Scotsman James Baird is the new Head of Women’s Football in the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: BVIFA

Mr James Baird's first assignment as Head of Women's Football will be on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at a women’s football trial between 6.30 PM and 8.30 PM on the field at East End/Long Look. Photo: BVIFA

According to the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) in a press release today, December 18, 2023, Mr Baird will be hitting the ground running as he looks to re-establish all the programmes, get girls of all ages back playing football and quickly heading down the road to being competitive again.  

The BVIFA said the ex-professional footballer and experienced coach at national levels around the Caribbean and Europe, Mr Baird, is also Head of Coaches and National Women’s team Coach.

“I want to create a buzz and get us back functional with increased participation,” stated Baird.

“We are all starting with a clean slate and its all about looking after the players and giving them opportunities to play. I have spent a few weeks on the island and have already been impressed with what I have seen. Longer term goals to be competitive are achievable with a good mix of new younger players and experienced players who have a lot to give still.”

‘An exciting project’- Baird

BVIFA added that Mr Baird also knows there is a lot of money put into Women’s programmes from funding sources such as Concacaf and FIFA, but whilst accepting it is all on his shoulders, he is also confidant that with his contacts he can make an immediate impact and revitalize the game.

“It’s an exciting project,” he noted. “I’m ready to get stuck in, get my hands dirty and work with some of the great coaches on island.”

Baird, originally from Scotland, has worked as a Coach across three continents, and been a Coach with both the West Indies FA and Trinidad and Tobago FA. He played as a goalkeeper for After moving between a number of Scottish clubs, including Alloa Athletic, Faroese clubs and Trinidad and Tobago Professional Football League club Tobago United.

He moved to Iceland in May 2017 to sign with Snæfell/UDN and has also made four appearances for Scotland U17 in 2001 and 2002.

First assignment

The BVIFA stated that Baird previously trained with and played for the VI under 23's in a small local tournament but after eligibility problems, decided against representing the senior side.

His first assignment will be on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at a women’s football trial between 6.30 PM and 8.30 PM on the field at East End/Long Look.