Despite finishing the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under 14 Challenge Series unbeaten on eight points, the British Virgin Islands Under 14 football team had to settle for a second-place finish in their group which resulted in them missing out on a semi-final spot.
The national team finished the tournament on eight points with two wins and two draws that saw them finishing behind Anguilla who only bettered the BVI in goal difference, with two more than the local boys.
That goal difference allowed Anguilla to top the group standings and progress as Tier II Group 3 winners, with the BVI placing second in the group.
The team started off with a 2-1 win against the United States Virgin Islands with goals from Othniel Gillings and Blake Kirk.
Draws against Turks and Caicos (0-0) and Anguilla (1-1) followed with Gillings opening the scoring against the eventual table toppers.
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. The other goal came from Michael Anson Findlay.
Speaking on the boys’ performance was Coach Cassandra Gregg who remained upbeat despite the disappointment.
She said, “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 Barts 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,” she added.
The team returned to the territory on Saturday and on hand to greet the boys was the Acting Premier Honourable Kye Rymer who congratulated the team, stating, “well-done everybody, I’m sure this won’t be the last time we see you have success, and we look forward to seeing you on the World Stage!”
Meanwhile, the Minister responsible for Sports Honourable Sharie de Castro said she was also proud of the team’s performance.
She said, “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.
The team will be gearing up for the CONCACAF U15 Tournament in 2023, with a team expected to be selected tomorrow Tuesday, August 23.