Ben Futcher, the FA Youth Coach Developer and the FA’s National Coach Development Manager, Tony McCallum all made appearances by video link, joining local coaches Thomas Albert, Richie Morton, Anna French, Javon Carty, Morris Mark, Jermain Abrams and “Tinnie” Percival for the virtual seminar covering match analysis and developing game understanding.

“The coach education workshops have been a great opportunity to expand my understanding of the game and my role as a coach,” noted French who Coaches on Virgin Gorda and works with the Women’s National Squads.

“With guidance from coach education specialists, participants analyzed a variety of game situations and discussed the factors involved and what strategies we could employ.

“We were also given the opportunity to prepare a short presentation based on a game scenario which was critiqued by a panel of experts and our peers,” added French. “Overall, it was a great experience and I look forward to more opportunities to learn and grow as a coach.”

Abrams, also based on Virgin Gorda, said the seminar “was very informative and interactive and to be able to say what you would have done during game play scenarios and then to have that analysed and tweaked by such high quality coaches really helped. These sorts of events will take our coaching to another level.”

Covid protocols allowing, the next stage will be live workshops and the holding of CONCACAF coaching courses.

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Tortola U15s and U17s win BVIFA Talent BVI

November 9, 2020 by

Tortola U15s and U17s emerged victorious after the second legs of the BVI Football Association’s Talent BVI Inter Center games on Saturday, November 7 at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground.

Both games fulfilled all the hype and expectation as first the very well-prepared VG U15 team gave their Tortola counterparts a few nervous moments in a much more competitive game before losing 1-3 (2-6 on aggregate over both legs).

Rush Broderick, with two goals and Omari Simmonds were finally able to ensure the result went the way of Tortola, but Emmanuel Etienne’s goal kept his team in with a chance right to the end.

The VG U17s had also done their homework having lost the first leg 2-1, by virtue of their away goal and needed just a 1-0 win at home to be victorious in the tie.

However, despite restricting Tortola to very few chances, they were unable to capitalize on the opportunities they created, and an extremely competitive game ended in stalemate at 0-0. Tortola grabbed the bragging rights, winning 2-1 on aggregate.

According to Coach Tinnie Percival, “it was good to see how well the VG teams looked tactically and technically and they had obviously put in a lot of hard work. The U15 game was much closer than the score line suggested and both the U17s teams played with good purpose and determination. The game could have gone either way, with chances being missed at both ends from start to finish.”

Percival concluded that all teams have shown good progress and encouraged both players and coaches to continue putting in the work. The sentiments were echoed by the BVIFA Technical Director, Mr. Dan Neville, who noted that it was great to see the program back up and running following a break during lockdown.

“Talent BVI is our national centre to define, nurture and develop talented players on the islands,” said Neville. “It bridges the gap between grass roots football and national team selection and is a vital component of our football strategy. These games marked the restart of the program to assess where players were in their journey and there were some great performances all round which is pleasing.”

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2020/21 Women’s Futsal League underway

November 2, 2020 by

With much deserved fanfare and celebration the BVI Football Association launched its 2020/21 Women’s Futsal League at Cedar School on Saturday, October 31 and was rewarded by a tantalizing game of football between two evenly matched teams, which was highlighted by a hat trick from Darci Reich and saw the Wolues beat VG Utd 6-2.

BVIFA Executive member in charge of Women’s Football, Mrs. Loralee Walters-Abrams, 1st Vice President, Mr. Avanell Morton, 2nd Vice President, Mr. Aubrey Liburd, FA Treasurer, Mr. Kenrick Grant and Mr. Eustace Freeman, representing the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports were all on hand to welcome the clubs and also to compliment the hard work of the coaches and event organisers that had gone into making the League possible.

“Women’s Football has been absent for a while,” commented Grant. “But after all the things that have taken place it is nice to see all the teams that are ready to take part and over the coming months this participation will only get bigger.”

Playing two 25-minute halves, the action was fast, furious and full of action-packed excitement with both teams looking to gain the technical and tactical advantage.

VG Utd went ahead on a goal by Kezia Gumbs which was cancelled out by Zolita Bamford, but it was Reich who provided that little bit of magic that turned the game in favour of the Wolues, scoring a quick fire brace to make it 3-1.

Gabrielle Jermain made it 4-1 to the Wolues before Reich completed her hat trick. Gumbs then scored her second to make it 5-2, but any chance of a VG comeback was snuffed out by Tola Broderick who made it 6-2.

BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton was unable to attend due to Covid 19 restrictions but was very proud of the work carried out by the coaching and technical staff in getting the competition off the ground. “Whilst definitely long overdue, the patience of our women players and their dedication to the sport is a wonderful indication that the League will be just the start of many things to come. The coaches and technical staff are working tirelessly to get the women to a high level of play, and it won’t be long before the BVIFA can select a national team to be competitive in the region,” said Bickerton.

The Panthers FC will play the Avengers FC with a 4.30pm kick off on Saturday, November 7 at Cedar School.

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