With the surprise retirement of long serving President, Mr. Andy Bickerton and as the Association enters its 50th year of being the governing body of local football, the FA will look to build upon his legacy established by over 18 years at the helm of local football.

Bickerton first became President for a five-year spell back in 1991, during which time the BVIFA became members of the Leeward Islands FA, the Caribbean Football Union and finally CONCACAF and FIFA.

He returned to office in 2011 and has led many initiatives to develop the FA as well as overseeing the recovery from floods, Hurricanes, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

During his second tenure he successfully lobbied the Government for the lease of land at East End / Long Look upon which a football stadium and athletics track is being developed in conjunction with FIFA and the BVI Olympic Committee and other local sports authorities.

Currently the site is being used as the home of football with an artificial surface and lights, with works about to commence on the 2,600 seater Stand as well as dressing rooms for the teams, a referees room, medical facilities, a gym, offices for the BVIFA and the National Olympic Committee, together and a number of concessionary spaces.

“With the support of Government, the development of a home for football, together with a running track, at East End/Long Look has an estimated cost when completed of $10 to $11 million. “Noted Bickerton “it is primarily financed by Grants from the world football body FIFA. And will also provide socio/economic benefits to the local community in the cleanup of an eyesore and providing future revenue boosting opportunities for local small businesses (i.e., catering, accommodation, transport etc.).”

Bickerton’s other legacies also include a vision for football in the territory based upon an After Schools Program providing coaching and playing opportunities for youngsters from the age of 5 years. Giving them the opportunity to compete in overseas tournaments from the age of 10 years and to eventually further their education through the provision of BVI FA football scholarships to Colleges and Football Academies in the UK and USA.

“The program is non-exclusive and open to any boy or girl irrespective of ability and covers the 4 major islands of the BVI.” Stated Bickerton “ It is a win-win as it provides free after school child care, physical exercise, discipline and understanding of working with others to achieve success – in terms of community contribution; and from the FA’s perspective it identifies talent to progress the quality of our National League and ultimately the National Team. Successful participants are also able to obtain oversea education and higher-level football experience utilizing BVI FA and public sector (sourced by the BVIFA) scholarships.”

The success of this vision is reflected by eighteen of the 23-man Men’s National Squad having come through the After School Program of whom seventeen are teenagers and eight currently play overseas. Despite their lack of experience the Men’s National Team, led by Coach Chris Kiwomya, recently went three games unbeaten in the Concacaf Nations League finishing runners-up in their Group. Since 2018 they have gained experience through playing in Surinam, Martinique, Curacao, Guatemala, St. Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, USA, and the UK.

The most important aspect of Bickerton’s time in charge is that all the programs he helped encourage and establish are sustainable with long term partnerships fostered and the highest quality staff overseeing each.

Systems of work are constantly adapted, and improvements made, but overall are solid in their foundation, with anticipated end results bringing increased success for the Territory on the Regional and International sporting scene.

Bickerton also oversaw development of coach’s education, Referee training, management systems and women’s football. He also served on CFU, CONCACAF AND FIFA committees and will be a tough act to follow.

As senior Vice President, Mr. Audrey Liburd assumes the Presidential mantle until the AGM which is due early summer 2024.