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VOL. 1 ISSUE 2 - JULY 2014

17 PLUS REASONS TO SMILEBarbados is through the second round of Caribbean Football Union stage of Under 17 World Cup qualifiers.

In the first game, they battled to a hard fought 1-1 draw with a determined Guyana side. In the second match, they defeated the host team, The Dominican Republic 2-0. In the final game, Barbados defeated Antigua & Barbuda 2-0 through a double strike from Torian Went in the 34th and 57th minutes.

They have topped Group 3 and have the honour of being the first team to qualify for the next round. The management spoke highly of the team stating that the tour was really a test of maturity and discipline and that nervousness was a big

hurdle to overcome because it was many of the players first international trip.

“However, that was quickly dealt with when we stepped on the field and began to play. We were confident in our abilities and so we played like already crowned champions. We followed very thoroughly the instructions and tactics of our coaches which in the end proved to be very effective.

Each player was outstanding which led to very commendable performances from the team.

The second round of the CFU World Cup qualifiers will be hosted by Haiti in September.

Barbados Under 17 team Tops Group 3 in CFU Men’s Tournament in the Dominican Republic

In this IssueA New Era in football Development – 2CFU Tournament update – 3BDF Repeat as Premier League Champs – 4Wales cop Champions Cup – 5Rendezvous win Division One – 5Maverick at U17 Champions – 6U15 & U13 Youth Champions – 7U11 & U9 Youth Champions – 8At the Whistle: Meet Shannon Gibson – 9Community Corner – 10Meet Torian Went – 11Hard Tackle by Gregory Thompson – 11

THE GS' CORNERJoyce StewartGeneral Secretary

A New Era in football Development in BarbadosBarbados Football is entering a new era of football development on the island. The development of our very own football stadium at Wildey is just the beginning of the positive changes you will see in the days and months ahead.

We owe it to the athletes, referees, coaches and other volunteers to make sure we make all our decisions going forward on what’s best for the game. We have a responsibility to uphold the legacy of football so that young and old can be confident we are managing the programs and the money in a responsible and sustainable way.

Barbados used to be a strong contender in the Caribbean but sadly our FIFA rankings have slipped, and we can start the climb back up the ladder to success. Each international game gives our National Teams an opportunity to learn, develop and excel. World Cup qualifiers are within reach – we just have to believe it!

Our plans include but are not limited to:

- Building a state of the art football complex in Wildey – it will be our Home and National Teams Training Centre of Excellence

- Developing a girl’s league- Extending our grassroots program into the wider community- Developing a Futsal league- Developing a Beach Soccer league- Having structured ID camps for our players, referees, and coaches- Increasing the number of international friendlies for National teams- Improving our BFA Governance and Financial Management Systems- Improving our Communication- Being the best we can be

Some of you are probably shaking your heads and saying “it can’t be done”. I happen to believe with hard work, commitment and a strategic direction it can be done.

To all of you who are believers in and supporters of football – NOW IS OUR TIME!

Barbadosgoes Football

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The Barbados Under 20 team participated the Caribbean Football Union Under 20 tournament in Havana, Cuba from Wednesday, June 25th, 2014 to Sunday, June 29th, 2014. Competing in Group 1 Barbados drew all of three of their matches against Martinique, host Cuba and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In Barbados’ first match Sebastian Hunte equalized in the 52nd minute against Martinique while Shaquille Boyce Scored twice against host Cuba in the 43rd and 55th minutes. In the third and final game Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines after 90 minutes were locked in a nil all draw.

U20 Boys return with three draws in Tournament

Barbados Senior Female National team had a rough introduction in Group 2 of the inaugural CFU Women’s Caribbean Cup. This Group of the tournament which was held May 21st to 28th, 2014 in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico hosted Barbados along with Martinique. The other team in the group, Dominica pulled out of the tournament.

In the first match Barbados went down 3-1 to Martinique and in the other game Puerto Rico defeated Barbados 1-0.

The Barbados Women’s team has been in training for several months now under head coach Eric Alleyne and assisted by Edward Smith.

Snr Women find it tough in Group 2

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CFU TOURNAMENTS

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2014 DOMESTIC SEASON

BDF Repeat as Premier League Champions

The Barbados Defense Force Sports programme was crowned cham-pions for the second consecutive year in the 2014 Digicel Premier League. Playing at Passage Road ground in their season’s last game, the BDFSP footballers secured their championship with a 5-2 mauling of Silver Sands FC.

Silver Sands FC appeared as if they would make BDFSP fight a bit for the title, compliments early goals from Jamal Pinder and Mario Kinch. However, Shaquille Stewart and Mario Harte buried whatever plans the Silver Sands FC outfit had. Stewart scored in the 7th and 80th minutes while Harte, their leading marksman, took his season’s goal tally to 22 goals with a hat-trick scoring in the 12th, 45th and 76th minutes.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BDFSP

BLATTER SEND HIS CONGRATS TO BDF

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Weymouth Wales emerged victorious in what many would describe as an epic battle. Weymouth Wales won the battle 1-0 due to the unfortunate occurrence of an own goal in the sixth minute. The happened when Wales’ midfielder, Kemar Bartlett, made a cross in the direction of his strikers but BDFSP’s defender, Zico Phillips, read the play and attempted to stop the ball from reaching its intended target. Unfortunately, the ball hit his chest and ended up in the back of the

net. Although BDFSP were one goal behind they kept the spectators at the edge of their seats with exciting midfield plays and several attempts at the goal bars. They attacked the Wales defense so often that spectators truly expected to see a come from behind victory. But Wales’ goal keeper Bentley Springer was able to prevent several one on one attacks and shots on goal. Congratulations to the Weymouth Wales, Champions in the 2014 KFC Champions Cup.

WeymouthWales copCHAMPIONSCUP

CHAMPIONS CUP

AWARDSTeam Awards:Champions - Weymouth Wales; First Runners up - BDFSP; 2nd Runners up - Paradise FC

Individual awards:Best Goal Keeper: Bentley Springer, Weymouth WalesBest Defender: Shawn Clarke, Weymouth WalesBest Midfielder: Carl Joseph, Weymouth WalesBest Forward: Jadai Clarke, Weymouth WalesMVP: Shawn Clarke, Weymouth Wales

Congrats to the to the Plus Division Three Champions, Wotton Football Club. They triumphed in the playoffs vs. St. Andrew Lions and Pro Shottas Soccer School. These three teams all gained promotion to the Banks Division One league. Photos & Club history of Wotton in the August Issue

Congrats to the to the PowerAde Division Two Champions, Belfield Soccer Club. They triumphed in the playoffs vs. Tudor Bridge Bombers and Sunrise Ballers. These three teams all gained promotion to the Banks Division One league. Photos & Club history of Belfield Soccer Club coming in the August Issue

DIVISION TWO

DIVISION THREE

Rendezvous win Banks Division One title

The unstoppable Rendezvous FC has won their third consecutive league title. Their climb to the top was like a fairy tale with a good ending each time. In their final league match Rendezvous trampled the already demoted Kick Start FC with a 15-0

victory. Rendezvous first team are yet to lose a league match since joining the BFA Domestic competition three years ago. We look forward to them competing in the Premier League next year.

2014 YOUTH TOURNAMENT

YOUTH TOURNAMENT CLIMAXES

U17 AWARDSTeam Awards:Champions - Mavericks FC; First Runners up - Pro Shottas; 2nd Runners up - Paradise FC Best Midfielder: Michael Forde, Mavericks;Most Goals: Michael Forde, Mavericks;Best Goak Keeper: Kishmar Primus, Mavericks;Most Valuable Player: Kishmar Primus, Mavericks;

Mavericks claimed the Under 17 Coca-Cola Youth Championship on Saturday, June 7th 2014 with a 2-0 victory over their rivals Pro Shottas. Mavericks player Michael Forde, who was the tournament’s Best Midfielder and Most Goals winner, easily placed the ball pass the Pro Shottas goalkeeper in the 36th minute for the first goal.

Chad Brathwaite scored the second goal in the 76th minute to ensure a victory for Mavericks in a highly competitive match.

Pro Shottas made several attempts at goal but were denied by Kishmar Primus the Mavericks goalkeeper on every occasion. Primus was certainly having a great day as he went full throttle with his goalkeeping skills.

One moment of brilliance which made the crowd scream, came when Primus saved a penalty kick that was blasted towards the top corner of the goal bar. Primus stood tall amongst his peers and was duly awarded best Goalkeeper and MVP of the tournament.

U17 Champions - Mavericks Football Club

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U15 Champions - Barbados Soccer AcademyBarbados Soccer Academy Superstars easily defeated Kick Start Youth 3-0 in the 15 final. Damario Hope of BSA scored first in the 29th minute while Stefan Doyle and Shakeem Clarke scored in the 45th and 51st minutes.

The tournament’s Best Goalkeeper Kadeem Clarke and Michael Boyce the Best Defender who were the stand out players for the Superstars in the final ensuring that Kick Start left the final game without a goal.

U15 AWARDSTeam Awards:Champions - Barbados Soccer Adacemy; First Runners up - Kickstart Youth; 2nd Runners up - BSA Warriors

U13 Champions - Pro Shottas U13 AWARDSTeam Awards:Champions - Pro Shottas First Runners up - Pinelands Youth 2nd Runners up - B’dos Soccer Academy

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U11 Champions - Pro Shottas A U11 AWARDSTeam Awards:Champions - Pro Shottas A; First Runners up - Kickstart; 2nd Runners up - Spooners Hill;

U9 Champions - Pro Shottas A U9 AWARDSTeam Awards:Champions - Pro Shotta A; First Runners up - Kickstart A; 2nd Runners up - Pinelands Youth;

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AT THE WHISTLE

MEET SHANNONGIBSON

Referee Assignments: Digicel Premier League Assistant Referee 2014First Division Assistant Referee 2014Barbados Football Association COCA-COLA Youth Football Under 15 finals Referee 2013Barbados Football Association COCA-COLA Youth Football Under 15 finals Asst. Referee 2014*Cayman Islands- CONCACAF Girl’s Under 15 Tournament August 6-17 2014

Overseas Football Tours:Represented Barbados in 2010 & 2012

Favorite Football Club (s): Barcelona

Favorite Player: Lionel Messi

Favorite Football Boot: ADIDAS

Most Memorable Moment on Football Field: Scoring the winning goal in the first game of the BFA’s Women’s league

Worst Moment on Football Field:Losing a game that caused my team to lose the league title

How would you improve your football refereeing? Willing to learn more by watching other referees and reading the Laws of the Game

Name: Shannon Gibson

Age: 23

District: St. Thomas

Club Affiliation: Mavericks

Football Role: Player & Referee

Years in Service: Since 2013

Know Your RulesThe Offside RuleIt is not an offence to be in an offside position; however, a player is offside if they are nearer to his opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second last defender. The player is penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by: - Interfering with play or - Interfering with an opponent or - Gaining an advantage by being in that position

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

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COMMUNITY CORNER

Which Barbadian team won nine Knock-Out cups and 16 Premier League titles?

(A) Notre Dame (B) Pride of Gall Hill (C) Weymouth Wales (D) Empire FC

Which teams faced off in the FIFA World Cup final 3 times?

(A) Argentina VS Netherlands (B) Brazil VS Uruguay (C) Italy VS West Germany (D) Germany VS Argentina

Select the player who represented Queens Park Rangers in 1995-1996?

(A) Norman Forde (B) Ashley Cole (C) Emmerson Boyce (D) Gregory ‘Lalu’ Goodridge

He was the first Barbadian to score a goal on English soil in a recognized game, exhibition, international or league?

(A) Reginald ‘Reggie’ Haynes (B) Gregory ‘Lalu’ Goodridge (C) Victor ‘Gas’ Clarke (D) Norman Forde

*Answers are available in next month’s edition of KICKOFF

Barbados

goes Foot

ball

Place: Flat Rock, St. George

Date: July 21st, 2014

Time: 6:05 p.m.

FOOTBALL TRIVIA

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SHOTS ON GOALGregoryThompson

HARD TACKLE‘Grassroots’ is a FIFA initiative. It has five basic components to its philosophy: Football is for everyone, Football can be played everywhere and anywhere, Football is a school of life, Football is fun and Let kids be kids. Of these components, the fifth is the most important. The competitive element in youth football can be counter-productive by hindering player development. When the emphasis is on playing only to win, acquisition of basic skills take second place in team organisation. Over coaching stifles individual creativity and the development of problem solving skills.

The formative age range of 6 to 14 should be spent honing skills and techniques and encouraging self expression best accomplished in practice where ball contact can be maximized.

It is at this time in life when the love of ‘the beautiful game’ should be fostered. The direct or indirect pressure to perform at so young an age can result in player burn out and lost of interest.

Is this the reason for the high attrition rate of Barbadian teenagers quitting football? If so, this sends a clear and unmistakable message: allow kids to have fun and allow them to grow in the sport. The culture of football in Barbados is evolving. Winning is now the only goal, even at the Under 9 and 11 levels. Many youth clubs and academies are now resorting to poaching promising players from other clubs.

This is a quick fix strategy as opposed to developing their own players. What then becomes of the ‘late bloomers’ who are putting in the hard work at developing their skills to reach what is considered competent levels? When the game becomes too competitive, the core values deteriorate.

The reason for playing is lost under the shadow of the desired end result. Sportsmanship, maintenance of dignity, respect for opponents and character development all take a back seat.

Can we afford this to be the state of play for our youth? It is time we make a firm but hard tackle on this approach. It is time we let kids be kids and let them have fun.

Barbadosgoes Football

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Name: Torian WentAge:16Club/School: Barbados Soccer Academy. Harrison Col.Parish: St. GeorgeFavourite Footballer: David LuizFavourite Football Team: Chelsea Football Club Favourite Football Boots: Adidas Predator Overseas Football Tours: AC Milan Continental Cup in Cleveland Ohio in 2010 with Pro Shottas. AC Milan World Junior tournament held in Milan, Italy in 2012. Copa Americana with AC Milan elite U14 team in Pereira, Colombia in 2012. Copa Americana with AC Milan elite U15 team in Bogota, Colombia in 2013. First round U17 World Cup qualifiers held in Dominican Republic with Barbados U17 Football National team. Best moment on the football field: My best/ most memorable moment on the football pitch was winning my first international football match. We defeated the host Dominican Republic 2-0. I was so filled with emotions, I cried tears of joy. Worst moment on the football field: My most regrettable moment on the pitch was being sent off in a semi-final in a local youth tournament. How would you improve your football skills/abilities: To improve I would sacrifice other activities and spend more time training and watching videos of football legends to try to emulate them.

MeetTORIAN WENT

The Barbados Football AssociationMarble Complex, Fontabelle, St. MichaelPhone: 246 228-1707Fax: 246-228-6484E-mail: office@barbadosfa.comWebsite: www.barbadosfa.comFacebook: wwww.facebook.com/BarbadosFATwitter: @BarbadosFA

RandyHarrisPresident

JoyceStewartGen Secretary

Edwyn WoodEditor

AshleyScottProject Manager

Gregory O.ThompsonProduction Cons.

VIRAL VIDEO COMPETITION COMING SOON!!!

Fantastic Prizes to be won If you love football and want to help build a home for football here is your chance. So be creative and help us to build a brand to be proud of and promote your country with the Barbados Football Association.