VIRGIN GORDA—The Earl Wilson memorial soccer league kicked off on Sunday afternoon at the Valley Recreation Grounds on Virgin Gorda with six teams. During the opening ceremonies, Wilson—who passed away last year—was remembered for his 20-year contribution to the development of the sport on Virgin Gorda.   Chief Minister Orlando Smith, in his first address at the opening of any soccer league, joined in paying tribute to Wilson.

Chief Minister Dr. Smith with V.G Football League President Avanell Morton

He said Wilson’s contribution the sport on Virgin Gorda and in the territory in general, should never be forgotten.   Smith said that while athletics has put the territory on the map, its time that soccer did the same. “And while soccer is putting the BVI on the map, I think that government has to give some assistance,” Smith said. “We will be putting more emphasis on the sport of soccer. I was looking at the field this afternoon and discussing what could be done to develop it more for the betterment of sports on Virgin Gorda. This is something I will be discussing with my cabinet when I get back to Tortola,” Smith pledged.   The BVI leader encouraged more youngsters to get involved in the sport and noted that Virgin Gorda has contributed several players to BVI national teams. “When the BVI played Trinidad and Tobago in the last World Cup qualifier, Virgin Gorda had eight members on the team,” Smith recalled. “This speaks well of the talent and caliber of players who compete in this league. Virgin Gorda also had 10 players on the girl’s youth team and eight players on the Under 20 boys national team.

Peterson Azille in the thick of things - Wolves vs Sugar Boys

I encourage all of you to continue taking the sport seriously.”   Association president Avonel “Clarky” Morton said it takes hard work and determination to make the league a success. “I want you to go out and play this game of soccer as you know it,” Morton urged. “Play it peacefully, fearful and harm free.”   BVI Football Association first vice president Aubrey Liburd, added his praise of Wilson, who he descried as one of the hardest working men he knew. “Ladies and gentlemen, we need more hard working men like Mr. Wilson, to continue soccer because we know its very, very difficult to have the sport continue when you only have a few people doing the hard work,” he noted. “We need more men, and even young ladies, to come on board to help and work hard to promote soccer. The Chief Minister has promised to help, and we will be looking forward to his contribution in the future.”

Sugar Boys defeated Wolves in Soccerama

© Copyright 2004 by BVIFA.com

Top of Page