BVIFA President Mr Andy Bickerton (3rd from left) receives a sponsorship cheque from Mr James Harris (4th from left) of BDO. Also in photo are Cassandra Gregg (left), Avenell Morton (2nd from left), Digicel's Public Relations Officer Katasha Melville (2nd from right) and Avondale Williams. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The BVI Football Association (BVIFA) has announced that the BDO Primary School League as well as the High School League will kick off next week Wednesday September 23, 2015 with the now traditional and highly anticipated march pass through Road Town. Photo: VINO/File

For the last few years, BDO has been supporting the school leagues, both with financial and human resources, and as Mr James Harris confirmed, the programme fits firmly into BDO’s corporate responsibility of supporting the community. Photo: VINO/File

The march of the teams in the two leagues will be held from 3pm.

The leagues have changed from January to the much earlier time to get through the programme more efficiently, avoiding school holidays, examinations and other conflicts.

“Last year we had around 1060 youths participating and we anticipate a similar level this time around, but still have people signing up as school has just started. From the high schools we expect around 100 girls and 200 boys and from the primary schools between 250 girls and 500 boys, which is a number we can cope with, given the present staffing levels,” stated BVIFA President Andy Bickerton at the launch of the school leagues in the conference room of the BVIFA office in Road Town on Wednesday September 16, 2015.

More venues to be used

All schools on Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Virgin Gorda are included in the leagues and matches this season will be at more locations across the territory as the BVIFA aims to take the sport back to the communities and give families, school friends and fans more opportunities to see their children and school play.

Head of Youth Development in the BVIFA, Mr Avenell Morton explained that all the teams would be split into age groups for the upcoming league. “We will have U7, U9 and U12 age groups, which is reverting back from the U13 age group from last year. Also we have five teams in the U14, five in the High School Open and five in the Girls League.”

Morton also stated: “The march pass is scheduled to begin at 3pm and will take a large procession of footballers from the Ferry Dock in Road Town, along Waterfront Drive and around to the Althea Scatliffe Primary School.”

Transition year

Cassandra Gregg, Primary School Coordinator, made mention that the switch of start dates would have no real affect on the youngsters as the BVIFA would still be working with youth players and that the After School Programme would run from January to give everyone an even greater opportunity to play the game.

“The switch shouldn't make a difference to the continued growth of the programme. We are encouraging the younger ones as per usual and will be doing more work with them after the league finishes. This is a transition year but will still be a great league.”

Avondale Williams, who coordinates the High School League, noted that “last season was a great pleasure to organise and was a success. There is a lot of talent coming through and hopefully the national teams will soon be full of high school league players. The schools are supporting the league and the competitive nature of the games is getting better and better.”

For the last few years, BDO has been supporting the school leagues, both with financial and human resources, and as Mr James Harris confirmed, the programme fits firmly into BDO’s corporate responsibility of supporting the community.

“BDO believes strongly in helping to develop the community and specifically the youths in the territory. Football is fun and educational, teaches fundamentals and core values and gives the youths a positive experience.”

Digicel School of Excellence!

The change of dates has also given the BVIFA the perfect platform to launch the 2016 Digicel School of Excellence, as the High School League will produce the next intake of boys and girls who will receive further technical and tactical skills training in preparation for representing national teams.

Digicel’s Public Relations Officer, Katasha Melville added that “Digicel is happy and pleased that the Centre of Excellence is producing players able to compete at a higher level and represent the country. It is an important aspect of development and Digicel is proud to support the beautiful game and help the youngsters achieve their full potential.

Digicel CEO Conor Looney commented: “Sport is critical to the development of our youth, as it helps girls and boys develop the life skills they need in the future. Digicel is a passionate supporter of grassroots, schools and elite sport in the BVI, and across the entire Caribbean. We have invested in many young sports people who have progressed to become champions, such as Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Chris Gayle. Digicel is delighted to further develop our relationship with the BVIFA to enhance the upcoming school’s football programme. There is no reason why we cannot expect to see footballers from the Virgin Islands playing at the highest level in soccer in the years to come. We will continue to support the BVIFA’s ambitions to raise the profile and standards for football across the entire territory. We know it will be an exciting and competitive football season and we wish all the school children the very best in their upcoming matches.”

Full schedules of the BDO Primary School League and High School League will be available from next week, complete with start times and venues.