Kezia Gumbs and Sapphire Flax Clarke are two of the three girls awarded BVIFA Scholarships. Laverne Fahie is the third who was unable to attend the press conference. Photo: Charie Jackson/VINO

President of the BVIFA, Andy Bickerton, has now ensured 6 footballers have been awarded scholarships during his time at the helm. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

Pictured at the press conference and from left to right - Shereen Flax Charles (BVIFA VP), Avenell Morton, Andy Bickerton, Ricky Davis and sitting in front, Sapphire Flax Charles, Joel Fahie, Kezia Gumbs and Jim Camillo. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

The Programme has been able to strengthen due to the success of Trevor Peters, Joel Fahie and Christopher Telemaque, who were the first recipients of a scholarship earlier this year and of all of whom had not only impressed the coaches with their commitment, but also done well academically.

As President of the BVIFA, Andy Bickerton, explained, “the college was so happy that they asked if we had any talented young ladies here and we decided we did!”

Ricky Davis, who has been a driving force behind the programme, added some background to the initiative. “The whole purpose of the Scholarship Programme is to take our football to another level and give our players more exposure to the game at a higher level. The timing is ideal to add the girls to the programme.”

He also went onto explain how important the ties are with the College. “We have established a very good working relationship with the college and coach, Steve Rayos, who fully understands where we are and what we want to achieve. He has been very accommodating in any way he can to assist us.”

“I’m very grateful and can only thank everyone who has helped me,” commented Kezia Gumbs.

“I pray when we go up there we do our best and make everyone proud. I hope to make the team, do my work and am looking to get a four year scholarship to a college or University.”

Sapphire was also thankful for all the support she has received from the football family. “I have worked very hard for this,” said Flax Clarke. “I would like to thank my family, my coach, especially Clarky, Benjamin and "Nabo" and everyone who has supported me in football. It’s going to be hard but to play soccer and further my education is a great opportunity.”

Joel Fahie, who will be at the College to help with the transition, offered the girls some advice from his experiences at the College. The training is very tough. It was off season when we started and cold so we trained inside two times a day. You have to balance that with schoolwork too, which we were all able to do. It’s very humid in Kansas right now so they will be able to climatise pretty quickly, training will start right away so they will have every chance to make the team.”

BVIFA Vice President and proud mother, Shereen Flax-Charles told the girls that it is not just about Football, but it is also very important to keep their grades up as they were not only representing the BVIFA , but also the Territory as a whole.

Bickerton concluded that whilst the BVIFA had no doubts about the Girls’ commitment and desire to do well, it was not just about the football “The girls have all signed letter of intent with the BVIFA and they will have to maintain a 3.0 grade or above to continue in the programme,” he said. “We want them to achieve academically as well and move onto a four year scholarship at colleges.”

Davis also added, “They are now in a feeder system which will gain them exposure to professional leagues as well as colleges, so their altitude will only be determined by their attitude.”