Bermuda Stars in Kingston for Festive Pickleball Showdown
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s leading pickleball duo, Gavin Manders and Benjamin Jones, have touched down in Jamaica to compete in the highly anticipated Pickle & Chill Christmas Classic in Kingston. The tournament, hosted at the premier Pickle & Chill facility, has become a staple of the regional calendar, blending high-stakes competition with a festive island atmosphere.
Manders and Jones arrive in Kingston as one of the Caribbean's most formidable pairings. The duo recently enjoyed significant success at the Jamaica International Pickleball Open, where they secured the Men’s Doubles Class A gold medal by defeating Canadian Ernesto Fajardo and Jamaican Kobi Stiebel. Their chemistry on the court is well-established; while Jones is often lauded for his defensive orchestration, Manders—Bermuda’s former Davis Cup tennis standout—provides the aggressive finishing power.
The pair also carries momentum from the international stage, having clinched a bronze medal in the Open Men's Doubles division at a pre-World Cup event in Florida earlier this season.
The Christmas Classic features a wide array of talent across multiple divisions, including:
Doubles Class A: The elite advanced category where Manders and Jones will look to defend their regional reputation. Doubles Class B & C: Intermediate and beginner brackets designed to foster local and international growth. Singles Open: High-level individual competition across various skill ratings.
The facility at 13 East Kings House Road is known for its energetic "competitive vibes," featuring seven outdoor asphalt courts and shaded spectator zones. With local DJs and Caribbean music providing the backdrop, the tournament serves as both a serious athletic test and a celebration of the sport’s rapid expansion in the region.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Bermuda Trio Awarded FIFA List Extension for 2026
IslandStats.com
Bermuda Football Association (BFA) Chairman of Referees Crenstant Williams is celebrating a major milestone this evening as three local officials have been officially retained on the prestigious FIFA International Referees List for 2026.
Referee Amaury Majors and Assistant Referees Clinton Hayward and Stefan Maybury have all been awarded another year on the global list, ensuring Bermuda’s continued presence at the highest level of international officiating.
The announcement marks a significant achievement for the BFA’s referee development program. A jubilant Williams took to social media to share the news, posting, “Team Bermuda in the building 2026 loading,” signaling the island’s readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifying cycle.
The re-inclusion of the trio follows their successful completion of the rigorous FIFA Physical Fitness Test earlier this month at the Flora Duffy South Field Stadium. To remain on the list, officials must pass comprehensive evaluations, including speed sprints and change-of-direction drills (CODA), ensuring they meet the elite physical standards required for FIFA-sanctioned matches.
Bermuda’s officiating stock has risen sharply in recent years, with these officials becoming regular fixtures in regional competitions.
Amaury Majors has been a rising star since his elevation to the list in 2025, recently serving as a fourth official in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Clinton Hayward and Stefan Maybury have been stalwarts of the international scene since 2021, representing the island in major tournaments including the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup and World Cup qualifiers.
While Natasha Trott, Bermuda’s historic first female FIFA official, remains sidelined through injury, the retention of the male trio underscores the depth of talent currently being fostered under Williams' leadership.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Islandstats.com to Announce 2025 Sports Awards Winners
IslandStats.com
The anticipation is building as the countdown begins for the Islandstats.com Sports Awards of the Year 2025. A total of eleven prestigious awards will be handed out during a live broadcast event scheduled for Tuesday, December 29th, celebrating the outstanding achievements across the island's sporting landscape throughout the past year.
The annual awards ceremony aims to recognize athletes, teams, and moments that defined sporting success for the year.
The eleven categories cover a wide spectrum of achievement, honouring both established seniors and emerging young talent, as well as those competing collegiately and on the international stage.
The key awards to be presented are: Senior Male Athlete of the Year Senior Female Athlete of the Year Junior Male Athlete of the Year Junior Female Athlete of the Year Male College Athlete of the Year Female College Athlete of the Year Team of the Year Coach of the Year Breakthrough Athlete of the Year International Performance of the Year Moment of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award
The live broadcast on December 29th will unveil the winners in each category, marking the culmination of a successful sporting year for the island.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Walking Football League Expansion & Training Sessions
IslandStats.com
Walking Football Bermuda is set to ramp up its activity for the new year, with plans for a brand-new league and extended training opportunities at the Bermuda College Gym.
The current year will conclude with a final training session this Saturday, December 20th, before the programme takes a brief hiatus for the holiday period.
The new year brings fresh opportunities for those looking to get involved in the sport. Organizers have confirmed the launch of a competitive league, and anyone interested in joining is encouraged to attend the training sessions in January.
The first two Saturdays of January 2026 will feature open practice matches, allowing prospective league players to sharpen their skills and integrate with the existing squad.
All sessions are scheduled to take place at the Bermuda College Gym during the following times: Day: Every Saturday Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Location: Bermuda College Gym
The organizers extended a warm invitation to the community to participate in these inclusive sessions, which promote fitness and social connection through the beautiful game at a walking pace.
Monday, December 15, 2025
Premier Presents 1 Million Plus to Community & Sports Clubs
IslandStats.com
The Premier of Bermuda, David Burt, along with several members of Parliament hosted a significant presentation ceremony this week, distributing more than $1 million in funding to 25 local community and sports clubs through the Capital Development Grant programme.
The Premier highlighted the critical role these organizations play in the community, acknowledging their contributions to athletic development, building community spirit, and providing safe and inclusive spaces for youth development.
"The bottom line is that we do understand and we have always understood how important clubs are to our island: socially, culturally, and historically," Premier Burt stated at the event.
This latest round of funding follows a similar commitment made in 2021–2022, when the government first delivered on its promise to support clubs by awarding over $1 million in capital development grants to 23 organizations.
In this year's budget, the government initially allocated $1 million for a new round of grants, which was subsequently increased by a further $500,000 during the mid-year fiscal update, bringing the total to $1.5 million for 25 clubs.
A total of seven clubs received the maximum award of $85,000, including: Young Men’s Social Club, St. George’s Cricket Club, Leopards Club, Blue Waters Anglers Club, Somerset Cricket Club, Mid-Atlantic Boat & Sports Club, and the Pembroke Hamilton Club.
The Premier concluded by offering his sincere thanks to the club representatives, acknowledging that their work is often thankless, takes a tremendous amount of effort, and time away from their families. He emphasized that the clubs are worth the investment and that the government stands by its commitment to support them with funds, time, and attendance at their events.
