Quality Gymnastics Ready to Leap into New Jersey Spotlight
IslandStats.com
A powerhouse contingent of 13 gymnasts from Bermuda’s Quality Gymnastics has arrived in New Jersey, ready to test their mettle at the prestigious Crystal Springs Shamrock Showdown this weekend.
The squad, led by former Olympian and head coach Frederick Nicholas, is set to compete in what is widely regarded as one of the most competitive fixtures on the regional calendar. For many of the young athletes, the trip to the Garden State represents a significant step up to the national stage.
The team has spent months preparing under the elite tutelage of Coach Nicholas, whose experience at the highest level of the sport has become a cornerstone of the club’s recent success. His guidance is expected to be a decisive factor as the gymnasts navigate the high-pressure environment of a US-based invitational.
The traveling group showcases the depth of talent at Quality Gymnastics, featuring athletes across a broad spectrum of competitive tiers:
XCEL Silver, Gold, and Platinum: Representing the foundation of the club's technical progress. Junior Olympic (JO) Level 6: Highlighting the elite developmental pathway of the squad.
The 13 athletes selected for the showdown include: Annie Archibald, Courtney Burgess, Tyla Foote, Aleyah Pacheco, Ty-Leah Trott, Gemma Vickers, Elliyah Burgess, Lily Hall, Raelyn Robinson, Jasmyne Walters, Isabella Daniels, Ashanti-Sarai Darko, and Eleanor Garcia.
A representative for Quality Gymnastics emphasized that the weekend is about more than just scores on a leaderboard.
"We are incredibly proud of our gymnasts. This experience not only highlights their hard work and talent but also provides invaluable growth and motivation for their future in the sport."
The club’s participation underscores a continued commitment to providing Bermudian athletes with international exposure, ensuring they are prepared for the rigors of global competition. As the Shamrock Showdown gets underway, all eyes will be on this talented group to see how they handle the bright lights of New Jersey.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Bermuda Officials Secure International Certification
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Boxing Commission has taken a significant step toward elevating the island's combat sports infrastructure following a high-level visit from one of the sport's most respected international figures. Bryan Miner, a renowned instructor and official with the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC), recently utilized a vacation to the island to conduct rigorous testing and certification for local officials in the disciplines of Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts.
According to the President of the Bermuda Boxing Commission, Oscar Lightbourne, the visit is a direct result of Bermuda’s consistent presence at international ABC conferences. Lightbourne noted that the island is increasingly being recognized by global governing bodies, placing Bermuda firmly on the travel itinerary for international officials seeking to develop the sport. The initiative provided local referees and judges with the opportunity to gain globally recognized credentials without leaving home soil.
The results of the testing period have seen a wide cross-section of the local commission successfully navigate the ABC’s demanding standards. In the Muay Thai discipline, several officials achieved dual certification. Oscar Lightbourne, Dirk Evelyn, Tristan Robinson, Chuck Morgan, and Na’twan Fisher all successfully passed both the Referee and Judging courses, joined by Gladwin Phillips in the judging ranks and Dwayne Cox in the officiating circle.
The surge in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) certification was even more pronounced, reflecting the growing footprint of the sport within the Atlantic region. A total of eleven officials passed the ABC MMA Judges Course, including Nolette Webb, Zenji Ingham, Phillip Maybury, Talia Fox, Tony Mouchette, Monique Heyliger, and Nathan Lawrance.
The technical demands of the MMA Referee Course saw five officials secure their badges, with Shaun Richards joining the experienced core of Lightbourne, Maybury, Evelyn, and Fisher. This wave of new certifications ensures that Bermuda is now equipped with a robust, internationally qualified pool of officials, capable of overseeing high-level Muay Thai and MMA events to the highest global standards.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Beard/Wilson/Leverock Reflect on Golden Generations 7pm
IslandStats.com
The upcoming episode of A Walk Down Memory Lane on Islandstats.com is set to offer a rare masterclass in Bermudian football history, as three of the island's most respected tactical minds reunite to revisit the careers of the local greats they helped shape.
Earl Basden, and Dennis Brown will be joined by Jon Beard, Curly Joe Wilson, and Roger Leverock—a trio whose combined influence spans decades of domestic dominance and international aspiration. All three have held the highest positions within Bermuda’s elite clubs, and all three have, at various points, been at the center of the conversation for the national coaching hot seat.
The conversation promises to be an evocative journey through the 1980s, 90s, and 2000s, exploring the evolution of the Bermudian player. Jon Beard, synonymous with the development of youth and school-level excellence, brings a unique perspective on the transition from a "raw" talent to a refined professional. His insights into the discipline and tactical awareness of his former charges remain a benchmark for the local game.
Curly Joe Wilson and Roger Leverock, both legendary figures who commanded respect from the touchline during some of the most competitive eras of the First Division, will delve into the rivalries that defined an era. From the technical brilliance of midfielders who could "dictate the tempo on a postage stamp" to the clinical strikers who made the National Stadium their own, no stone will be left unturned.
The show will focus on the personal anecdotes behind the public icons. The coaches will discuss the challenges of managing "maverick" talents and the pride of watching local players depart Bermuda's shores to make their mark in the professional leagues of England and North America.
For football purists, the episode serves as more than just a nostalgic trip; it is an analysis of what made Bermuda’s past generations so formidable and a look at the blueprint required for the island's future success on the global stage.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Furbert Shines in Florida as Elite Football Academies Circle
Isaac Todd & Furbert
IslandStats.com
Zydon Furbert has wasted no time in making his mark at Montverde Academy, producing a string of standout performances on both the pitch and the track since his arrival in Florida this January. The versatile sophomore has quickly established himself as a central figure in the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA), catching the eye of international scouts in the process.
Furbert has been the protagonist in two high-stakes encounters against Portuguese giants Benfica. Just weeks after joining the academy, he delivered a clinical masterclass to lead his side to a thrilling 4-3 victory. Furbert provided the assists for the opening three goals before haunting the Benfica defense once more to fire home the late winner, earning MVP honors for his decisive contribution.
He followed that up this past weekend in a hard-fought rematch against a Benfica side that featured fellow standout Isaac Todd. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Furbert once again providing his side’s clinical edge by netting their only goal and securing his second consecutive MVP award in the series.
While football remains his primary focus, Furbert’s return to the track in mid-February has been equally impressive. Despite a nearly year-long hiatus from competitive running, he signaled his intent at the 2026 Dr. Baptiste Invitational hosted by West Orange High.
Lining up for a late-night heat at 10:00 pm, Furbert battled cold conditions to storm to a heat victory with a time of 50.91 seconds. The performance leaves him agonizingly close to the Carifta Qualifying Standard of 50.44 for the Under-17 Boys 400m. With another meet scheduled for March 13, expectations are high that warmer conditions will see him punch his ticket to Grenada.
Furbert’s exploits have not gone unnoticed. He is currently preparing for a trial with the Orlando City Academy as he eyes a potential pathway into MLS. However, his performances against Benfica appear to have sparked interest across the Atlantic, with reports suggesting the Portuguese club is also monitoring the Bermudian’s progress.
Monday, March 09, 2026
Somersfield Academy Secure Badminton Titles
IslandStats.com
Somersfield Academy’s first Badminton team has completed an outstanding season, finishing unbeaten in the Senior School Badminton League to be crowned national champions for the second consecutive year.
The Academy’s top side dominated the competition throughout a season that ran from October to March, showcasing a level of technical depth and tactical discipline that left their rivals struggling to keep pace.
Six schools featured in this year’s league standings, but Somersfield Academy’s first team proved a class apart, finishing at the summit with fifteen points. Warwick Academy secured a respectable second-place finish with twelve points, while Somersfield’s strength in depth was further underlined by their second team, who claimed third place with nine points. The Berkeley Institute finished the campaign in fourth with six points, followed by Cedarbridge in fifth with three points, while Saltus rounded out the table in sixth.
The driving force behind the champions’ success was Dezirae Darrell, who was named Most Valuable Player for the first team. Darrell took charge of every match she played, combining a fierce competitive edge with a leadership style that extended far beyond her own performances. Off the court, she provided invaluable guidance and coaching to her peers, acting as a vital mentor during the most pressurized moments of the season. Darrell was supported in the championship-winning squad by Paige Lindo, Rose Paulos, Max Wallace, Aaron Lee, and Matthew Troake.
There was also cause for celebration within the Somersfield second team as Raul Maldonado was named their Most Valuable Player. Maldonado delivered several key victories over the course of the league, consistently punching above his weight to defeat older and more experienced opponents. His contributions were essential to a second-team roster that included Cora DeSilva, Sydney Troake, Hayleigh Cherry, Annabel Olutiola, Max DeCouto, and Maikel Dela Cruz, ensuring a historic year of double-success for the Academy’s badminton program.
