VOL. 2 ISSUE 1 - MARCH 2015 WHIPS USVI Tridents Rebound From First Leg 0-1 Loss

In this Issue STANNO becomes the Official Teamwear – 2 2015 Season Opens with A Bang – 3 USVI Stun Barbados in Opener – 4 Barbados Defeats SVG 3-1 – 5 SVG Salvage a 2-2 Draw – 5 CONCACAF Beach Soccer – 6 Senior National Team Visits St. Ambrose – 6 Barbados is through to the second round of the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifiers. BFA & UWI Signs MOU – 7 First Quarter in Photos – 8 Barbados senior men’s team thrashed the United States Virgin Islands 4 - 0 in the return leg of the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier on March 26th, 2015 at the Addelita Premier League Awards – 10 Cancryn Field, St. Thomas, USVI. Barbados Women Defeats 3-1 – 10 Barbados took an early lead with goals from Raheim Sergeant (4’) and Jamal Chan- FIFA Female Officials Accredited – 11 dler (25’) to quickly overturn the 1-0 defeat they suffered at home in the first leg. Bailey Selected for MLS Camp – 12 The victory was completed in the second half when Mario Harte (76’) and Jabarry Chandler (90’) found the back of the nets to set up a round two meet with Aruba. Digicel Premier League – 13 BFA Opens FIFA Grassroots Coaching – 14 Barbados and Aruba will compete in round two on June 10th & 14th, 2015. Banks Champions Cup & Xtratime – 15 See page 4 for more on the World Cup Qualifiers news.

1 STANNO becomes the official teamwear of BFA 2015 SEASON OPENS WITH A BANG Barbados host in an international friendly match on openning day.

he opening of the Barbados Football Association’s season Tbegan with a highly antici- pated match between the national teams of Barbados and Guyana on Sunday February 1st, 2015. BFA President Randy Harris with President of Stanno Teamwear USA Erwin Boonacker. In front of an estimated 3000 specta- tors the two countries were locked arbados Football Association nership as a “win-win” situation, stat- in a battle for boasting rights. Their held a press conference at the ing, “the BFA is happy with the quality last encounter saw Guyana coming Bbeginning of the 2015 season to and the deal and we are happy that all out victorious at the same venue launch its partnership with “Stanno” of the national teams (Barbados ) will 2-0. a European kit supplier from the be wearing our brand. Netherlands. The young new look Barbados team, Barbados is the first national football with an average age of 20 were not The Barbados senior men’s football team to be attired in the Stanno brand prepared to let Guyana walk away team appeared in their new gear for and Boonacker said he is quite pleased with a win. As early as the 12th the first time when they came up that the national association has cho- minute Guyana’s Sheldon Holder against the United States Virgin Is- sen his company and expects lot of found the goal to give his country lands in their 2018 FIFA World Cup goals and favourable results in their the lead. The Barbadian lads were Qualifier at the National Stadium on new uniforms. struggling to cope with the attack Sunday March 22, 2015. of Guyana’s professional players Most importantly this partnership with in the early part of the first half. The BFA has entered into a deal which the BFA coincides with Stanno’s 30th In the 33rd minute Emery Welsh- will see all of the country’s national birthday and according to the CEO it man added to their anguish with a teams and premiership division clubs has been an eventful three decades low driven shot pass the Barbadian equipped with team uniforms and for the company, which is predomi- goalkeeper for a two goal lead. equipment. nantly known in Europe as well as in the United States on the collegiate Three minutes later the Barbadi- Chief Executive Officer of StannoUSA, circuit where they outfit soccer and ans’ hopes were revived when Jomo Erwin Boonacker has titled the part- volleyball teams. Harris’ 20 yard stunner shot beat

2 BARBADOS TRIDENTS

Jomo Harrris (No. 6) celebrates his first goal for Barbados against Guyana. the outstretched Guyana goalkeeper Shortly afterwads Barbados’ cap- to his left for a 1-2 scoreline. This goal tain Mario Harte was able to receive Harris who scored for Barbados was was Harris’ first for his country and it a well-placed pass, allowing him to most elated with achieving the draw was a very memorable one. evade the defender to make a clinical after being 2-0 down rather than scor- left foot finish in the 37th minute. The ing his first national team goal. 2-2 score at the end of the first half remained “This game was a tough game and it for the duration of the was a physical one mainly because the match as neither side Guyanese players were stronger than score again. us and were able to easily win the balls from us. However, after I scored At the post-game press the team’s spirit lifted and we were conference coaches Ja- able to tie the game.” Harris further mal Shabazz of Guyana added, “I learned a lot from this game and Marcos Falopa of but most importantly we have to make Barbados praised the a lot of quick passes between each young Barbadian team other and stay closer to our opponents on their performance. when defending if we are to improve.” Both coaches shared the view that the Guyanese The game was in preparation for the team was more expe- preliminary stages in the CONCACAF rienced and indicated zone of the FIFA 2018 World Cup Quali- that for young men who fiers for Russia, on March 22nd and were not professional 26th this year. Barbados hosted the players, they played a United States Virgin Islands in the first beautiful game of foot- leg and made the return trip during Hayden Holligan moves pass a Guyana Player. ball. the same period.

3 WORLDCUP QUALIFIERS USVI STUN BARBADOS IN OPENER Barbados senior mens football team lost 1-0 to the United States ­Virgin Islands played at home on March 22, 2015 in the first of two matches in the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier.

arbados senior men’s football team lost 1-0 to the United BStates Virgin Islands played at home on March 22, 2015 in the first of two matches in the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier.

After Barbados’ Captain Mario Harte missed a 6th minute penalty USVI Forward Jamie Browne made Barba- dos pay the price when he scored the match winning goal in the 16th min- ute. Browne out ran the indecisive Barbados full backs to lob the advanc- ing castodian Dario Weir.

During the second half Barbados made several mistakes in an attempt to come from behind for a win. Midfield- er Jomo Harris received a red card in the 54th minute while Romario Hare- wood’s penalty kick was saved by USVI Goalkeeper Erik Mozzo in the 69th minute. very pleased with the result and indi- They defeated USVI 4-0 to qualify for cated that all went as expected as he the second round. “We had many chances and their goal- was prepared for this match and he keeper saved a lot of attempts on goal knew his team was going to win. but I congratulate USVI on their win as they are playing well. My team started “I want to congratulate my players. We good in the game but our fullbacks had won because we had unity and good some problems and USVI capitalized. organization. Today’s match was very Even though we opened their defense difficult, we put up a big fight andI we were still unable to score and their thank my team for their performance. goalkeeper was at his best and he is Later this week we will be ready for good player.” Marcos Falopa - Barba- the next match in St. Thomas, which dos’ Technical Director. will not be easy for Barbados, they are better than us we were the under- When asked how he felt about the Fa- dogs but football plays in 90 minutes. lopa said, “This is a World Cup game, I researched my opposition and I knew not a friendly, teams lift their game how to beat them.” for these encounters, however, my team felt very confident about win- Barbados travelled to the island of St. ning today than they were against Thomas for the return leg in the first Guyana and St. Vincent but I am cer- round of their FIFA 2018 World Cup Barbados and Wigan atheletic captain Em- tainly not pleased with my team’s per- Qualifier, Thursday 26th March 2015 at formance.” merson Boyce, was missing from the line 3:30pm. up in the first game. USVI Head Coach Ahmed Mohamed was

4 NATIONAL TEAM Barbados Defeats St. Vincent St. Vincent & the Grenadines and the Grenadines 3-1 in salvage a 2-2 draw in second first friendly friendly arbados senior with the team’s perfor- men’s football mance. As I said before Bteam soundly de- the team is young and feated St. Vincent and needs time to adapt to the Grenadines 3 - 1 in the international game. the first of two interna- St. Vincent is a strong tional friendlies at the team and they play good National Stadium on football even though they March 6th, 2015. too have a young team.” Taking full advantage of their home status Barba- Falopa commented that dos was all over St. Vin- for the World Cup Quali- cent and the Grenadines fier the Barbados team from the kick off. As ear- would be better. ly as the seventh minute Barbados was awarded “The games we have a penalty when Jabarry played so far are to pre- Chandler was fouled in pare us for the World Cup the box by the SVG full Qualifier against USVI back Reginald Richardson and we should be better who then received a red When the second half re- Barbados players cel- by that time as we will card. However, Chandler’s sumed, the “Bajan Tri- ebrate a goal against St. have a mixture with mainly attempt from the penalty dents” kept the pressure Vincent and the Grena- under 23 and experienced spot was saved by St. Vin- dines. on and the Vincentians players.” cent’s Goalkeeper Winslow were never able to create McDowall. many plays within the mid- arbados and St. Vin- SVG Head Coach Cornelius field. Just minutes later the Bar- cent and the Grena- Huggins, was pleased with bados team took the lead dines (SVG) drew the team’s performance given Technical Director Marcos B when they netted two goals final game 2-2 in their two the fact that they were Falopa made a change to and got in the driver’s seat. match friendly series on several debutants in the his front line by putting match. substitute Jomo Hare- March 9, 2015 at the Na- After Barbados won a cor- wood in the game. A de- tional Stadium. ner Kemar Headley capital- “I am pleased with our per- cision that would pay off. ized on the opponents poor formance tonight, certainly Harewood would always St. Vincent and the Grena- marking to head home his remember his debut goal. dines attained a 1-0 lead better than Friday although first senior team goal in the Whilst making a quick run through the skillful Juma I believe we should have 16th minute. While Jamal he collected a through ball Gilkes, as early as the third won this match. We are in a Chandler broke away from and with just the “Vincy” rebuilding process and with the Vincentian defense for minute. However, goals by Custodian to beat he drove nine debutants in tonight’s a one on one with the Goal- Hadan Hooligan (12’) and the ball with his left foot game they are some areas keeper and scored a 21st Romario Harewood (17’) from just inside the box to we have to work on espe- minute goal from about 18 gave the Tridents a 2-1 lead score his country’s third cially our fitness if there is yards away. until Tevin Slater equalized goal in the 64th minute. in the 86 min. to be improvement.” The first half ended with In the 86th minute Chav- Barbados leading 2-0. Mak- Barbados’ Technical Direc- Both teams are to continue el Cunningham scored a ing matters worst was that tor, Marcos Falopa was sat- their preparations for the bomber of a free kick from SVG was playing with nine FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 30 yards leaving Barbados’ isfied with his team’s per- men after Miron Samuel this year. Goalkeeper Sean Fields formance, noting that SVG was sent off by Referee stunned and if that was not is a strong team although Gillian Martindale in the spectacular enough you they are rebuilding. 40th minute after receiv- should have seen his back ing a second caution. flip for a celebration. “A win would have been better but I am satisfied

5 BEACH SOCCER National Team Suffers Three Senior National Team Straight Defeats In CONCACAF visits St. Ambrose Beach Soccer Championships Primary arch 18th, 2015, members of the Bar- bados senior men’s football team visit- Med the St. Ambrose Primary School as a part of their social responsibility to their coun- try, ahead of their FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Sunday, 22nd March 2015 7:00 pm National Stadium.

The Primary School in the heart of the city was presented with footballs from the national play- ers along with words of encouragement.

Barbados player Duane Best attemps an acrobatic shot during the champions.

he Barbados Beach Soc- While Nicolas Perera of the USA cer team recently lost got a brace in the 27’ & 36’ and Tall of three group stage his team mates Jason Leopoldo matches in the CONCACAF and Chris Cummings scored in Beach Soccer Championship the 29’ & 13’ respectively. in Costa Del Sol, El Salvador. Barbados goalkeeper Dario Weir interacting with students. This was their first time par- Barbados 7 Antigua & Bar- ticipating in the competition. buda 10 “I would encourage you to stay in school, listen to your teachers and always give of your best in Below are the results: Barbados goal scorers are as everything that you do so that you can be suc- follows: cessful in life,” said the Barbados Captain Mario Barbados 4 Bahamas 10 Harte. Jamar Grazette (2’ & 29’) Scoring for Barbados was Cap- Akeem Bourne (5’ 13’ & 14’ ) Technical Director, Marcos Falopa lifted the spir- tain Tito Beckles (5’), Akeem Nicholas Jones (27’ & 28’) its of the students and encouraged them to come Bourne (7’ &17’) and Duan Best and support their national team for the tough (9’). Scoring for Antigua & Barbuda journey ahead to screams of “Barbados!!!” “Bar- were: bados!!!” from the jubilant crowd. While Gavin Christie (20’), Nesly Jean (20’ & 21’), Lesly Odel Murray (0’ & 22’) Des- The principal and her staff were also overjoyed St. Fleur (2’ 26’ & 28’), Ehren mond Bleau (16’) Dave Carr that the national football team chose to visit the Hana (4’), Gary Joseph (10’, (17’ & 23’) Troy Dublin (10’) students of her school out of the many they could 23’ & 32’) scored for Bahamas. Prince Walters (25’) Stephen have gone to. The experience was exhilarating as Hughes (11’ & 34’) Teon Miller it was the first for both groups. Barbados 3 USA 4 (9’)

Scoring for Barbados was Tito Beckles (26’) and Jamar Gra- zette (30’ & 35’).

6 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Barbados FA and the University of the Signs MOU The Barbados Football Association and the University of the West In- dies officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, ­January 20th 2015 at the University's Solution Centre, First ­Caribbean Suite, Cave Hill, St. Michael. In addition, Pro Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles was more than elated to sign the MOU with the Barbados Football Association for a number of reasons. “The BFA is deserving of the resources from the universities. I hope that the University can lift the stan- dard of football in Barbados because for a long time we are unable to sus- tain what we achieve in sports, though we have produced some of the best sports men and women per capita out of all of the regions in the world”, the Pro Vice Chancellor remarked. Moreover, the use of the university fa- cilities for tournaments, training, edu- cation, policy, community and citizen- ship programs are all prospects which excited Pro Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles.

“The University of the West Indies sees it as part of its long term strate- gic plan to be the sporting university of the Caribbean. We are building an institution of learning to give respect for the science and art of sports” the Pro Vice Chancellor proudly remarked. The UWI Blackbirds will be competing L-R: BFA President Mr. Randy Harris, UWI Pro Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles with Head of Coaching Mr. Roland Butcher. in the top division for the first time this year and the BFA has been making major strides in the reorganization of resent for the signing was the BFA President, Mr. its administration and the development of football, most Randy Harris, Pro Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, recently with the regional certification of coaches and the Head of the Academy of Sports Cave Hill Mrs. Amanda P senior women’s team performing commendably in their last Reifer, and Head of Coaches in the Academy of Sports Mr. two friendly matches. Roland Butcher. BFA President Mr. Randy Harris, welcomed the union be- In what is to be a long term mutual partnership for de- tween his organization and the university as one of mutual veloping football in Barbados Head of Sports, Mrs. Reifer benefits. Harris also indicated that the MOU would allow said, “This agreement speaks to hosting of workshops and for Barbados’ national teams to use the University of the conferences, FIFA certified coaching courses, staging of West Indies facility for international games and premier tournaments at the Usain Bolt Sporting Complex, access to league fixtures. our sports labs in biomechanics and exercise physiology for testing and research.”

7 THE FIRST QUARTER IN PHOTOS

AWARDS - MEN

AWARDS - WOMEN

8 THE FIRST QUARTER IN PHOTOS

9 WOMEN'S FOOTBALL WOMEN'S PREMIER BARBADOS Defeats Dominica 3-1 LEAGUE AWARDS Barbados defeated Dominica in a women’s to take this and move forward in improving international tier 1 football match at the our game, so the next time we come to Barba- Usain Bolt Sports Complex, Paradise Park, dos, it will be different game, stated Espirit. St. Michael on Saturday, January 10th 2015and was given a rating of 8 out of Espirit said the timing of the game and qual- 10 by their Head Coach Thomas Jordan. ity of opponents was needed as they are preparing for the Windward Island games in n giving his side a rating of 8 out of 10 March and their preparation has been rela- Thomas Jordan said it was granted out of tively recent with just five weeks completed. Iresult, not neces- sarily out of perfor- mance as he believes the team has a long way to go. How- ever, he expected the ladies to defeat Tianna Hackett Best Midfielder & MVP re- their opponents on ceiving her award from Women’s Committee the night and since Member & Executive Board Member Thomas that expectation Jordan was met, the rat- ing was merited. The Barbados Football Association held the 2014 Women’s Premier League The 3-1 score line awards ceremony at the Sir Garfield So- in favour of Bar- bers Gymnasium on Friday 13th March bados does not 2015. necessarily depict the true nature of the game as Dominica were in control of the “This game gave us the opportunity to as- ice President of the BFA Captain Al first 15 minutes of the encounter and were sess our work thus far, to see where we Walcott had high praises for women’s mostly competitive in the second half. are, what areas we need to work on and Vfootball in Barbados and gave insight the areas that need improving”, he said. on the future plans for the women’s game. Jordan highlighted his country’s slow Dominica may have suffered a greater defeat, start and indicated this has been a prob- if not for the outstanding and heroic goal- “After watching some of the games in lem for most Barbadian teams in the past keeping of 19 year old Kadisha Joseph. Joseph the 2014 I was impressed with the quality but he was quick to compliment his la- displayed bravery, agility and good anticipa- of play and competitiveness in all of the dies for settling after that and adjusting tion as she denied Barbados front trio of Feli- teams as points were very close for first to the quick, slick conditions and abil- cia Jarvis, Tiffany White and Kimberley Ellis. place. Moreover, I do hope it remains a ity to passing the balls to feet as required. Joseph put her performance down to consistent feature of the women’s league. a civil duty to her country and com- With that being said, I am happy to inform Captain of the Barbados squad, Gabri- mended her girls’ performance but ap- you of the steps taken by the BFA to de- ella Lopez, praised her team mates for proved Barbados’ superiority on the pitch. velop women’s football such as hosting in- an improved performance, especially in ternational friendlies against and such a short period (two weeks) and trusts “Both teams played well but Barbados played Dominica, the BFA Women’s D coaching that these kinds of results will be some- better and they won. Some improvements are course held in January this year, a grass- thing to look forward to from her squad. needed for next time around in terms of fitness, roots program just for women to unfold passing and more determination, Joseph said. in April and a secondary schools Women’s “I think it’s a step up from last game. With a Football League.” team as skillful as this one, it is only a matter of Her team mates may have adhered to her stringing together 90 minutes, with moments words as they put in a more spirited dis- Captain Walcott also unveiled another of excellence and that’s what we did today play on Sunday evening at Dover as the major development in women’s game. He and scored three goals”, a proud Lopez stated. teams played to a 1-1 draw, with Barba- added that the 2015 women’s football sea- dos striking first in the 5th minute through son will be played along with the men’s Head Coach Jordan commented that the Makala Alleyne and Dominica replying leagues and no longer will there be two result should not camouflage the obvi- three minutes later courtesy a Kaysandra separate seasons of football in Barbados , ous areas which need to be worked on Alexander goal, her second in two days. which was well received by all. especially in the technical and physi- cal aspects of the girls’ game as he was “There were good patches in our game to- This year is the year of women in football not entirely pleased with the 3-1 result. night; the goalkeeping was exceptional, our and the BFA is proud to have specially pre- center backs were good and our forwards did sented the following awards for the 2014 “I don’t think the score line is an indicator well. In the second half my team was more Women’s Premier League ahead of what is that the performance has improved because composed, they played with more determina- expected to be an exciting 2015 season. I’m not fully satisfied with what I saw. Even tion and we were very competitive”, he said though we did improve from last game (Gre- nada), I believe we should be a lot better After their 1-1 draw with Grenada, Barbados’ AWARDS than what I saw tonight” Jordan remarked. latest result will propel the ladies to suc- ceed their current 127th placed FIFA ranking. Champions - National Sports Council WFT Dominica’s coach Kenneth Espirit acknowl- Looking ahead, Jordan said, “hopefully First Runners Up - UWI Blackbirds edge defeat but was not disappointed. the team will remain training, as some Second Runners Up - Mavericks Women He indicated that he was pleased with other national teams have requested Third Runners Up - Genesis Individual Awards the effort and commitment displayed by games and I’m just hoping the football as- Best GoalKeeper - Kamillah Burke his young squad who were quite competi- sociation can facilitate them, so that the Best Defender - Kerry Bascombe tive on their first artificial turf encounter. girls may improve, as they really need Best Midfielder - Tianna Hackett the games to raise their standards”. Best Striker - Coleen Johnson “No loss is really nice, but the coaches have MVP - Tianna Hackett learnt a lot from tonight’s game. We are going

10 10 REFEREEING FIFA Female Officials Accredited Newly appointed Gibson joins Martindale as Barbados' only two female officials on FIFA list.

Barbados General Secretary (left), Vice President and Captain (right), Presents Shannon Gibson (2nd left) and Gillian Martindale with their FIFA badges.

aturday, January 10th 2015 at serious about refereeing”, stated Mar- authorities to pursue her FIFA status, the Usain Bolt Sports Complex, tindale, who said it is a privilege to which she gleefully accepted the chal- SParadise Park, St. Michael. The have Shannon amongst her team of lenge. BFA officially presented FIFA badges FIFA international referees. to two of its top female referees. Martindale, a FIFA accredited referee Gibson first got involved in football at since 2009 is one of the most qualified It celebrated two outstanding achieve- the age of 17 as a player under the female referees in the CONCACAF re- ments this day as the women’s team guidance of club and school coach gion and she also received her annual defeated Dominica 3-1, and it recog- Adrian Mapp. She was an exceptional badge on Saturday. She said it is indeed nized its latest FIFA accredited wom- player, known for her pace, stamina an honour to have another Barbadian en’s international official, Shannon and ability to score from anywhere on female to reach FIFA status. She also Gibson, with the presentation of her the pitch, but when the choice had to believes that Gibson’s appointment is FIFA Assistant Referee’s badge. be made, she did not walk away too good not only Barbadian football but pleased. regional football as well. Gibson made her FIFA international de- but as an official in the capacity of as- The 2013 Barbados Football Associa- “It is very good for Barbados’ football sistant referee along with fellow FIFA tion (BFA) Women’s League top goal on the international market because officials Clifton Garnes, Trevor Taylor scorer said “I had to give up playing we really need two teams (8 referees) and experienced FIFA Referee Gillian which I did not want to but when I to be highly considered for interna- Martindale. went to the Cayman Islands for the tional appointments”. CONCACAF Under 15 tournament, I re- The former Lester Vaughn and Maver- alize there’s much more in refereeing “There’s a shortage of referees (fe- icks forward has put away the boots than actually playing”. males) in the Caribbean, so we usually and picked up the flag and to great have to source referees from outside aplomb according to some of her col- It was after her outstanding perfor- the Caribbean to service our tourna- leagues and observers. mances at the CONCACAF Under 15 ments. So Shannon’s addition is not Championships last August that she only good for Barbados football but “Shannon is very keen, confident and was recommended by the relevant CFU as well”, said Martindale.

11 Bailey Selected For MLS Camp DIGICEL PREMIER LEAGUE OF TO A THRILLING START

n Sunday February 8th 2015 matchday one of Digicel Pre- Omier League kicked off to an amazing start with an entertaining triple header event in front of 1500 spectators, at the National Stadium.

Speaking of entertainment, there was no game more pleasing for the fans than Rendezvous FC vs Gall Hill as the ‘new boys’ Rendezvous FC took the Gall Hill defense a part in a 5-0 drum- ming. This left Gall Hill with much to ponder on how the remainder of their arbados national player Ranal- The Caribbean Combine camp provid- season will go. do Bailey was selected to take ed the opportunity for evaluation by Bpart in the MLS Caribbean Foot- MLS Staff for possible selection to the With some new players in the Rendez- ball Union Combine camp, which ran MLS Combine in Ft. Lauderdale Janu- vous line up it took them a few min- from January 2nd until Jan 5th 2015 ary 9-14, 2015. utes to find their rhythm as Gall Hill in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. seemed to be holding their own and During the 2015 Caribbean Combine had a few chances to draw first blood. Bailey an 18 year old Centre-Back who camp, Bailey played two games over But the professionalism and quality is an outstanding up and coming foot- a four-day period. The Barbados Foot- of the Rendezvous players only took baller has represented the Barbados ball Association congratulates Ranaldo them 22 minutes to shine as Romano at the CONCACAF U17 Championship on his achievements so far and wishes Snagg blasted a shot into the back of the Gall Hill net. in Panama 2013, and just a year later him all the best in his endeavours. was a member of the Barbados team Later on Shandel Samuel and Emanuel that participated in the Caribbean George scored in the 41st and 45th+ Men’s U20 in June, 2014. minutes respectively to go into the second half with a 3-0 lead. Locally, Bailey was regular starter for Gall Hill FC in the Digicel Premier At this stage the Gall Hill players League and was later selected to rep- were in disarray and became divided resent the Barbados Senior Men’s na- amongst themselves as all plans for a tional team in the Round 1 of Caribbe- comeback disappeared from thought. an Cup 2014 Qualifiers in Martinique. Making matters worse, Rendezvous was awarded a penalty kick after a player was brought down in the box al-

12 DOMESTIC SEASON lowing Miron Samuel to convert from the penalty spot in the 64th minute. Shandel Samuel added insult to inju- ry in the 71st minute with a stunning DIGICEL strike to cap off the night. PREMIER UWI Blackbirds VS BDFSP The first match of the night featured another set of ‘new boys’ to the Pre- LEAGUE mier League, UWI Blackbirds, who almost caused a major upset. As the teams exited the tunnel to take to the OF TO A field of play, the last year’s champi- ons BDFSP looked supremely confi- dent whilst the University ‘guys’ were in a pious mood. Early in the game THRILLING the BDFSP players were all over the UWI Blackbirds defense and at times missed many chances from as little as START five yards away from goal. After a goalless first half the Black- birds’ Rico Holder slotted home a rare chance in the 64th minute to give his team the lead. It is only then that the BDFSP players appeared to place more urgency in their game to avoid a first game defeat against first tim- ers in top flight football. Fortunately, the BDFSP was awarded a penalty kick after the Blackbirds defender handled the ball from a corner. Raheem Ser- geant then stepped up to score what seemed like the BDFSP’s only opportu- nity in the 80th minute. With just 10 minutes to go the match then ended in a tame 1-1 draw.

Notre Dame VS Brittons Hill FC

“Youth vs Experience”. A fitting term for this local derby as a young Notre Dame team took on their experienced neighbors Brittons Hill. Spectators would have been expecting one-sided game in favor of Brittons Hill but the young Notre Dame players were making a daring attacks on goal and were resolute in defense.

It is safe to say that this game was played between two evenly matched teams. May be it could of been the fact that this game was one of bragging rights and indeed it was. As there were moments of brilliance when Dwayne Stanford and Curtis Odle ‘schooled’ the young Notre Dame lads with their unbelievable skills to the delight of the crowd. But when all was said and Former BDF Captain Mario Harte (right) is challenged by and old BDF colleague. done it was a stunning 75th minute free kick by Brittons Hill’s Dwayne Standford which ended the match 1-0.

13 GRASSROOTS BFA Opens FIFA Grassroots Coaching Course he Barbados Football Associa- tion opened the FIFA Grass- Troots Course on January 15th 2015 at the Barbados Olympic As- sociation, Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael.

Thirty of Barbados’ top football coach- es started out on the road towards changing lives and influencing future stars in the beautiful game of football.

FIFA instructor Lenny Lake imparted a message of “Give back” to the coach- es and told them “You have a chance to change lives. Your habits and ac- tions will be copied by your kids, thus, the future of Barbados’ football is in your hands,” said Lake. The instruc- tor from St. kitts previously visited Barbados as a member of the Leeward well be the only thing they have to The BFA Technical Director, Mr. Mar- Island’s cricket team when he would look forward to in their world, so it is cos Falopa, echoed similar statements have been playing with greats such as important you don’t lose focus of why to Mr. Lake. “The main objective Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Curtly Ambrose you are here.” of Grassroots football is to develop and Sir Richie Richardson. young children boys and girls in the Lake pointed out that the earlier stag- fundamentals of playing football and Earlier Barbados Football Association’s ing of the Grassroots programs inter- most importantly to have fun. In addi- General Secretary, Ms. Joyce Stewart, nationally had proven disastrous be- tion, the Grassroots coaching course is told the coaches of the importance of cause of the dictatorship demands of meant to teach coaches how to coach the Grassroots program. the coaches on the youngsters. very young children ages 6 - 12 years old.” “This isn’t about the number of goals “The program has been adjusted to scored, it isn’t about the winning, accommodate the changes in the The FIFA Grassroots Coaching Course but rather it’s all about fun. You will world and the emphasis is on letting closed on high at the Blenheim playing be helping to shape the minds and in the children play and letting the chil- field and the National Sports Council some cases the lives of these young- dren have fun,” advised Lake. Headquarters Sunday, January 18th sters. Saturday mornings may very 2015.

14 BANKS beer partners with BFA Champions Cup

2015 has started with a “bang” for The first round draw of the Banks the Barbados Football Association and Beer Champions Cup took place at more importantly the organization the organization’s General Secretar- is wearing a new suit. This year the iat, Fontabelle, St. Michael on Satur- Champions Cup, which is embraced day, 28th February 2015. and loved by all bears a new name. Participating in the first round were The BFA has sought to renew partner- the Division 2 and 3 with a total of 52 ships, build sustainable bridges and teams. 11 teams drew a first round create long lasting synergies. As they “bye” and one team, Kings Park Rang- looked to Banks the beer of Barbados, ers has not entered the competition, a household and internationally known leaving 40 teams to battle for a round name that has satisfied the thirst of two berth in a total of 20 matches. patrons for more than 50 years. Thus, These matches were held over four it was destined for Banks and the days: March 9th, 10th, 12th and 13th Champions Cup to eventually go hand 2015. in hand to provide a whole new excit- ing phenomenon in this country known as the, “Banks Champions Cup”.

BFA Plays Xtra Time New half hour TV show highlights Premier League action and football events.

brings to Barbadians what they have all been waiting for: action from the latest Digicel Premier League match- es, news on the development of local football, connecting “fans” and com- munities through football, and build- ing a relationship with the BFA and its partners.

The live football show allows persons from all walks of life a chance to call In, text in or email queries to the hosts and invited guests. In addition, there is a featured player and a team of the week and exciting giveaway prizes.

Xtra Time airs every Wednesday at 8:30 pm on CBC TV 8 Andy Thornhill (center) is host of the Xtratime Show To learn more about the BFA and Xtra The Barbados Football Association 15th 2015. Time join us on: presented its inaugural launch of Facebook - Barbadosfa “Xtra Time”, a live half hour televi- Xtra Time is hosted by popular tele- Twitter - Barbadosfa sion show on Wednesdays from Feb- vision personality Andy Thornhill and Instagram - Barbadosfa ruary 11th 2015 at 8:30 pm. The Renaldo “Pee Wee” Gilkes, along with show concludes on Wednesday, July invited guests. The television show

15 Arantees Lawrence - 2014 BFA Player of the year

Randy Joyce Edwyn Ashley Gregory O. Harris Stewart Wood Scott Thompson President Gen Secretary Editor Project Manager Production Cons.

The Barbados Football Association Marble Complex, Fontabelle, St. Michael Phone: 246 228-1707 Fax: 246-228-6484 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.barbadosfa.com Facebook: wwww.facebook.com/BarbadosFA Twitter: @BarbadosFA