Sampson Secures Promotion in Historic Debut Season in Spain
IslandStats.com
Midfielder Kai Sampson has capped off a remarkable debut year in Spain, earning promotion with Fundación Deportiva de Málaga CF to the Segunda Andaluza. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the 19-year-old, who has successfully transitioned from the UK to the competitive landscape of Spanish football within a single senior campaign.
Sampson’s journey to the south coast of Spain began in July 2025, when he was selected as part of the club’s Summer Showcase cohort. His technical ability and tactical awareness quickly caught the eye of Head Coach Sergio Matez, leading to a permanent signing in September after a stint at the Steven Gerrard Academy in England.
Adapting to the "Spanish style" is often a hurdle for foreign players, but Sampson has established himself as a fixture within the side during his first year. His integration into the squad has been seamless, with the central midfielder citing the club's professional environment and family-like culture as key factors in his rapid development.
The promotion to Segunda Andaluza represents more than just a step up in divisions; it validates Sampson’s decision to move to the Iberian Peninsula in search of a professional pathway. To achieve senior team promotion in a debut season is a rare feat, signaling a special year for the young Bermudian as he continues to climb the Spanish football pyramid.
Friday, February 27, 2026
Rogers & Warwick Withstand Fightback to Reach Quarter-Finals
IslandStats.com
No fewer than thirty-two goals were netted in the National League Under-19 Alliance League Cup fourth round as eight sides took another significant step toward the final. Among those progressing were Tajahri Rogers and his Racing Club Warwick Under-19 Academy teammates, who secured their passage following a spirited encounter in Lincolnshire.
Racing Club Warwick appeared in total control at the interval against Boston United, heading into the break with a two-goal cushion. However, they were forced to survive a determined second-half fightback from the Pilgrims before ultimately prevailing with a 4–2 victory. The visitors’ clinical edge proved decisive, with the scoresheet featuring Josh Flynn, Ben Flynn, Jack Beech, and Reece Kennedy.
The result is a significant milestone for Warwick, which knocked out the defending champions, Eastleigh, in the previous round. Their reward for overcoming Boston United is a home tie in the quarter-finals, with the draw confirming they will face AFC Dunstable on Wednesday, March 25th.
For Rogers, a former CedarBridge Academy captain now playing abroad in the United Kingdom, the cup run represents a high-water mark in a season where Racing Club Warwick remains one of the form sides in the Alliance's Division G.
Friday, February 20, 2026
FuturePro Stars earn Bermuda Under-20 Call-Up
IslandStats.com
FuturePro are celebrating a major milestone this week as two of their standout talents, Harlem Bean-Fox and Kennahz Fray, have been officially called up to the Bermuda Under-20 National Team. The pair are set to join the national squad for a high-stakes campaign in the upcoming Concacaf Under-20 Qualifiers.
The young Bermuda team face a grueling schedule in Group E, where they will compete in four international fixtures over the next fortnight. Their journey begins against Barbados, followed by encounters with Sint Maarten and regional powerhouses Trinidad and Tobago. The qualifying round will conclude with a difficult test against the host nation, Costa Rica, with matches taking place between February 24th and March 4th.
A spokesperson for FuturePro described the call-ups as a "fantastic achievement," noting that the selection is a direct result of the players' continued development, relentless hard work, and unwavering commitment to the game. The academy has expressed immense pride in seeing their graduates step onto the international stage, representing Bermuda at one of the premier youth levels in the region.
As Bean-Fox and Fray prepare to fly out, the focus remains on securing a path to the Concacaf Under-20 Championship. Under the guidance of national team staff, the duo will be looking to translate their academy success into impactful performances on the continental stage, with the hopes of the island firmly behind them.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Donawa Signed for North Carolina Tar Heels
IslandStats.com
The University of North Carolina men's soccer program have announced the signing of Jace Donawa.
Donawa is a dynamic attacker who comes to Carolina from Bermuda via the Northwood School in Lake Placid.
Donawa has officially embarked on the next chapter of his football career, joining the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) for the 2026 spring semester. The 18-year-old standout recently completed a highly successful youth stint at Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York, where he solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic young attackers in the North American prep circuit.
During his time at Northwood, Donawa was a focal point of the school's elite football program. Known primarily as a creative winger, he also demonstrated versatility by playing centrally when required.
Key Highlights: He consistently appeared in regional and national recruiting rankings throughout 2024 and 2025, often cited as a top-tier Division I prospect. Clutch Performances: One of his defining moments at Northwood came in May 2025 against the IMG Academy top international team. With the score tied late in the match, Donawa netted a crucial goal to secure a 2-1 victory, providing his team with vital momentum for the remainder of their showcase tournament. Cultural Growth: Donawa credited his time at Northwood with helping him adapt to new environments, noting that the cultural difference between Bermuda and upstate New York was significant but ultimately rewarding for his personal development.
Donawa's performances in the U.S. did not go unnoticed by the Bermuda National Team.
Island Games Success: In July 2025, he played a pivotal role in helping the Bermuda Under-23 side win gold at the International Island Games in Orkney, Scotland. At just 17, he was the youngest member of the squad and scored a dramatic 120th-minute winner in the semi-final against Jersey, followed by a goal in the 3-1 final victory over Ynys Môn. Senior Call-Up: His rapid development earned him his first senior call-up in November 2025 for Bermuda's Concacaf World Cup qualifying matches against Curaçao and Trinidad and Tobago.
Donawa officially joined the UNC Tar Heels on January 1st, 2026. He is currently listed as a freshman forward on the 2026 Men's Soccer roster, wearing the number 7 jersey.
Prior to arriving in Chapel Hill, Donawa spent several months training with English fifth-tier club Altrincham to maintain his fitness. Under the guidance of professional coaches—and alongside his brother, fellow Bermuda international Justin Donawa—he gained valuable experience in a professional European environment before making the jump to high-level collegiate soccer in the ACC.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Khan & Benfica Residential Academy Unstoppable in Florida
IslandStats.com
Bermudian standout Riley Khan has helped the Benfica Residential Academy Girls program reach a new milestone as they claimed the Female Under 17 Division title at the 25th Annual Weston Cup & Showcase.
The prestigious event, widely regarded as Florida’s premier Presidents’ Day Weekend tournament, is the largest youth soccer competition in the United States. The victory in Florida marks the sixth tournament championship in just the first year for the Benfica girls program, which incredibly remains undefeated.
The Benfica squad produced a performance of utter dominance throughout the tournament, scoring 25 goals without conceding a single one. They opened their campaign in the Showcase/Gold division with a clinical 7–0 demolition of Fort Lauderdale United FC before maintaining their momentum with a 2–0 win over Strikers Miami FC.
Khan and her teammates followed this up with a 5–0 shutout of SWFL Surge and a 3–0 victory in their final group match, again defeating Strikers Miami FC.
The knockout stages proved to be more of the same for the academy side. In the semi-final, they once again dispatched SWFL Surge with a 5–0 scoreline to book their place in the championship match.
Facing Strikers Miami FC for a third time in the final, Benfica remained composed to secure a 3–0 win and hoist the trophy. The result further highlights the rapid development of Khan, whose move to the Florida-based academy in 2025 has seen her become a cornerstone of both her club and the Bermuda Under-17 national team.
