Children participating in the BDO Schools Football League engage in a launch parade through Road Town on November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

One of the most highly anticipated sports events of the school calendar year, the BDO Schools Football League, was launched on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Mr Ryan R.E. Geluk, Managing Director of sponsor BDO, seen here tossing a football into the stands, said it is always a pleasure to sponsor the BDO Schools Football League. Photo: BVIFA

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) could not attend; however, she sent her greetings and 'absolute fullest support' through Ms Debra D. Hodge (in photo), Director of Youth Affairs and Sports. Photo: BVIFA

President of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA), Avanell Morton, who told the students they were part of a programme that started over 14 years ago. Photo: BVIFA

BDO, BVIFA & CCT officials toss footballs into the crowd of students at the BDO Schools Football League Launch on November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Schools proudly displayed their banners at the parade for the launch of the BDO Schools Football League on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Schools proudly displayed their banners at the parade for the launch of the BDO Schools Football League on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Schools proudly displayed their banners at the parade for the launch of the BDO Schools Football League on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Schools proudly displayed their banners at the parade for the launch of the BDO Schools Football League on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Schools proudly displayed their banners at the parade for the launch of the BDO Schools Football League on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Schools proudly displayed their banners at the parade for the launch of the BDO Schools Football League on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Schools proudly displayed their banners at the parade for the launch of the BDO Schools Football League on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Schools proudly displayed their banners at the parade for the launch of the BDO Schools Football League on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Schools proudly displayed their banners at the parade for the launch of the BDO Schools Football League on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Photo: BVIFA

Hundreds of children dressed in their beautifully branded kits marched from Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park to A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground, where they were welcomed by the President of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA), Avanell Morton, who told the students they were part of a programme that started over 14 years ago.

“May the best teams win for all of the divisions,” Mr Morton said.

Hon de Castro pledges ‘fullest support’ for BDO League

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) could not attend; however, she sent her greetings and “absolute fullest support” through Ms Debra D. Hodge, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Hon de Castro congratulated the BVIFA, BDO and CCT [sponsor], “for their continued unwavering commitment” to youth development through sports.

“We always maintain that education does not stop at the classroom door. Sports play a vital, irreplaceable role in shaping well-rounded students. Through football, our young people learn the true value of teamwork, discipline, resilience, and respect- values that will serve them long after the final whistle blows, both in the classroom and in life.”

Hon de Castro added in her message that she was proud of the participants of the BDO league and encouraged them to have fun.

BDO League has grown from strength to strength

Mr Ryan R.E. Geluk, Managing Director of sponsor BDO, said it is always a pleasure to sponsor the BDO Schools Football League.

“We have seen it grow from strength to strength. I think this year we have about seven hundred and fifty kids and young adults playing football, so this is an amazing, amazing achievement, amazing turnout.

“You look amazing this year in these uniforms, and I know your play will be just as good this year,” Mr Geluk stated.

It is unclear when play will get underway, and a fixture has not yet been released.