Two of Bermuda's three LB Football Academy teams were back in action today at the prestigious Iber Cup in Portugal, one of the world’s premier youth football tournaments, experiencing a mixed bag of results on their second day of competition.
In the Girls 2011 Group B, the LB Football Academy team faced a tough challenge, ultimately falling 4-0 to SC Rio Tinto. The Bermudian girls will be looking to regroup and learn from this experience as they continue to compete against strong international opposition.
Meanwhile, in the Boys 2009 Group F Division, LB Football Academy secured a hard-fought draw. They battled to a 1-1 stalemate with SU 1º Dezembro. The crucial goal for LB Football Academy came from Sinai Simons, whose strike ensured his team shared the points in a competitive encounter.
The Iber Cup brings together top youth talent from around the globe, and the experience gained by the LB Football Academy teams, whether through victory, defeat, or a hard-earned draw, will be invaluable for their continued development. They will look to build on their strong performances and learn from the tougher challenges as the tournament progresses in Portugal.
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
BFA Under 23 Knock-Out Double Header Round-Up
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The Bermuda Football Association's Under-23 Summer League Knock-out competition kicked off at the BAA Field last night, delivering a thrilling double-header that saw a remarkable 13 goals scored across the two matches.
FC Bascome 7 Somerset Eagles 4
The opener was an absolute goal-fest, producing 11 goals as FC Bascome defeated the Somerset Eagles by a score of 7-4.
The Somerset Eagles drew first blood, with Makal Robinson finding the net in the 5th minute. However, FC Bascome quickly responded, with Nicholas Massa equalizing ten minutes later. Ari Cannonier then gave FC Bascome the lead in the 32nd minute, and Tre Burgess extended their advantage just before the break in the 45th minute, sending FC Bascome into half-time with a 3-1 lead.
The second half was even more chaotic. Zaire Smith pulled a goal back for the Somerset Eagles in the 50th minute, but their comeback hopes were immediately dampened a minute later when they were reduced to ten men. Hunter Outerbridge restored FC Bascome's two-goal cushion in the 59th minute. Arnezha Astwood managed to pull another goal back for the Eagles in the 74th minute, but Ben Osset quickly restored FC Bascome's two-goal lead two minutes later.
The Somerset Eagles fought on, with Sijay Samuels narrowing the deficit to one goal in the 84th minute. But in a final flurry, Osset scored his second of the game two minutes later, and Cannonier sealed the 7-4 victory for FC Bascome in the 88th minute of a truly incredible attacking display.
Somerset Trojans 2 North Village Rams 0
In the nightcap, the Somerset Trojans delivered a more disciplined performance, defeating the North Village Rams 2-0.
The first half was a tight affair, with the Somerset Trojans breaking the deadlock just two minutes into stoppage time when Jonathan Brangman found the back of the net, giving them a crucial 1-0 lead at the break.
The Trojans doubled their lead in the 53rd minute as Jadon Simmons found the back of the net. From that point, the Somerset Trojans' defense held firm, shutting out the North Village Rams to advance in the knockout competition.
These results set the stage for further exciting matches as the Bermuda Football Association’s Under-23 Summer League Knock-out progresses.
Tuesday, July 01, 2025
LB Football Academy Teams Begin Iber Cup in Portugal
IslandStats.com
Three teams representing Bermuda's LB Football Academy have begun their campaigns in the prestigious Iber Cup in Portugal, one of the world’s premier youth football tournaments, facing a mixed bag of results on their opening day.
In the Boy's 2012 Group A, LB Football Academy got off to a flying start, defeating URD Tires 3-1 in their opening game. Earl Furbert was the standout, bagging two goals, while Ryan Renuad added a single strike to secure the win. They continued their impressive form in their second match, with a dominant 6-0 victory over Tuks FC. Furbert once again found the net twice, and goals from Roman Gaglio, Xavi Dill, Julian Caisey, and Seth Neill rounded off a comprehensive performance.
The Girls 2011 Group B saw a mixed opening day for LB Football Academy. They began with a solid 2-0 win over a Select USA Team, with goals coming from Mia Daponte and Avery Taylor. However, their second match proved a tougher challenge, as they went down 7-0 to Futbol Femenino Stars A, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
In the Boys 2009 Group F Division, LB Football Academy faced a difficult start. They began with a 4-1 loss to IP Dream Fusion, with Jéon Wolfe scoring the lone goal for the Bermudian side. Their second match of the day also proved challenging, as they went down 6-0 to EFBO.
The Iber Cup brings together top youth talent from around the globe, and the experience gained by the LB Football Academy teams, whether through victory or defeat, will be invaluable for their development. They will look to build on their strong performances and learn from the tougher challenges as the tournament progresses.
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Bermuda's SheRise Team Embarks on US Development Tour
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A select group of Bermuda's promising young female footballers, members of the SheRise Select Team, have officially departed the island for their highly anticipated U.S. development tour. This elite training experience, hosted by BPro Travel in Baltimore, Maryland, is designed to provide high-level training, competitive matches, leadership sessions, and crucial cultural team bonding.
The Bermudian contingent is working closely with seasoned coaches, including Baltimore Blast Head Coach David Bascome and Baltimore Blast Team Two Coach Cam Schnaack. David Bascome, a Bermudian football legend and MBE recipient, brings a wealth of professional and leadership experience to the program, having successfully transitioned from a decorated playing career to coaching in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).
Day one of the tour saw the players immerse themselves in rigorous technical training sessions under the guidance of Coach Schnaack. Concurrently, Coach Bascome led them through valuable leadership and cultural team bonding activities, emphasizing holistic development beyond just on-field skills.
This trip marks a critical milestone in the SheRise Pathway, a program dedicated to connecting Bermuda’s youth players to advanced U.S. training environments, prep school networks, and ultimately, collegiate and professional pathways. The broader SheRise Soccer and BFLA (Bascome Futbol Leadership Academy) initiatives continue their mission to build bridges for female athletes, empowering the next generation through a comprehensive approach to sport, education, and leadership. The experience gained on this tour is expected to be invaluable for the young players as they continue their footballing journeys.
Friday, June 27, 2025
North Village Rams Crowned U23 Champions
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The Bermuda Football Association’s Under 23 Summer League season culminated in a dramatic final and a high-scoring consolation match at the BAA Field, with the North Village Rams ultimately crowned champions.
North Village Rams 2 PHC Zebras 1
In the eagerly anticipated championship final, the North Village Rams came from a goal down to edge the PHC Zebras by a narrow 2-1 margin.
The PHC Zebras struck first, with Machai Davis finding the back of the net in the 22nd minute to give them the early lead. However, the Rams' response was swift and emphatic. Just one minute later, Jamori Jones Tyrell equalized for North Village, ensuring the teams went into the half-time break locked at 1-1.
The second half saw both teams create chances in a tense battle for supremacy. It was the North Village Rams who ultimately found the decisive goal in the 56th minute, with Nejai Tucker scoring what proved to be the winner. The Rams held firm against a determined PHC side to clinch the Bermuda Football Association’s Under 23 Summer League title.
Somerset Trojans 7 FC Bascome 2
In the consolation final, the Somerset Trojans delivered a commanding performance, defeating FC Bascome by a score of 7-1.
The Trojans' attack was prolific, with Kee-zai Cann leading the charge by bagging an impressive hat-trick. Rio Russell also contributed significantly, scoring twice. Kai Sampson and Enrique Mendes each added a goal to complete Somerset's dominant display. FC Bascome's got goals from Hunter Outerbridge, and Tre Burgess.
The final matches marked the conclusion of an exciting Under 23 Summer League season, showcasing the emerging talent within Bermudian football.
