A majority of the 770 registered players in this year's BVIFA Schools League marched from the Ferry Dock to the A.O. Shirley Grounds as part of the Wednesday January 30, 2013 opening ceremony. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton said he was gob smacked by the increase in participation this year but added he now saw Football was well on the way to becoming the Territory's number one team sport. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

Hon. Marlon A. Penn addressed the gathered crowds on behalf of the VI Government and remarked Football aids in the development of social skills. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Mr Patrick Harrigan implored everyone to make sure that the standards across the board be improved and not fall below what has been done before as well as asking the coaches to make sure all the players learn new skills, have fun and give everyone a chance to play. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith commended Bickerton and his team and explained to the youths how football was not just about entertainment, but that Sport was good for them and wll help in later life. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

The logistics of assembling so many youngsters was an amazing feat of organisation, but the true tests are yet to come as the BVI Football Association has reported over 750 players, forming 50 teams, will participate in some 300 matches over the coming months as the sport continues to strengthen its grassroots development.

“As I stand here looking out today with the increased number of players I’m absolutely gob smacked,” commented President of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) Andy Bickerton. “The increase of numbers has given us some fresh challenges and we are delighted to welcome on board LIME to assist…there is an enormous amount of money that goes into putting on this tournament but it is an investment the BVIFA readily accepts as we realise that football will become the team sport of the BVI.”

Bickerton also thanked and threw out a challenge to his coaching staff, teams and parents. “We want the games to start on time, we want the teams to be ready in time because we want lots of parents to come out and support their children, it makes a real big difference to them when they know you are there.”

“Remember though,” he concluded, “it's not actually the winning; it’s the taking part and enjoying yourselves!”

Eighth District Representative Hon. Marlon A. Penn addressed the gathered crowds on behalf of the VI Government and remarked it was a historic landmark event. “Although football may not be as popular as basketball amongst the youths of the Territory, it is fast becoming the number one team sport.” Hon. Penn added “I’m a firm believer that the key to success is hard work and consistency. Sports play an important part in the development of our people. Sports represent an important part of our economic and social development and Football aids in the development of social skills, which will carry you throughout life.”

Commending the BVIFA and pledging his support, the Ag. Director of the Department of Youth and Sports, Patrick Harrigan, speaking on behalf of the Minister responsible for Sports Hon. Myron V. Walwyn and his own department commented, that “the VI Government is committed to the youngsters and we believe that through empowerment and their proper sustainable development our young people will become our most valuable assets.”

He also implored everyone to make sure that the standards across the board improved and not fall below what has been done before as well as asking the coaches to make sure all the players learn new skills, have fun, and to give everyone a chance to play.

Ryan Gelug, speaking on behalf of BDO, who has now focused its efforts on the Primary School League following the involvement of LIME, whipped the teams into a frenzy by recounting last year’s performances. “It's certainly a feat to put together such a large league and we are proud to be a part of it again. First impressions u12 and u9 champions 2012, defend your title with honour and pride. Althea Scatliffe always cheer the loudest so defend your crown too. The rest of the teams will be doing their best to make sure you don’t win again!”

Sean Auguste, the General Manager of Lime, the new sponsors of the High School league, was equally as ebullient. “My son was playing last year and it was amazing to see the talent, energy and enthusiasm coming from the kids, we are really happy to be a part of it and who knows the next world’s famous footballer might come from the BVI.”

Premier, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, speaking last but by no means least after having been delayed by the business of the Country, noted “that for any country to grow it is important that the Government and community work together and that includes the training of our young people. I want to commend Mr Bickerton and his team for what they have done over the past several years in spearheading the School League. For the young people here, it is not just about entertainment, but this will help you later on in life too. Sports are good for you and good for the country.”

The final message was left to Aubrey Liburd who not only gave the vote of thanks to the assembled crowd but also said “the schools and parents should be thanked, the teachers and coaches that support them and I just want to say have a successful season!”

The League will be played at different venues across the Territory and will include teams from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Tortola.

The schedule of matches should be released by the BVIFA over the next couple of days, but the first matches will take place on Wednesday February 6, 2013.

BVIFA Programme Director Vincent “Nabu” Samuel said the league will run over four months with over 300 matches in both divisions. “We are definitely looking forward to this tournament with great anticipation and students are eagerly looking forward to what’s coming for them,” he noted. “We are also happy to have Anegada on board. Anegada has been one of our development teams and we are looking forward to seeing how that works along with Virgin Gorda and to match the talents. But, all in all, we promise that this year will be something special.”