Bermuda Football Association announced the return of the Clyde Best Invitational Festival 2012. The Executive Council have closely examined the success, challenges and will retain those components that proved successful and have already started to address areas that have been identified as opportunities.
After a one year hiatus the purpose of the CBIF is to provide our current and potential players a candid look at the event through highlighting achievements against benchmarks and provide each with a coherent and hopefully compelling reason within our youth football.
For the first time ever, we will be introducing three age bands; 1996 & 1998 Boys and 1995 Girls. This will be a first time event for the females under the illustrious name Clyde Best Invitational Festival. In total, 12 teams will take center stage over three days beginning April 13th – 15th at the National Sports Centre Northern Field the first two days, and the third and final day at the National Sports Centre, Main Field. Of the 12 teams, two will be representing the United States; Princeton SC, of New Jersey and Virginia FC of Virginia. The remaining 10 teams will comprise of the BFA National Academy players and four local clubs; PHC Zebras, Dandy Town Hornets, Richmond Harriers and North Village Rams.
Mark Wade, Chairman of the Player Development Committee (PDC) is in full support of the Clyde Best Festival 2012. The name within its self is truly significant worldwide as he was instrumental in opening doors for all walks of life England on and off the football field.
“The Clyde Best Festival is returning after a one year hiatus. This event will be a mainstay on the sporting calendar for years to come. Clyde Best is Bermuda's internationally recognized pioneer for football in the UK. What better way to ensure that our young people know of his accomplishments than to participate in a festival that bears his name. The festival provides match experiences for our National Academy teams as they prepare for international competition. This year also will be the first year for our young ladies.”
Devarr Boyles, National Academy Director of Player Development is excited to welcome 12 teams during the three day festival.
“This bodes well for our local players. The BFA National Academy is excited to experience firsthand international youth football in Bermuda again. This will provide a benchmark for our players who have been hard at work over the past 8 month training, and playing practice matches against our local opposition. In addition, the National Academy coaches will monitor every player involved in this festival therefore those chosen will present an opportunity to raise the bar.”
