Despite staying unbeaten, the National team missed a semifinal spot at the CFU U14 Challenge Series by the narrowest of margins, goals scored, as Anguilla progressed as Tier II Group 3 winners

With two wins and two draws the BVI finished second behind Anguilla, both on eight points, but by virtue of having scored two goals less and were then pipped into a best runner up position by Sint Martin, who playing in Group 2, scored twice in added time at the end of their game against Cayman to win 2-0 and finish with nine points.

Coach Cassandra Gregg remained upbeat despite the disappointment “I have had these boys for 5 years now and as Coach it was my job to get them prepared. We survived Irma and Pandemics, trained every day when we could, and despite all that we had a good build up, including a trip to St Barth’s where we faced some strong opponents. From that experience, the Boys came back and worked even harder and knew what they had to do at the CFU Challenge. They kept telling me that they were going to the Tournament to win, they played their hearts out and, in my eyes, they are champions, were victorious and will always be Champions!”

The team started off with a 2-1 win against USVI with goals from Othniel Gillings and Blake Kirk “I was very happy to be part of the team and contribute to our success” he noted

Draws against Turks and Caicos (0-0) and Anguilla (1-1) followed with Gillings opening the scoring against the eventual table toppers “it felt good to be a part of this team and score some goals” he said

The final game of group play resulted in a 2-0 victory against Saint Maarten with Tiondre Frett scoring from a long-range free kick “my teammate got fouled just inside their half and I heard my Coach say take a good run up and that their keeper was small so try hang the ball up and it worked!”. The other goal came from Michael Anson Findlay “it was my first tournament, so I was happy with how it went. I have been playing since I was about 7 or 8 and it was a good experience”

On hand to greet the Boys as they returned to the Territory were the acting Premier Hon. Kye Rymer who congratulated the Boys “well done everybody, I’m sure this won’t be last time we see you have success, and we look forward to seeing you on the World Stage!”

And Hon. Sharie de Castro, Minister Responsible for Sport “we are truly truly proud of all of you. The energy, unity and synergy showed by all of you was priceless. You have elevated the Territory and we are beaming with pride”

Also in attendance were the Hon. Marlon Penn, Minister for Health, and Ephraim Penn, the President of the BVI Olympic Committee.

Next up for the team will be participation in the CONCACAF U15 Tournament in 2023