The Virgin Islands footballers recently returned from participating in the Caribbean Football Union/CONCACAF U17 World Cup Qualifying Tournament, in Suriname. Photo: Provided

The Virgin Islands U17 team. Photo: Provided

On their return to the territory, the youth players have gone their separate ways to enjoy Festival and prepare for the upcoming High School Leagues, but Head Coach Avondale Williams is already back at work planning the next phase of a long term development plan to raise the profile of the game, utilising what he saw at the Tournament to implement some new ideas and processes.

“Overall the boys learnt a lot, despite being under sized, compared to the opposition, they battled well, defended stoically and did all that I could have asked of them,” commented Williams.

Williams went on to say that, individually, Taylor Scarff was the pick of the VI players and was named Tournament MVP, having put in several good performances in the centre back position.

“Generally, though, we have to try putting a programme in place so the group can play together more often and gel even better as a unit. I was very happy with they worked together and going forward the experience will stand them in good stead and certainly as far as the BVI based players go, they will now have a better of understanding of the requirements to compete at this level.”

Captain Phillip Graham took to the role magnificently and really stepped up his game as well as inspiring his team mates.

“The historic 1-0 win against the Bahamas was a wonderful night,” beamed Williams. “Braeden Chalwell had a great performance on the right wing and supplied the cross for Tyler Forbes to nod home the winner. Host Nation, Suriname (lost 3-0), however, proved a notch up in terms of standard and despite some resolute defending we conceded an early goal. We failed to convert a gilt edged opportunity to equalise late in the half and were made to pay in the second with a couple of basic errors costing us two more goals.”

Other results

The game against Anguilla, (lost 2-0), was on paper the easiest of the three fixtures and the VI dominated the game from the kick off, but just weren’t able to score.

“Having missed several of those chances the players seemed to relax and take things easy, allowing Anguilla to capitalise on some slack defending to score twice,” lamented Williams.

Jahzeel Castillo at right back grew in confidence and ability every game as did Kiandre Slater at left back.

“Overall there was plenty of potential on show from our players and once they continue to work hard and want to learn, then we can look forward to a brighter future,” concluded Williams.