Griffith played over 100 times for Barbados and was the first Caribbean-based coach to attain an International 'A' coaching licence. Photo: BVIFA

Avonell 'Clarky' Morton, Keith Griffith, Andy Bickerton and Coralie George (virgin gorda transport) were all present to welcome 'Grell' into the football family. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Mr Bickerton welcomed the man known as “Grell”, saying “it is another great day for the BVI Football Association, as we are announcing a new Technical Director in Mr Keith Griffith.”

Griffith hails from Barbados and has not only coached but also played at International level with Barbados, being capped 120 times.

“Now we have a very experienced gentleman to work with us,” continued Bickerton “and also to move us forward. We have a very strong Primary School league, but when the children move into secondary schools the participation drops down, so that’s one area Mr Griffiths will be helping us in.”

Griffith of course was here back in 2010 when the USVI beat the BVI in a World Cup Qualifying game and has promised to work assiduously to improve football in the territory. “I was very pleased that there is a very good primary school league going and will do all I can to complement that programme. I also want to say that as we speak we are holding a grassroots coaching course to improve coaching.”

Griffith also commented that he is tasked with moving the BVI up in the FIFA Rankings and sees the young players coming through the system as crucial to that aim. “We are 199 now and with the right policy we can get to 150. We need a cadre of coaches and need the best coaches working with the youths, but we can do it. The road of football is always about the power of football and we will get on the right track so that everyone realizes that Football is the best sport in the world and that the BVI is on the right path.”

Griffith also pointed out that, through is vast experience, he has established many good key contacts within CONCACAF, the CFU and FIFA. “Once we come up with the right proposals I’m 100 per cent sure they will back us. I have good people that I can turn too; I also believe this will be a new way forward for BVI football.”

Mr Griffith has served as a Technical Director for the Antigua F.A, the Cayman F.A. the USVI F.A. as well as coached the Barbados National Team and worked with Clubs such as Joe Public in Trinidad and Tobago.

He created history in 1987 by becoming the first Caribbean-based coach to attain the International “A” Coaching Licence.