The Bermuda Football Association announced the team that will represent Bermuda in the Concacaf Women’s Under 17 Final Round in Costa Rica.
The team was drawn in Group B with the United States, Puerto Rico, and Haiti.
After the draw and seeing the confirmed match schedule, Coach Gary Adams said, “Our girls have made it to the final round for the second year and are excited to share the field with the top teams in our region. Playing at home was fantastic, but now we must perform on the road in Costa Rica. Our preparation has gone well, and the girls are determined to make Bermuda proud.”
The Bermuda Under 17 Women will play the United States in their opening match on March 17th. Forty-eight hours later, they will play Puerto Rico. After two days’ rest, they will conclude the group stage matches against Haiti.
Bermuda Under 17 Women’s National Team Roster:
GOALKEEPERS:
Nalini Minors Sydney Denkins Kyra Simmons
DEFENDERS
Janiya Sealey Zelaye Showers Marli Robinson Kiara Deane Antoinette Barry Indygo Smith Tayte Glasgow
MIDFIELDERS
Evans Welch Cayli Dowling Avery Taylor Nila Samuels Mirabella Lohan
A Call to Arms for BERMUDIAN Future Sports Journalist
IslandStats.com
The time has come for Bermuda to make a concerted effort to cultivate and elevate its own talent within the realm of sports journalism. Having spent years climbing the media ranks and covering some of the world's most prestigious events—from the Olympics and Commonwealth Games to major regional tournaments like the Gold Cup and international rugby—one observation is consistently clear: Bermudian representation in the global press corps is often lacking.
While it has been a privilege to cover these events, reporting on international cricket, major games, and cups, the fact remains that for large portions of history, Bermudian stories, even those about Bermudian athletes, have largely been told by external voices.
We must actively encourage young Bermudians who possess a passion for sport to get involved in the media profession.
The impact of a Bermudian reporter goes beyond merely recording scores. It ensures that the sacrifices, the unique challenges of training on a small island, and the cultural significance of both local and international triumphs are conveyed with a depth that only a local can provide.
It is time to invest in, mentor, and trust this next generation of storytellers. We must encourage them to step up to the mic, to command the press box, and to truly fly. The future of Bermudian sports coverage, and the inspiration it provides to future athletes, rests on them.
The presence of Bermudian sports journalists covering major sporting events, seeing a familiar face or hearing a local voice in the media centre of an international tournament can transform an abstract career dream into an achievable reality to pick up a pen, microphone, or camera.
1. Creating Accessible Role Models
The most powerful impact of a Bermudian journalist covering a major event is the creation of a relatable role model.
Validating the Career Path: Seeing a fellow Bermudian accredited at the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, or a European football ground demystifies the profession. It breaks down the perception that such roles are exclusive to large international media centres, proving that skills developed on the island can compete globally.
Encouraging Engagement: Young people are more likely to pursue careers where they see people who look and sound like them succeeding. This visibility is a crucial first step in tackling the "I don't know where to start" barrier often cited by those interested in media careers.
2. Ensuring Authentic Local Storytelling
Local media professionals are uniquely positioned to understand the true context and emotional weight of Bermudian sporting narratives.
Cultural Nuance: A Bermudian journalist understands the specific sacrifices, triumphs, and challenges inherent to training on a small island. They can convey the deep cultural significance of events like Cup Match, or the personal journey of an athlete who overcame geographical limitations.
Shifting the Narrative: Their coverage ensures that local athletes, regardless of their international ranking, receive the attention and thoughtful analysis they deserve, which is vital for building community pride and inspiring younger athletes at the grassroots level.
3. Building the Island's Media Infrastructure
By participating in both local and international events, Bermudian journalists develop high-level skills and create invaluable networks that benefit the entire media ecosystem.
By supporting Bermudian talent in the media box, the island is actively investing in a future where its stories are told with passion, accuracy, and an authentic local voice.
Wednesday, March 04, 2026
Bermuda U20 Sign off with Victory over Barbados
IslandStats.com
Barbados 0 Bermuda 2
Bermuda’s Under-20 national team concluded their 2026 Concacaf Qualifying campaign on a high note with a clinical 2-0 victory over Barbados at the Proyecto Goal in San Rafael, Costa Rica.
Entering the final Group E fixture, Bermuda faced the daunting mathematical task of needing a 13-goal swing to keep their qualification hopes alive. Despite the pressure, Cecoy Robinson’s side maintained the impressive form that had seen them hold tournament hosts Costa Rica to a thrilling draw earlier in the week.
Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - Curtis Jackson, Nayan Grant, Emeer Peets, Logan Jimenez, Khari Shareef, Jace Donawa, Xahvi DeRoza, D’ari Coddington, Malachai Belboda, Kennahz Fray, Kalen Brunson - Substitutes - Daniel Powell, David Martin, Dakari Smith-Davis, Michari Tear-De Leon, Blayz Borgesson, James Morrison, Qur’an Raynor, Isai Gibbons, Daqaio Stewart
The breakthrough came in the 11th minute following a period of sustained pressure. Jace Donawa, a constant threat on the flank throughout the tournament, delivered a precise cross that found Kalen Brunson in the area. Brunson showed great composure to direct his effort past the Bajan goalkeeper and give Bermuda an early advantage.
The lead was doubled just nine minutes later as the Barbados defense struggled to deal with a loose ball inside their own penalty box. Malachi Belboda reacted quickest to the hesitation, spinning his marker before firing a powerful shot into the back of the net.
Bermuda remained the dominant force for much of the second half, with the backline led by Emeer Peets and Logan Jimenez largely untested by the Barbados attack. While further goals eluded them, the result ensured Bermuda finishes the qualifying round with a commendable record of two wins and two draws from their four matches.
The victory sees Bermuda end the tournament with eight points, a tally that would often be enough to secure progression in other groups. However, with only the group winners advancing to the Concacaf U-20 Championship in San Juan, the Bermuda teams’ journey came to an end despite a series of performances that earned significant praise across the region.
Tuesday, March 03, 2026
Clinical Costa Rica cruise to victory in Bermuda
IslandStats.com
Bermuda 0 Costa Rica 8
Bermuda’s Women’s Senior National team suffered a difficult night at the Flora Duffy South Field Stadium as a ruthless Costa Rica side secured a dominant 8-0 victory in their Concacaf Women’s Championship qualifier.
Bermuda Starting line-Up: - Sharifa Crockwell, Keunna Dill, Victoria Davis, Marley Christian, Koa Goodchild, Kenni Thompson, Eva Frazzoni (Danni Watson 84th), Zemira Webb (Jahni Simmons 46th), Jaden Masters (Jya Ratteray-Smith 71st), Khyla Brangman (Madison Mobray 46th), Nia Christopher (Marli Butterfield 84th) - Substitute: - Sierra Fisher, Akeyla Furbert, Symira Lowe Darrell, Jayla Peets Butterfield, Kimmisha Perinchief, Jahde Simmons, Saony Trott - Costa Rica Starting Line-Up: - N. Bermúdez, F. Villalobos (J. Briceño 46th), V. del Campo, S. Blanco, G. Guillén (P. Arce 46th), P. Rodríguez (E. Flores 73rd), K. Alvarado (E. Valenciano 46th), J. González (A. Gilbertson 67th), M. Herrera, P. Chinchilla, S. Scott - Substitutes - M. Benavides, G. Pérez, D. Solera,
The gulf in rankings was evident from the opening whistle. Costa Rica, currently ranked third in the region, wasted no time in asserting their authority on the National Sports Center turf. The visitors silenced the home crowd after just five minutes when Fabiola Villalobos found the opening goal, and the lead was doubled only three minutes later as Sheika Scott began her productive evening by finding the back of the net.
Bermuda struggled to contain the fluid movement of the Costa Rican attack. By the 16th minute, the scoreline read 3-0 following a strike from Priscila Chinchilla. The home side’s fortunes worsened on the half-hour mark when an unfortunate own goal extended the deficit, before Katherine Alvarado added a fifth in the 39th minute to effectively end the contest before the interval.
To their credit, Bermuda showed resilience in the second half, bolstered by the introductions of Jahni Simmons and Madison Mobray at the break. They managed to stem the tide for a significant period, but the relentless pressure from the visitors eventually told again. Stephannie Blanco made it six in the 70th minute, followed shortly by Scott claiming her second of the night from the penalty spot.
The scoring was rounded off in the 87th minute when Chinchilla mirrored Scott's feat, netting her second and Costa Rica’s eighth. While the statistics painted a picture of dominance—with Costa Rica enjoying nearly 69 percent of possession—Bermuda did manage seven shots on target, testing the visiting defense despite the scoreline. However, the clinical nature of the Costa Rican front line proved the difference, as they converted eight of their ten shots on target to take all three points back to San José.
Monday, March 02, 2026
Bermuda Hold Group Leaders Costa Rica in Six-Goal Thriller
IslandStats.com
Bermuda 3 Costa Rica 3
Bermuda’s Under 20 Men’s team produced an inspired performance to claim a hard-fought 3–3 draw against group giants Costa Rica in their Concacaf Under-20 World Cup Qualifier at the Costa Rican Football Federation Field #2 in Alajuela. The result was a significant milestone for head coach Cecoy Robinson’s side, as they faced a nation that had previously won all five of their previous qualifying meetings.
Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - Daniel Powell, Nayan Grant, Emeer Peets, Logan Jimenez, Khari Shareef, Jace Donawa, Xahvi DeRoza, D’ari Coddington, Malachai Belboda, Kennahz Fray, Kalen Brunson - Substitutes - Curtis Jackson, David Martin, Dakari Smith-Davis, Michari Tear-De Leon, Blayz Borgesson, James Morrison, Qur’an Raynor, Isai Gibbons, Daqaio Stewart
Costa Rica entered the contest as heavy favourites, seeking a third consecutive victory to cement their position at the top of Group E. In testing, windy conditions, the hosts appeared to be on course for another win when they broke the deadlock in the 14th minute with a clinical strike from the edge of the penalty area. Bermuda were handed a lifeline in the 20th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but the opportunity was missed, allowing the Costa Ricans to take a slender 1–0 lead into the interval.
The second half began with immediate drama as Bermuda drew level in the 47th minute. A powerful drive from Jace Donawa was parried by the Costa Rican goalkeeper, only for the alert Xahvi DeRoza to pounce on the rebound. It was DeRoza’s second goal of the qualifying tournament and marked the first time the Costa Rican defence had been breached in the campaign.
Bermuda then stunned the hosts in the 60th minute to take a 2–1 lead. DeRoza was again the hero, intercepting a poor back-pass before rounding the keeper to slide the ball into an empty net. Costa Rica fought back to level the scores at 2–2 in the 71st minute, taking advantage of a corner that the Bermudian defence failed to clear.
The lead swung back to Bermuda in the 77th minute when Donawa unleashed a thunderous free kick from the edge of the box that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The drama intensified just two minutes later when Costa Rica were awarded a penalty of their own. Daniel Powell produced a magnificent save to deny the spot-kick, but the relief was short-lived as the hosts managed to bundle the ball home from the resulting corner to ensure the points were shared.
