The Captain of the U15 team for the CONCACAF Championships in the Dominican Republic is Mario Carter, who is feeling very positive about the teams’ chances. Photo: BVIFA

The Virgin Islands Under 15 Footballers won the CONCACAF Division 3 Championships at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, USA in August 2019. Photo: BVIFA/Facebook

The last time the Championship was held, back in 2019, the VI won Division C and are now top seeded in their group, which also includes Dominica and Turks and Caicos Islands. The other teams in the same division as the VI, but separate groups include Sint Marten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, USVI, French Guiana, Anguilla, and Saint Maarten.

Intense preparations

According to a press release from the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) today, July 31, 2023, the preparation for the squad, all of whom are based within the Territory and Coached by Cassandra Gregg, has been intensive with a combination of regular training, tournaments and a series of friendly games all taking place in the past few months.

“Originally we were in a group of four and playing in Curacao, but now we are a group of 3 and playing in DR,” commented Gregg. “We had a very successful tournament over Easter and more recently made a trip to play St Kitts, which was a great experience for the Boys, and what I always say to my players is Anything they can do; we can do better,” concluded Coach Gregg.

First up will be a game next Tuesday, August 8 against TCI and then face Dominica on Wednesday August 9. Both games kick off at 9.00 AM local time.

Skipper Carter positive about team’s chances

The Captain of the team is Mario Carter, who is feeling very positive about the teams’ chances.

“Not too long ago we were in St Kitts and when came back, we analysed the games, saw the kind of mistakes we made and worked hard in practice to correct them. We are mentally and physically prepared and although we have to work on a couple of things, like chemistry and discipline, I am very confidant.”

The Assistant Coach is Jeffrey Demming and the Goalkeeper Coach is Morris Mark.

The travelling squad includes Carter as Captain, Latreil Williams as vice-captain, Marc Tan, Christian Vanterpool, Tiandre Frett, Quyl Billingy, Myles Penn, Kyle Farrington, Akeem Paddy, Lashaun Gibbs, Temari Nanton, Othniel Gillings, Michael Findlay, Morris Mark III, Kenley Williams, Zeviah Abrahams, roman Nibbs, Malique Fenton, and D’Andre McSheen.