The future of Bermudian football took centre stage as the Bermuda Football Association hosted its annual Youth Awards, a glittering celebration of the island’s most promising talent. In a season defined by technical growth and fierce competition, it was the PHC Zebras and the Bascome Futbol Leadership Academy (BFLA) who emerged as the biggest winners, sweeping many of the top individual and team honours.
The Under 13 category saw a near-monopoly from the PHC Zebras Blacks in the Boys’ Division. Julian Caisey was named leading goalkeeper while Amori Simons and Psalm Caines secured the defender and overall Most Valuable Player titles respectively. Their dominance was underscored by the clinical finishing of Azai Burt, who finished as the leading goal scorer with nineteen goals, while Robert Bean was recognised as the top coach. On the Girls’ side, the BFLA enjoyed similar success with Phoenix Williams from the BFLA Blacks and Chloe Burgess from BHS FC taking the goalkeeper and defender awards, while Kiana Simmons topped the scoring charts. Devi Samuels of Warwick Football Academy Independiente was celebrated as the Girls’ Most Valuable Player following a standout campaign, and Leo Burgess from BHS FC was named the Coach of the Year
As the age groups progressed to the Under 15 level, the accolades became more diverse. Somerset Trojans’ Nazhi Reid-Anderson delivered a rare double by claiming both the Defender and Most Valuable Player awards for the Boys, under the guidance of coach Vashun Blanchette. Loyal Outerbridge of X-Roads was named the top Goalkeeper, while Jeon Wolffe of FC Bascome walked away with the Golden Boot after an incredible twenty-four goal season. The Girls’ Under 15 honours were headlined by PHC Lady Zebras Priya Dill who was named the MVP, though Devi Samuels of Warwick Football Academy showed her class by finishing as the leading goal scorer with 7 goals, Kyra Simmons was named the Goalkeeper of the Year, Mirabella Lohan was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Azeem Wolffe from BFLA was the Coach of the Year,
The Under 18 awards highlighted the strength of the Warwick Football Academy programme. Sami Carolo was named the Division’s Most Valuable Player, supported by teammate Curtis Jackson Junior who took the goalkeeper of the year title. Their mentor, Keishon Smith, was rightfully named coach of the year for his strategic leadership. FC Bascome also maintained their presence at the elite youth level, with Zachary McGuire named the top defender and Kydan Browne taking the leading scorer award with six goals in a tightly contested season.
The vital role of officiating was also under the spotlight, with three of the island’s most respected figures recognised for their contributions to the youth game. Lazai Outerbridge took the honours for the Under 13 level, while Malachi Jones was celebrated for his work in the Under 15 Division. The senior youth category saw the experienced Cecoy Robinson named referee of the year, ensuring that the highest standards of fair play were maintained throughout a historic season for Bermuda's next generation.
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