BDO Schools Football League Kicks Off
Approximately 750 student-athletes have registered to participate in the latest edition of the BDO Schools Football League. The young players marked the launch with a spirited parade through Road Town to the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground. Football officials and government representatives praised the competition for fostering teamwork, discipline, and community youth development.
Hundreds of young athletes dressed in colourful, branded team kits brought vibrant energy to Road Town as they marched from the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park to the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground to mark the launch of the BDO Schools Football League. Upon arriving at the grounds, the students received a warm welcome from the President of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA), Avanell Morton.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd of players, coaches, and supporters, Morton highlighted that the tournament is part of a foundational grassroots initiative that began more than 14 years ago, wishing all participating squads the best across their respective divisions. Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports Hon.
Sharie B. de Castro pledged her administration's complete support for the tournament in a statement delivered by Debra D. Hodge, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports. Minister de Castro commended the BVIFA, title sponsor BDO, and telecom partner CCT for their dedicated investment in territorial youth development through athletics.
In her message, the Minister emphasized that education extends beyond the traditional classroom setting, noting that sporting programmes play an essential role in moulding well-rounded citizens. She pointed out that football instils core values such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and respect that will benefit student-athletes throughout their lives, encouraging all participants to compete with passion and have fun.
Geluk expressed pride in the firm's ongoing sponsorship, celebrating the tournament's steady expansion over the years. Geluk noted that around 750 children and young adults are participating in the league this season, calling the turnout a remarkable milestone for youth sports in the Virgin Islands.
Match schedules and formal fixtures for the upcoming season are expected to be announced by organizers in the coming days as teams finalize their preparations for competitive play.
Primary source: VINO