In trying to provide realistic game time for the U15 and U17 players in the BVI and as part of its ongoing Talent BVI Elite Football Programme, the BVI Football Association organized a series of matches between Virgin Gorda and Tortola based squads, on Saturday 24th October, 2020.
The first legs of the games were played at the national stadium venue in East End / Long Look and saw Tortola teams emerge victorious.
The U15’s played first, and Tortola won 3-1 with goals coming from Joharie Lacey, who opened the scoring on an assist by DeAndre Rogers. Rogers went on to score twice on assists from Lacey and Adrian Padilla, whilst Sammy Guilford was the scorer of the lone goal for Virgin Gorda.
The U17 game that followed shortly after was keenly contested with lots of good combination passing from both teams. Sheldon Harry broke the deadlock 5 minutes into the second half with a close-range effort and Miles Creque extended Tortola’s lead, breaking through the defense and slotting home past the keeper. Virgin Gorda pulled it back to 2-1 with the goal of the game coming from the boot of Kimbo Deming, who let fly from fully 25 yards out.
Virgin Gorda were unable to find the equalizer and the game ended at 2-1 but will take heart from their performance as the teams head back to Virgin Gorda for the second legs on October 31st.
According to Coach Tinnie Percival “Both games were played in good spirit but were extremely competitive. The kids showed good skills and positive attitudes. With constant training and regular games, I can only see these kids getting better and stronger.”
The BVIFA’s Talent BVI programme is designed to bridge the gap between grass roots football and national team training.
Players born between 2008 and 2003 who show a talent to potentially play in national teams are invited into the Talent BVI programme so they can develop and the BVIFA can continue to monitor their progress ahead of potential national team age group selection
The programme consists of two centres, one on Tortola and one on Virgin Gorda, with training taking place on a Saturday afternoon in Tortola and Saturday morning on Virgin Gorda.
For more information, contact the BVIFA at bvigensec2@gmail.com.
