Digicel Centre of Excellence closes for summer with gala performance

By BVI Football Association

Digicel Centre of Excellence 2016 participants. Photo: BVIFA

Digicel Centre of Excellence 2016 participants. Photo: BVIFA

The participants of the Digicel Centre of Excellence from both Virgin Gorda and Tortola, put on a gala performance in front of coaches, peers, family and friends on Saturday at the Millicent Mercer Playing Field in Baughers Bay as the programme closed for summer.

The various age groups from Under 7’s right through to Under 17’s, Boys and Girls, showed off their newly honed technical skills and teamwork tactical plays in small sided games and each was viewed with appreciation from all those braving the hot sun.

Head coach of the Virgin Gorda Centre of Excellence, Thomas Albert, was very enthused by what he saw on the day and also from what he seen over the course of the programme this year.  “20 – 25 kids have come out on a regular basis and I have seen a lot of progress, even more so today, when I see the players I have worked with doing so well with their Tortola counterparts. The support of Digicel has been great as have the efforts of all the coaches and parents. Together we can show the world what having Digicel as Sponsors means to the F.A. and how they are supporting our youths.”

In the years to come, Albert believes that those with responsibility for selecting national teams are going to have a lot of problems. “In the next two to three years there will be a lot of talented players out there. The Under 13’s, especially are looking very good and even though the girls are now in a separate programme in preparation for a regional tournament, they too are getting better and better.”

Albert also believes that as more and more girls are becoming interested in playing and are also improving technically, it is time to plan separate leagues for them. “The Women’s League has created a pathway all the way from grassroots to the top levels of senior national teams and we have looked at the U9’s and U13’s and how to get them playing competitive leagues amongst themselves, to further improve the standards. I believe we can do it and, with the support of Digicel in the Centre of Excellence, have already seen increased participation and interest.”

The Digicel Centre of Excellence has already produced dividends at U13 level, when a team came back from a tournament in St Maarten, unbeaten but in third place, following a penalty shoot out loss and still the best performance of any team the Association had sent previously.

As F.A. President, Andy Bickerton explained to the participants as he thanked Digicel for its support of the Centre, the next focus is on U17 Boys. “We are delighted to have Digicel on board and today the boys and girls were able to showcase the progress being made with constant high level coaching. What was also important was that the U17 boys were here and they are off to a CONCACAF Championship Qualifier in Suriname at the end of July. They are a good example to the younger players as to what can be experienced and achieved through playing football. Peers are very important to help develop and encourage youngsters in any sport and that’s why I wanted to make sure the U17 were recognized and the younger ones who go to the same schools and live in the same areas realize that the opportunity of flying off to tournaments is there for all of them one day.”

Mr. Bickerton also commented that there was much to look forward to in Football with the new stadium getting closer and closer and how important the relationship is with Digicel. “The importance of the partnership with Digicel is obvious today and they should feel proud of what they are helping to create with the development of our youths. When we start playing on the Astro in East End, things will get even better, as the surface will enable the youths to get even better technically and we hope the partnership with Digicel will be a long term one.”

Wendol Williams Cup Finals June 19

By BVI Football Association

Wolues' Simon Cook filled the void left by the early injury to Nick Messum with a solid defensive game against the Sugar Boys. Photo: BVIFA

Wolues’ Simon Cook filled the void left by the early injury to Nick Messum with a solid defensive game against the Sugar Boys. Photo: BVIFA

Two games of contrasting ebb and flow will set up a pulsating rematch in the final of the Wendol Williams Cup next Sunday, June 19th, 2016, when the Islanders play the Sugar Boys in the second major cup competition of the season.

The two top teams in the country have met on many occasions and each time put on an exhilarating performance as each tries to outdo the other tactically and technically. The WWC will be no exception, nor for the feint hearted.

The Panthers will consider themselves unlucky not to have put one over their illustrious semi final opponents, when they fell to a 1-0 defeat to the Islanders. The Islanders were unable to break down the Panthers defense and reached the final on the back of a Francis Primo strike in the 13th minute.

Many chances fell begging in the second half and, although the Islanders could have and probably should have more than doubled their advantage, the Panthers too will feel aggrieved not to have at least got on the score sheet

In the other semi final, the Wolues also held the Sugar Boys at bay for 62 minutes, with goal keep Andre Gaymes responsible for keeping the game goalless with an inspired first half performance and a string of fine saves. Simon Cook too stepped into the void left by the early injury to Nick Messum to marshal the Wolues defense with some resolute tackling.

However, as the game wore on, the Sugar Boys capitalized on the strength-sapping work done by their opponents and Derol Redhead timed his soaring leap to perfection to head home the opener and finally beat Gaymes.

The lead was short lived though when the predatory Allesandro Pallandino latched onto a ball over the top, outpaced two Sugar Boys defenders and fired home the equalizer in the 81st minute.

Suddenly the Boys awoke from a slumber compared to their usual clinical play and broke the back of the Wolues resolve with two lightening quick goals, first from Roger Roberts in the 88th minute and then Akeem Hendrikson in the 88th to seemingly put the game to bed.

The Wolues though had different ideas, hit a post, missed out on a goal mouth scramble and scored again in added time through Marc Savage and almost snatched an equalizer from a Cook free kick before Andres Bailey padded out the score line to 4-2 right at the final whistle.

Next Sunday, June 19th, the Women’s Final takes place at 5.00pm between VG United Ladies and the Ballstars and will be followed by the Islanders against Sugar Boys at 7.00pm with both games on the A.O. Shirley Ground.

Youth Knock Out Cup final June 11

By BVI Football Association

Diego Jiminez at full stretch but beaten by Justin Smit's penalty in the Youth Knock Out Cup. Photo: BVIFA

Diego Jiminez at full stretch but beaten by Justin Smit’s penalty in the Youth Knock Out Cup. Photo: BVIFA

Both Road Town F.C. and North Sound F.C. have reached the final of the BVIFA U16 Youth Knock Out Cup Final, which is scheduled for 4pm on Saturday 11th June, on the field at the A.O. Shirley Ground.

Road Town had a 4-1come from behind victory over the Valley F.C. to secure the place in the show piece finale, thanks to a commanding performance by Liam Block, who scored two of the goals, including the first half equalizer, after Kemron Tillack had given the Virgin Gorda outfit an early lead.

Sheldon Harry then scored a 45th minute go ahead goal, Blok notched his second and Miquel Marshall rounded out an Amazon.com Man of the Match performance with a well hit penalty.

In the days other clash a shorthanded North Sound F.C. confidently dealt with the attacking force of the West End Tigers to eventually win 5-3 on penalties.

Jahphel Dake put North Sound ahead before Guillaume Parkins brought West End back into the tie. However, North Sound, were not to be denied and despite facing several assaults on their goal stood firm.

Amazon.com Man of the Match went to Diego Jiminez of North Sound

Wendoll Williams Cup drawing to a close

By BVI Football Association

One Love's Richard Morgan "skins" Islanders Jamal Sergeant. Photo: Provided

One Love’s Richard Morgan “skins” Islanders Jamal Sergeant. Photo: BVIFA

The football semi finals of the Wendoll Williams Cup are all set to take place this coming Sunday, June 12th, after the Islanders overcame a tenacious One Love, 2-0 and the Panthers secured a 2-1 win over VG United, last weekend.

The Panthers actually went a goal down in their quarter final against VG, after Joshua Ramprashad fired home in the 7th minute.

Shamoy Thompson then restored parity for the Panthers in the 20th minute and Gordon Prince netted what turned out to be the winner in the 42nd.

The Islanders had a gift of an opening goal, when Kevin Fisher took advantage of a goal keeping error in the 6th minute, but One Love, who had been out of football for a while, grew into the game and showed they will become the force to be reckoned with that they once were.

No further goals came in the first half and for 20 minutes at the start of the second, One Love chased, harried and thoroughly frustrated the Islanders.

However, as a lack of match fitness began to take its toll, the Islanders cushioned their lead with a well directed header from Julian Davidson to secure their place in the last four.

The Women’s semi final between Ballstars and Avengers, is scheduled for 4pm on Sunday 12th June and will be followed by Wolues against Sugar Boys at 6pm.

The Panthers will play the Islanders at 8pm.

The Wendoll Williams Cup Final is scheduled for Sunday 19th June with action starting at 5pm.

BVIFA’s CONCACAF World Women’s Day hailed as a success!

By BVIFA

BVI Football Association celebrated CONCACAF World Women’s Day on May 21. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

BVI Football Association celebrated CONCACAF World Women’s Day on May 21. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

The Women’s Committee of the BVI Football Association pulled off a day of fun filled football action to celebrate CONCACAF World Women’s Day on Saturday, May 21 at the A.O. Shirley Ground.

Almost 50 girls of various ages and abilities turned out for the celebration, including a large group from Virgin Gorda. All were put through dribbling and shooting drills and were given the opportunity to win prizes with their new found skills.

3 v 3 and 5 v 5 games also took place with the older groups and the whole day was a great testament to the development and continued success of women’s football in the territory and around the region.

BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton was on hand to present the awards. “All 41 countries within CONCACAF had a women’s day and the BVIFA has always supported Women’s Football,” said Bickerton.  “We at the BVIFA are very pleased with the turn out at the A.O. Shirley Ground today with the 4 age groups: U7’s, U9’s, U15’s as well as Open and especially to see those 5 – 6 year olds out there enjoying themselves was wonderful.”

Bickerton also noted that the world governing body, FIFA  has just appointed a female General Secretary showing their commitment to increasing women’s involvement in the sport. CONCACAF elected a female representative to a FIFA Committee in Sonya Bien-Aime and in fact, since Bickerton became president, the BVIFA has placed the development of the women’s game high on the agenda.

Sharlene Pond, who heads up the new Women’s Committee at the BVIFA said, “we had similar numbers today, as last year, but we also saw a good many new faces who will be new players to the game. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and some wanted to carry on playing even after we had the awards ceremony!”

Hat-tricks for Creque & Albert as BVIFA opens new season

By VINO

Morgan Creque (purple 3) scored a hat trick for the Ballstars in a 6-0 win over VG United. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Morgan Creque (purple 3) scored a hat trick for the Ballstars in a 6-0 win over VG United. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Hat-tricks in both Ladies and Men’s games highlighted the opening weekend of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) League Season, on Sunday, April 17, 2016 with Morgan Creque sending the Lady Ballstars to an emphatic 6-0 win over VG United Ladies, and Thomas Albert banging in four for VG United Men in the 5-1 victory over the Ballstars in the Terry Evans Cup.

Following a presentation of the players to BVIFA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, a goal fest greeted the large crowd as domestic football made a return to the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds for the first time since 2014 when Sharlene Pond and Amanda Emmanuel opened the scoring against a new look and young VG team.

Creque scored her first before Pond added her second to make it 4-0 at half time. Creque netted twice more to round out her hat-trick and the goal scoring to make it 6-0 at the final whistle.

The men then took centre stage on the luscious grass surface of the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds with Albert notching a first half hat-trick for VG United after Swerine Joseph opened the scoring, to make it 4-0 at the break.

Mo’Blo Casey Ogbonna pulled one back for the Ballstars in the second half but Albert scored his fourth from the penalty spot moments later to make the final score 5-1.

The night’s last game saw the Islanders run out 3-1 winners in a tense game with plenty of incidents and enthusiastic tackling from both teams.

All square at 1-1 going into the second half, the Wolues were undone by an own goal from James Drury and a game clinching strike from Kern Mitchell.

In the first half, Mark Gardiner’s opener for the Wolues was cancelled out by Avondale Williams.

On Sunday, April 24 at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, the Panthers Women face the Avengers at 3.30pm, whilst in the Terry Evans Cup, Old Madrid take on the Panthers Men at 5.15pm and the Sugar Boys face the Haitain Stars at 7.00pm.

BVIFA U13 Boys bring home trophy

By BIVFA

BVIFA Under 13 Boys team took third place trophy in the Easter Tournament hosted in St Maarten, March 25 - 26.

BVIFA Under 13 Boys team took third place trophy in the Easter Tournament hosted in St Maarten, March 25 – 26.

The BVI Football Association’s Under 13 Boys team returned home from an Easter tournament in St Maarten with the 3rd place trophy proudly tucked under their arms.

The tournament, which featured several of the region’s top teams, was hosted by St Maarten and took place over the Easter weekend. The boys arrived in St Maarten on Good Friday morning and then faced their arch rivals from previous visits, Risk Takers, in the afternoon.

The boys settled into the game from the start and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners with goals from Luca Reich and Luka Chalwell.

On Saturday, Luka Chalwell scored twice as the boys beat United Stars 2-0 and Chalwell was on hand again to net the equalizer in a 1-1 draw with St Maarten.

The boys then won the penalty shoot out, 4-2, to decide the final group placings and went on to face Dutch St Maarten in the semi final.

Denvin Jones put the BVI team ahead, but then Dutch St Maarten equalized, forcing the boys to defend as it seemed an age for the referee to decide the game was over. The penalty shoot out was another tense affair with Alejandro Santos particularly aggrieved to have to retake his successful penalty for no apparent reason and to add injury to insult the Dutch Boys scored the decisive spot kick for a 6-5 victory.

Despite the disappointment, the BVI picked themselves up and beat Martinique 1-0 to secure 3rd place, with Chalwell again scoring.

“The happiest I have ever been at a tournament,” commented Coach Cassandra Gregg. “The boys played without fear, full of confidence and deserved a place in the final. We were unbeaten apart from a penalty shoot out and could have easily gone on to win the whole thing. They practiced so hard for this, executed everything that was asked of them tactically and with a little more luck, especially with referee decisions, we would have gone all the way. However I am really proud of all of them.”

The majority of the squad will stick together to prepare for the U15 CONCACAF Tournament in 2017, whilst all of the players will be back at practice at the Digicel Centre of Excellence from the 16th April at Baughers Bay.

BVIFA Concludes Successful High School Football Season

By BVIFA

Elmore Stoutt Boys recorded a perfect season to claim the 2015 BVIFA High Schools Football League Championship trophy. Photo: BVIFA / Charlie Jackson

Elmore Stoutt Boys recorded a perfect season to claim the 2015 BVIFA High Schools Football League Championship trophy. Photo: BVIFA / Charlie Jackson

The BVIFA High Schools Football League season drew to a close on Thursday 3rd December with an Exhibition Game between the Open Boys Champions, Elmore Stout High School and U15 Champions, Begrado Flax Educational Centre, which was won 3-1 by ESHS thanks to a brace of goals from Phillip Jules and one from Timothy Lewis (Makimbo Demming scored for BFEC).

Following the game the FA President, Mr. Andy Bickerton began the trophy presentation with some words of encouragement.

“It is very obvious that we have problems with facilities and it is very difficult to play a good standard of football on the hard and bumpy fields, but is very pleasing to see in today’s game, so many of you that have progressed through the system from the BDO Primary School football to now High School and have definitely improved. The new Stadium is coming, just down the road from here (Greenland) and by the time we start the new season in September you will be playing on a high quality surface”

Girls Division:

Cedar School were champions with 12 points ahead of BFEC who had nine and ESHS with 6.

The MVP was Tinia Van Zoost of Cedar, the Golden Boot award went to Lilly Pierce and the Golden Glove recipient was Chinara Perry of SDA. Marlina d’Anguiar also of SDA was named as Most Improved Player.

The Seventh Day Adventist Girls had put up some stellar performances and certainly brought with them the most support both on the bench and in the stands despite suffering some heavy defeats, including an 8-0 loss to ESHS for whom both Morgan Creque and Sheniece St Jean scored hat tricks.

What would have turned out to be the most crucial game of the season then turned into a disappointing affair as ESHS lost by forfeit to Cedar after not having enough players to complete the game.

Cedar went on to stamp their authority on the League with a 4-2 win over BFEC, which included goals for Olivia Messum, Alisha Looney and Pierce.

Pierce added a five goal salvo against Claudia Creque and wrapped up the league championship with another hat trick in the 8-1 win over SDA, in a game that also included a hat trick for Ella Brownsdon.

National U17 Player, Kayla Skelton wrote her name into the record books with a hat trick of her own in the 9-0 win over SDA.

Boys U15 Division:

BFEC went unbeaten throughout the season to lift the title.

MVP went to Michael Woodley, the Golden Boot Award to Luka Chalwell and the Golden Glove who else but Daniel Gilford.

Khemron Tillack made it known early that BFEC meant business with a hat trick in the 4-0 victory over St Georges, but Luca Reich of Cedar White went one better and scored four in a 7-1 demolition of ESHS. However even those goal scoring feats were outshone by Devante Samuel who scored five for BFEC in the 9-0 thrashing of Cedar Green.

Cedar White went on to beat SDA 4-1 with Luka Chalwell getting in on the multi goal scoring fun, notching all four and then registering a hat trick in his side’s 7-0 win over their school mates.

Not to be out done, Kyreek Gardiner smashed home four goals as BFEC rattled up a 10-2 victory against SDA and Miquel Marshall grabbed his own moment in the sunshine with a hat trick for ESHS in a 6-1 win over Cedar Green.

Boy’s Open Division:

ESHS recorded a perfect season to claim the Championship Trophy

The MVP went to Jazeel Castello; the Golden Boot recipient was Phillip Jules and Golden Glove Shemarr Morrison.

In winning four out of four, ESHS started with a 3-1 victory against BFEC, which was followed by a 2-1 win over St Georges. They then beat BFEC 2-1 in the return match thanks to two goals from Jules.

Cedar School thrashed SDA 7-0 with Leo Forte notching four, but was then not available to play for the rest of the campaign and ESHS wrapped up the Title with an 8-0 win over SDA with Jules netting a hat trick.

High School League Co-Ordinator, Avondale Williams, was, overall, happy with the way the season had unfolded “ It could have gone better, but it was good to see all the players were very keen to be involved and played their hearts out. The High School standard is definitely improving and some of them will soon be ready to go to a higher level”

President Bickerton concluded the Closing with more words of encouragement and enthusiasm for the way the Schools leagues were developing players.

“The process is working! The Primary School players are coming through the system and beginning to have an impact at High School level. Going forward, although we have faced difficulties, we will continue playing the Leagues in the September, with perhaps a slightly later finish in December’

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.

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.