More than 550 students from 20 public and private primary and secondary schools throughout the territory
marched from the Road Town Ferry Terminal to the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on Sunday afternoon to start the BDO 2012 Schools Football League.
After the parade of teams, BVI Football Association officials, along with BDO officials, acting Governor Inez Archibald and Premier Dr. Orlando Smith gave remarks about the league.
“I want to thank Cassandra Gregg, Vincent “Nabu” Samuel and all the coaches around the British Virgin Islands who have been providing step-by-step assistance and coaching, because today we are seeing the fruits of their labour,” said BVIFA Programme Coordinator Avanell “Clarky” Morton. “Thanks to BDO for marketing this event and making it possible throughout the territory.“
The league includes participants from Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, Mr. Morton said and hopes to see them making future national teams.
BDO Managing Director and BVIFA President Andy Bickerton said his company is excited about getting involved in the programme. “As I look out there today, knowing now that it has grown from over 500 to over 600 participants, I don’t think excited is quite the right word,” he said. “I don’t think I have the right word for it.”
Two all stars exhibition matches were played in the Under-9 and Under-12 divisions to start the leauge.
“Football has taught me that the key to success in life is teamwork,” Mr. Bickerton told the participants as well as parents and other supporters during the opening ceremony. “And in our employees, we look for leadership, commitment, teamwork and more importantly having fun. Working together supporting each other and learning to trust your teammates, practicing and working hard. This is a lesson for success and it leads to success in other areas of life.”
The BDO 2012 Schools Football League runs through July 1.
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