Xavier Thomas-Bassett and his International Development Academy Valencia Under 14 Boys teammates’ would conclude their involvement in the 2024 Mediterranean International Cup after losing to Cerdanyola FC on Kick’s from the Penalty Mark.
Thomas-Bassett would win plaudits for his efforts in the match that enabled IDA Valencia to shutout the skilled and very strong Catalonia based opponent to finish regulation play tied at 0-0. The Warwick Academy student would produce a string of saves, including a vital penalty kick stop during the match, to walk off the field with his head held high.
Feedback from Spain indicates that Thomas-Bassett represented himself, his family, his school, his club, IDA Valencia and Bermuda at the absolute highest standard in this tournament.
His mother was in attendance with him in Spain and commented, “What an absolutely amazing experience this has been for him.”
The chance to play in the tournament was provided to Thomas-Bassett through a partnership between the Warwick Academy High Performance Football program and International Development Academy, that provides opportunities for students at the school to fulfil their desire to develop their abilities & play at the highest level possible in pursuit of their football goals and desires.
IDA have residential programs in Spain, Italy, England and the United States. Their coaches helped to deliver an ID camp program at Warwick Academy in October, during which Xavier was identified for invitation to this prestigious & elite level competition that featured some of the academy teams from the world’s leading professional clubs.
Thomas-Bassett has opened the door for future opportunities for Bermuda players, and will have a chance to build on this experience when he leads the IDA-Bermuda select team in the minor division at the Super Cup NI tournament this summer.
Thomas-Bassett plays his club football for FC Bascome in Bermuda, and has just been selected into the Bermuda National Academy program.
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