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Wednesday, January 28, 2026
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Brunson & QPR Fall to Brighton in FA Youth Cup 4th Round
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Kalen Brunson and his Queens Park Rangers Under-18 teammates were eliminated from the FA Youth Cup following a 2-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the TSG Training Centre.
Despite a spirited second-half response from the young Rangers side, two early goals from the visitors proved decisive in a match played under testing conditions of torrential rain and driving wind.
Brighton & Hove Albion wasted little time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock after just two minutes when Henry Kasvosve jinxed past two defenders before firing a low effort into the bottom corner. The lead was doubled in the 18th minute as Tyler Silsby cut inside from the left flank and curled an audacious shot into the far corner via the post.
Bermudian winger Brunson, who has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the R's academy ranks this season, was introduced as a 60th-minute substitute for Phil Sanyaolu as manager Tom Charles looked to inject more attacking impetus. Brunson’s arrival coincided with Rangers' most competitive spell, which saw Cory Adjetey-Brew have a 25-yard free-kick tipped onto the bar and Leon Scarlett strike the woodwork on the rebound.
Despite the relentless late pressure from the hosts, including a goal-bound header from Fraser Neill that was superbly saved, Brighton’s backline held firm. The victory sees the Category 1 visitors progress to the fifth round to face either West Bromwich Albion or Sunderland, while QPR must now refocus on league action with a trip to Watford this Saturday.
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Friday, January 23, 2026
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Addicks strike late to deny Brunson & QPR Development Squad
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Kalen Brunson and his Queens Park Rangers Development Squad teammates were forced to settle for a point after Charlton Athletic staged a second-half comeback at the TSG Training Centre.
Rangers appeared to be in total control during a dominant opening period, racing into a two-goal lead within the first 16 minutes. The breakthrough came after just five minutes when Leon Scarlett’s strike took a wicked deflection to wrong-foot the Charlton goalkeeper. The lead was doubled ten minutes later as the young R's clinical start left the Addicks reeling.
However, Charlton found a vital lifeline just before the interval. Reuben Amissah capitalised on a defensive lapse to pull a goal back in the 41st minute, ensuring the visitors went into the break with renewed momentum.
The second half proved to be a more cagey affair as QPR looked to manage their narrow advantage. Brunson, who recently featured for the Bermuda Under-17 national team, was part of a midfield unit that worked tirelessly to contain Charlton's growing threat.
The pressure eventually told in the 83rd minute. Substitute Ellis McMillan, who had only been on the pitch for eight minutes, found space in the area to fire home the equaliser and share the spoils.
The result leaves QPR's Under-21 side searching for more defensive stability as they continue their Professional Development League campaign. The young R's are back in action next Tuesday for a high-profile West London derby against Brentford.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2026
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Luton edge Grant & Gillingham in Youth Semi-Final Heartbreak
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 Nayan Grant and his Gillingham Under-18 teammates saw their cup dreams dashed as they fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Luton Town in the Youth Alliance Cup semi-final.
In a high-stakes encounter at the Sheppey Grounds, the young Gills were hoping to secure a place in the final of the prestigious academy competition. However, despite a spirited performance, it was the Hatters who managed to find the decisive edge to advance.
Gillingham, spurred on by the presence of Bermudian international Nayan Grant at right-back, started the match with plenty of intent. Grant, who has been a consistent performer for the academy side this season, was instrumental in several early attacking moves, using his pace to stretch the Luton defence.
The contest was a cagey affair for much of the first half, with both sides cautious of making a mistake on such a significant stage. Luton broke the deadlock mid-way through the first period, capitalising on a moment of hesitation in the Gillingham box.
The Gills responded well after the interval, mounting a series of sustained attacks that eventually forced an equaliser. However, with the game seemingly destined for extra time, Luton struck a late second goal to reclaim the lead.
Despite a frantic final ten minutes, which saw Grant deliver several dangerous crosses into the area, the Luton backline held firm. The final whistle brought disappointment for the home side, whose impressive cup run comes to an end just one step away from the grand finale.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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Jimenez & Hibs U19 Pass Kilmarnock on League Return
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Logan Jimenez and his Hibernian Under-19 teammates made a triumphant return to CAS Elite Youth League action, grinding out a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
The victory was particularly sweet for the Edinburgh side, who were competing in their first league fixture in over three months. Fixture congestion had kept the young Hibees away from domestic league duties since mid-October, with the squad instead navigating a grueling schedule across the UEFA Youth League, the Scottish Youth Cup, and the KDM Evolution Trophy.
Despite the extended layoff from league play, Hibs showed little sign of fatigue in East Ayrshire. In a tightly contested affair, Jay Gallacher proved to be the difference-maker, netting the only goal of the game to ensure all three points headed back to Easter Road.
Jimenez, the Bermudian forward who has become a key figure in the Hibs youth setup, was instrumental in stretching the Kilmarnock defense throughout the ninety minutes. His link-up play and physical presence allowed the visitors to maintain pressure during a cagey second half where Kilmarnock threatened an equalizer.
The hiatus from the CAS Elite Youth League was a direct result of Hibs' success on multiple fronts. Their continental journey in the UEFA Youth League included a dominant 4-0 aggregate win over Kosovo’s 2 Korriku before a spirited narrow exit at the hands of Dynamo Kyiv in December.
With the midweek victory, Hibernian move back into the upper echelons of the CAS Elite Youth League standings. The challenge for Jimenez and his teammates now lies in managing their games in hand as they look to reel in current pacesetters Celtic and Rangers.
Hibs will have little time to rest, however, as they prepare for a swift turnaround with another league fixture scheduled for the coming weekend. For Jimenez, the priority remains clear: maintaining the domestic form that has kept Hibs in the hunt for a historic youth treble.
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Friday, January 16, 2026
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Youth Referees @ Warwick Academy Recognized
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Four youth referees enrolled at Warwick Academy have been recognized by the Bermuda Football Association & Warwick Academy for their performance, dedication and contributions to the sport officiating in youth & senior matches.
Warwick Academy offers a youth referee training program in conjunction with the Referees Committee of the Bermuda Football Association. The program was the brainchild of BFA Vice President & Referee Committee Chair Mr. Crenstant Williams, and began in 2024.
Students have the opportunity to enroll in the course during term 2 enrichment & activities periods @ Warwick Academy.
The aim of the program is to address the shortage of qualified officials in Bermuda by helping to develop young referees with the confidence and skills sets to begin officiating in youth matches, and progressing to join the ranks of officials for senior matches in the BFA leagues.
Delivery of the program is managed by the Club Technical Director of Football at Warwick Academy - Richard Todd, with expertise and resources provided by the Bermuda Football Association.
A combination of in-person and online sessions are led by:
Alan Snoddy - a senior course leader @ the UEFA Referee Center of Excellence & FIFA Referee Technical Instructor who works with coaching young promising referees. Alan was appointed to officiate in the 1986 ( Mexico) and 1990 ( Italy) World Cup finals tournament.
Simon Breivik - an exercise scientist who works with UEFA & the Professional Game & Match Officials Limited, where he is the Head of Physical Performance. The PGMOL is the organization responsible for the training, development and management of referees for the English Premier & Championship Leagues.
Recognized for demonstrating commitment & dedication as an up and coming youth referee in the Bermuda Football Association youth football leagues was Edward Wyer and Jacob Stickland.
Certificates of Merit were presented to Dash Bailey and Rhys Pedro, for demonstrating outstanding performance and commitment as an up and coming youth referee in the Bermuda Football Association youth & Senior football leagues.
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