The British Virgin Islands Cricket Association (BVICA) has taken a major step toward the development of youth cricket by completing its first Safeguarding Course for coaches, a prerequisite for launching a territory-wide Youth Cricket Coaching Program.

The course, held recently and facilitated by Morris Mark of the BVI Football Association, covered critical aspects of safeguarding, including child protection, ethical standards, and fostering supportive environments for young athletes. The nine participants who completed the training are now equipped to ensure the safety and well-being of youth cricketers, marking a pivotal moment for the sport’s development in the Virgin Islands.

“This training is an essential step in laying the foundation for youth cricket in the BVI,” said Acting BVICA President Richard Francis. “With safeguarding at the forefront, we can provide a secure and nurturing environment for our young players to excel. This initiative reflects our commitment to not just growing the sport, but doing so responsibly.”

The Youth Cricket Coaching Program, set to debut in the coming weeks, will introduce cricket to children across the islands while emphasizing skills development and personal growth. The program’s objective is to nurture a new generation of cricketers who are not only talented athletes but also well-rounded individuals.

Trainer and facilitator Morris Mark commended the BVICA for prioritizing safeguarding, noting that it is an essential component of modern sports coaching. “Creating safe spaces for young athletes is critical to their development and enjoyment of the sport. These newly trained coaches now have the knowledge and tools to make a lasting positive impact,” Mark said.

The program is expected to include coaching sessions, skill-building exercises, and opportunities for young players to engage in matches and tournaments. By incorporating safeguarding principles into every aspect of the program, the BVICA hopes to establish a gold standard for youth sports in the region.

“This initiative goes beyond cricket,” Francis added. “It’s about building a culture where sports can thrive, and where every young player feels safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.”

The BVICA’s focus on safeguarding aligns with broader efforts to elevate the standards of youth sports in the Virgin Islands. The association’s leadership has expressed optimism that the Youth Cricket Coaching Program will inspire a deeper appreciation for the sport, while simultaneously preparing local talent to compete on larger stages in the future.

Jakob Noblett-Diaz and Delilah Pease, two of the Caribbean’s leading junior squash players, represented the region earlier this month at the British Junior Open (BJO), held from January 2-6 in Birmingham, England.

Widely regarded as the most prestigious junior squash tournament globally, the BJO attracts elite players and serves as the de facto world championship for most junior age categories.

Jakob competed in the Boys U13 category, while Delilah participated in the Girls U11 division. Both players entered the tournament as reigning Caribbean champions, having won their respective titles at the Caribbean Junior Championships hosted at Tortola Sports Club in July 2024. Their preparation also included competing at the Canadian Junior Open in December, where Delilah won her event, and Jakob secured a plate division victory.

At the BJO, Jakob faced stiff competition against players from Canada, Poland, China, and Japan. He managed one victory, defeating Japan’s Kaisei Arita in straight sets, and concluded his debut tournament in 57th place.

Delilah, making her second appearance at the BJO, improved on her previous 28th-place finish. She narrowly lost her opening match against England’s top-ranked player but rebounded to win three of her next four matches, finishing 19th overall.

National Squash Coach Adam Murrills accompanied the players and praised their performances, noting the importance of exposure to such a high level of competition.
“The British Junior Open provided an invaluable learning experience for Jakob and Delilah,” Murrills stated. “Competing against the world’s best players not only highlights areas for improvement but also fosters growth and resilience. Both players adapted well to the challenges they faced and demonstrated improvement throughout the tournament. I am proud of their efforts and look forward to their continued development.”

Match Results:

Delilah Pease (Girls U11)

• Lost to Ada Brown (England) 11-9, 11-2, 12-10
• Defeated Elsie Griffiths (Wales) 11-7, 11-6, 2-11, 11-8
• Defeated Simone Yuen (Canada) 11-7, 11-7, 13-15, 11-3
• Lost to Nalla Sanaei (USA) 11-5, 11-4, 12-14, 11-7
• Defeated Sashana Istritheran (Malaysia) 10-12, 11-5, 17-15, 6-11, 11-7

Jakob Noblett-Diaz (Boys U13)

• Lost to Chase Facchin (Canada) 11-5, 11-2, 11-9
• Lost to Maciej Dziech (Poland) 11-7, 11-3, 5-11, 11-5
• Lost to Ching Yan Tang (China) 11-4, 11-7, 11-8
• Defeated Kaisei Arita (Japan) 11-6, 11-1, 11-3

Both players are now preparing for the upcoming Junior National Championships in February, where they will look to build on their performances at one of the world’s most challenging junior squash tournaments.

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Ephraim Penn has been re-elected as President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), continuing his leadership for another four-year term. Joining him are returning officers Ms. Sabinah Clement as 1st Vice President, Mr. Lloyd Black as Secretary General, and Mr. Mark Chapman as Treasurer. The election, held during the BVIOC’s Annual General Meeting on December 5, 2024, also saw the addition of Ms. Ashley Kelly as 2nd Vice President and Mr. Zebalon McLean as Member At Large.

The meeting, held at the BVIOC headquarters at Road Reef Plaza, brought together representatives from National Federations (NFs) and the Athletes’ Commission to reflect on the organization’s achievements, plan for the next quadrennial, and recognize outgoing officers. Former 2nd Vice President Mr. Ralston Henry and Member At Large Ms. Gloria Leola Fahie were honored for their contributions to the BVIOC’s development.

The elections were overseen by an independent commission comprising Mr. Wayne Robinson, Mr. Rhennie Phipps, and Ms. Makalia Smith, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

“Our guiding principles align with the International Olympic Charter: to inspire through sports performance and education, empower individuals to excel, and foster collaboration through impactful partnerships,” said President Penn. “We are committed to working with all National Federations and encourage open dialogue to achieve success across all sports in the coming years.”

Penn extended gratitude to the Election Commission for its oversight and to the participating National Federations for their engagement in shaping the BVIOC’s future.