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Road to Mexico 2013 starts in Trinidad!

BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton with Captain Kenzie Turnbull to his left, announce the U17 squad to take part in the U17 World Cup Qualifiers in Trinidad and Tobago. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO
The squad pictured behind. From left front row are Avenell Morton, Coach Samuel, BVIFA President Shereen Flax Charles, President Andy Bickerton, Kenzie Turnbull and Asst. Coach Morris Mark. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO
The squad pictured behind. From left front row are Avenell Morton, Coach Samuel, BVIFA President Shereen Flax Charles, President Andy Bickerton, Kenzie Turnbull and Asst. Coach Morris Mark. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The BVI Football Association (BVIFA) announced the U17 squad on Thursday July 19, 2012, that will be taking part in the first round of World Cup Qualifying which will be captained by Kenzie Turnbull.

The road of course will be far from easy for the inexperienced but determined team of youngsters, most of whom will be making their first appearances in the World Cup. Add into the mix that they are to face the power houses of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana in the group from which only one can progress and the challenge seems even tougher.

Suriname is the fourth team the BVI will face and whilst they are a lesser known quantity, they have a reputation of playing fast skillful well organized football.

However, the team will leave here on Sunday well prepared and with definite tactics in mind as Coach Vincent Samuel explained, “the guys have been playing not only in the school league but also have equipped themselves well in friendly games against senior sides. They are a young team, the average age being 15, but we are travelling with confidence.”

Turnbull also stated that he was happy with the way the team was shaping up and was looking forward to a good tournament. “I don’t know much about the opposition we will be facing, but I’m confident.”

Samuel explained that, “Trinidad are a sound team and much more physical than our guys as are Guyana, Suriname play very disciplined football but we have built our own systems to counter what we know, they may have a technical and tactical edge, but we won’t be sitting back and waiting to see what happens. We will look to hold them and then play our game and get a result. Turnbull is a very strong leader defensively and in the likes of Shamoy Thompson we have definite offensive weapons.”

Turnbull added, “the team has been practicing hard to be confidant on the ball and will be playing to win.”

President of the BVIFA, Andy Bickerton was also on hand to offer words of encouragement to the team “It's an exciting development for football in the Virgin Islands,” he explained. “ The guys have been training hard for a number of months, it’s a very difficult group, but it is a stepping stone for the BVI and a learning experience. These guys will be Ambassadors and opening the way for the other youngsters to take centre stage.”

Shereen Flax -Charles, newly elected to the role of BVIFA Vice President, urged them to hold their heads high and whatever happens to be proud of what they achieve.” Think of how proud you will be representing the BVI and work hard,” she said.

There are five Groups in the CONCACAF Region and the winners of each of the groups will head to Panama for a further round of qualifying. Then the top 3 from that round will qualify for the finals in Mexico.

The BVI’s first game is on July 24, 2012 against the hosts Trinidad and Tobago followed by Suriname on the 26. The group concludes with the BVI facing Guyana on July 28.

The full squad is Kenzie Turnbull (Capt.), Kian Chalwell, Stephan Salmon, Robert Browne, William Green, Rowan Wheatley, Allon Williams ( vice Capt.), William Adamson, Shakur Woodley, Phillip Graham, Calden James, Kairon Branch Durante, Eddie Cupid, Jael Leonard, Shamoy Thompson, Trevor Jones, Omar Walker, Akeem Pope and Maxcell Dabreo. The Coach is Vincent Samuel, the Manager Hiliary Edwards, and Asst. Coaches, Jeffrey Demming, Nano Ottley and Morris Mark.

14 Responses to “Road to Mexico 2013 starts in Trinidad!”

  • fred (20/07/2012, 09:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I didnt want to say it but "Oh Dear this might be a little too tough".
    • bvi commission (20/07/2012, 23:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      yea it is a tough trip, but the players will come back stronger and more experienced whatever happens- so lets for once get behind a BVI team and encourage them , support them and celebrate them
  • decision time (20/07/2012, 09:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i do not see any locals (maybe one) in that last photo..what has gone wrong even in sports???
    • Judge not a book by its cover (20/07/2012, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Every child in that squad is a BVIslander.......stop being blind to today's reality. Good luck guys. Be proud to represent the BVI!
    • shesamonster (20/07/2012, 11:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      REALLY ! REALLY! Why did you have to make that negative comment? And what does it matter where they are from? FYI they are BVIslanders!
    • AirDrop (20/07/2012, 16:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      why dont you tell your kid to go and play soccer!?! then you will see him in the picture, oh my bad if he makes the team next time... LMAO!!!
    • the big show (20/07/2012, 17:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why can’t some of you just say…congratulations to the players and wish the team well eh?
    • goat meat (20/07/2012, 23:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      ayo ppl in the bvi so damn bad minded yes many of dem are from dey islands but tis got a few bv islanders
  • Awesome (20/07/2012, 11:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good going Captain Zie! Play to Win!
  • soccermom (20/07/2012, 11:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good luck boys. Have a great time this is wonderful experience. Do your best. We are proud of you all.
  • up with the win (20/07/2012, 23:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I just hope they bring home some medals!!!!!!
  • bvi islander (23/07/2012, 15:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good Luck guys..Play to win I'm backing you all 100%
  • Timbo (24/07/2012, 23:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am afraid your lads lost rather heavily against T&T tonight. My lad plays for one of the other islands, please support your lads wholeheartedly!!


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