Marcus Lake and Sheldon Harry have won the right to progress to the Regional Final of the FLOW Ultimate Football Experience in Trinidad. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Virgin Islands (VI) top sprinter, Ashley N. Kelly (left) with FLOW's Commercial Manager, Ravindra Maywahlall. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Participating in the skills challenge. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Sheldon Harry going through his drills. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Flow Football Experience is being held around the Caribbean in conjunction with Manchester United Football Club, from the English Premier League, and after several rounds of exhausting skill and technique drills, supervised by Coaches from the BVI Football Association (BVIFA), the local experience was concluded with a match as the points were tallied at the A.O. Shirley Grounds in Road Town.

The Virgin Islands (VI) top sprinter, Ashley N. Kelly, a FLOW Ambassador, was on hand to act as MC and she was joined by the BVIFA President Andy Bickerton and FLOW’s Ravindra Maywahlall at the opening ceremony.

After the welcoming remarks to the Boys and Girls, all aged between 13 and 16, Kelly led a warm up before the action began.

The tests included speed, dribbling, ball juggling and shooting, with each score based on individual times and ability to control the ball.

“Today is a competition and ultimately two of you will be going to Trinidad,” explained Kelly

‘Great’ opportunity

“It’s a great opportunity for the Kids,” mentioned Maywahlall. “The two best players will be travelling to Trinidad and FLOW will be hosting a Camp with Coaches from Manchester United. The winners of that stage will be going to watch Manchester play Crystal Palace at the end of May.”

Andy Bickerton noted “it was great to be involved with FLOW in putting on the Experience and everyone here needs to thank FLOW and the initiative. All of you must know it’s a wonderful opportunity to impress with your skills and enjoy the chance to move on to Trinidad with Manchester United Coaches.”

Winners react

When the counting of points was complete, everyone received a certificate of participation and the two lucky boys were announced by Kelly.

“It was a tiring morning, especially the juggling tested me out, but I’m looking forward to going to Trinidad and proving to the opponents there, that they are not ready,” commented Harry

Lake said he felt great to have won, but didn’t expect that result. “I enjoyed the juggling the most, but it was surprisingly hard too. Overall just pleased to have won and hope to do well in Trinidad too.”

Along with two winners from each country, one legal guardian and one coach will travel to the final round in Trinidad and Tobago on May 6 and 7, 2017.

Manchester United Soccer School Coaches will be in Trinidad and, along with the supporting regional coaches, they will test the 30 finalists in another series of exciting skills challenges.

Two winners, one legal guardian and their respective coach will win the grand prize of a trip to watch a Premier League game featuring Man Utd at Old Trafford.