Andy Bickerton has submitted his resignation and will step down as the President of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) effective Thursday, November 30, 2023.
In an interview with Bickerton shortly after the news broke, he explained that he decided to resign ahead of his June 2024 mandatory retirement date to focus on pressing issues relating to his family in the United Kingdom.
Bickerton initially served in the position from 1991 to 1996, during which the BVIFA became members of the Leeward Islands FA, the Caribbean Football Union, CONCACAF and FIFA. He returned briefly from 2002-2003 before serving his latest term which commenced in 2011.
A media release from the BVIFA highlighted some of the achievements of Bickerton during his tenure.
“He has led the recovery of the BVIFA through the devastation of Hurricane Irma and the COVID pandemic. During this period, he successfully lobbied the government for the lease of land at East End upon which a football stadium and athletics track are under development. The site was drained and filled, a turf football field was laid, floodlighting installed and the foundation for the stand constructed,” the BVIFA stated.
“The completion of the 2,600-seater stand is anticipated to commence shortly. It will provide dressing rooms for the teams and referees, medical facilities and a gym, as well as accommodate the offices of the BVIFA and the National Olympic Committee, along with several concessionary spaces,” the association added.
Bickerton is also credited for his involvement in the development of after-school programmes in the territory.
“His vision for football in the territory focused on an after-school program, providing coaching and playing opportunities for youngsters from the age of 5 years. This program aimed to give them the opportunity to compete in overseas tournaments from the age of 10 years and eventually pursue further education through the provision of BVI FA football scholarships to colleges and Football Academies in the UK and USA,” the BVIFA stated.
It added, “The success of this Vision is evident in the fact that 18 of the 23 members of the Men’s National Squad emerged from the After-School Program, with 17 being teenagers and 8 currently playing overseas.”
Bickerton’s successor will be Mr. Aubrey Liburd, the longest-serving Vice President of the BVIFA.
He will assume the position of Interim President until the next annual general meeting which is scheduled for June 2024