Youths in the British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) have proven that the Territory’s might is much greater than its size when they returned from Puerto Rico with a gold and silver medal respectively in the 4th Global Premier Soccer (GPS) Caribbean Showcase tournament. Photo: Facebook

The BVI easily being the smallest participating territory have had their best results to date winning the boys under 10 (U10) category, while coming second in the boys under 13 (U13) category. Photo: Facebook

GPS host on average, 44 tournaments each between various states in the USA with the Caribbean Showcase held in Bayamon being of their newest additions which have given the children in Puerto Rico and the surrounding area the opportunity to play against some of the top footballers in the Americas without having to travel too far from home. Photo: Facebook

President of the BVIFA, Mr. Andrew D. Bickerton was elated with the results saying that he was especially pleased to see the younger teams do well. Photo: Provided

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico – Youths in the British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) have proven that the Territory’s might is much greater than its size when they returned from Puerto Rico with a gold and silver medal respectively in the 4th Global Premier Soccer (GPS) Caribbean Showcase tournament held between the 25th to the 27th of January, 2019.

The BVI easily being the smallest participating territory have had their best results to date winning the boys under 10 (U10) category, while coming second in the boys under 13 (U13) category. 

Opponents obliterated

According to a release, the BVI U10 boys named ‘U10 Rock BVI’ first matched up with ‘GPS Guaynabo’ where they won by 2 goals to nil. In the semi-finals ‘U10 Rock BVI’ played ‘GPS Aquadilla’ and won by 3-0 and in the finals the ‘U10 BVI Rocks’ played ‘SA United’ out of Massachusetts and obliterated them with a 7-1 hammering, to become the 2019 U10 boys Champions.

Meanwhile, the ‘U13 Rock BVI’ team opened their account with a 1-1 draw against ‘Athletico San Juan’, with Adrian Padillo scoring the equalizer. Game two against GPS Aquadilla ended in a tame 0-0 draw.

The final game for the U13 Rock BVI saw them defeat GPS Guaynabo by 3-1. Joel out of Virgin Gorda scored for the BVI while the talented Azarni Callwood found the back of the net twice.

Coach Dan Neville expressed his delight with the overall success of both teams stating, “This result shows that the attitude and application by both teams during the games and in the build-up to the tournament went well for our national teams and is a clear indication of them being able to make the transition as they move on to play at a higher level.

Mr Neville Continued, “Both teams played physical and very attacking football. What we are focusing on now is ensuring that we teach the same style of football at all ages so players get to learn their position well and are able to make a smooth transition as they move up in age groups.”

BVIFA President Elated

President of the BVIFA, Mr. Andrew D. Bickerton was elated with the results saying that he was especially pleased to see the younger teams do well as this fits right into his dream of seeing a truly local BVI team with youngsters born and brought up through the BVIFA system participate at the highest level in football, which of course would be the World Cup.

GPS host on average, 44 tournaments each between various states in the USA with the Caribbean Showcase held in Bayamon being of their newest additions which have given the children in Puerto Rico and the surrounding area the opportunity to play against some of the top footballers in the Americas without having to travel too far from home.