By: BVIFA
Mr. Avondale Williams, a Level “C” United States Soccer Federation Certified Coach has joined the BVIFA as Youth Development Officer. He will have responsibility primarily for U17 Boys through to the senior team development. He will also take over the organization of the High School League and will be working at the Digicel Centre of Excellence.
Avondale Williams joins BVIFA as Youth Development Officer. Photo: Provided
Mr. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Football, having played and coached for the National team. He also Coaches the Islanders F.C, perennial Champions of the Domestic League and holders of many of the Associations Knockout Cup’s.
Mr. Williams’ new role will fill part of the void left with Mr. Keith “Grell” Griffith’s departure from his position as BVIFA Technical Director at the conclusion of the 12 month contract.
Whilst a replacement for Griffith has yet to be confirmed Williams will be pushing ahead with developing the game and making sure the long term strategy of the Football Association is met.
“I’m very pleased to accept the position,” said Williams. “I’m looking forward to improving the High School league standard to make the games more competitive to create a U17 team to fit in with the new National Age group’s policy. I’m also looking forward to establishing an U15 Youth Tournament outside of the schools programme but generated by an infusion of new players from within the work done in schools at both Secondary and Primary Level.”
In the longer term, Mr. Williams said he would like to see more technical improvements, increased physical fitness, tactical awareness and is looking forward to working with the FA’s new Technical Director, when appointed, and also continuing the strong coaching relationship with F.A. Coach, Cassandra Gregg, who runs the Primary After School Programme and BDO Primary School League as well as assisting with the U14 Boys in the Digicel Centre of Excellence and U15 girls.
Coach Cassandra Gregg with youth football players. Photo: BVIFA
Ms. Gregg was involved in the very first Centre of Excellence back in 1999 and also the first After School Programme which began with support from the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2000.
Now in its 14th year, and still supported by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, the programme encompasses almost every school with practice scheduled for each afternoon (3.30pm – 5.oopm) of the week as detailed below:
Leonora Delville, Ivan Dawson, Isabella Morris, Enid Scatliffe, Seventh Day Adventist, Ebenezer Thomas, Joyce Samuel, Willard Wheatley and Francis Lettsome practice on Monday and Wednesday.
Enis Adams, Alexandrina Maduro, First Impressions, Althea Scatliffe, Agape, St Georges and Montessori take to the fields Tuesday and Thursday.
“I’ve seen the programme grow every year,“ commented Cass. “And this year especially the enthusiasm from Boys and Girls has been amazing. I think the Primary School, when it starts in the New Year, will prove to be the most competitive yet.”
Youngsters can still sign up for the programme which costs just $10 and Parents can get further details from School Principals or from the BVIFA Office (494 5655) across from the Botanic Gardens.
Coach Cass will also be taking a group of Boys from the Centre of Excellence to the Beach at Cane Garden Bay this Saturday not only for some fun and team building but also to put in some strength work in an ideal setting.
The trip departs from the A.O. Shirley on Saturday 11th October at 8.30pm and returns at 1pm. Players are expected to walk with $10 for food after practice, but drinks will be provided.
