More than 140 boys and girls turned out for the BVI Football Association's Youth Festival held at the football stadium in East End/Long Look, Tortola, on Saturday August 15 and Sunday 16, 2020. Photo: Facebook

Luka Chalwell, right, receives his MVP award from BVIFA President Mr Andy Bickerton. Photo: Facebook

The levels of interest and participation across two distinct age groups, those born between 2008 and 2011 and those born between 2003 and 2007, also showed the hard work done by the coaching staff in bringing back the youths to a competitive environment where they showcased impressive technical ability is paying dividends.

“It was great to see so many turn out,” commented Bickerton. “The progress being made after the lock down, the level of competition, the technical standards across both age groups are all very encouraging.”

Bickerton was also pleased to see lots of overseas based students were home taking part and quick to congratulate all the coaches and staff involved, “Tinnie Percival, Wayne Phillips, Richie Morton, Javon Carty, “Left”, Cassandra Gregg, Jermaine Abrams, Morris Mark, Darren, Julianna, the General Secretary and her Assistant, Jahtoya Rodriquez.”

Awards

Notable performances also came on the field with Bickerton presenting Awards to MVP, Luka Chalwell, Best Goalkeeper, Ollie Henderson, Best Defender, Quelani Nickie, Best Midfielder, Johari Lacey and Top Scorer, Denvin Jones.

Whilst all the Youth programmes on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke will be continuing, the BVIFA is also moving ahead with its plans to add a Youth League to its player pathways.

“The level of interest and enthusiasm shown over the weekend means we can be even more optimistic about the success of the National Youth League which the FA is launching in September,” concluded Bickerton.