The University of North Carolina men's soccer program have announced the signing of Jace Donawa.
Donawa is a dynamic attacker who comes to Carolina from Bermuda via the Northwood School in Lake Placid.
Donawa has officially embarked on the next chapter of his football career, joining the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) for the 2026 spring semester. The 18-year-old standout recently completed a highly successful youth stint at Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York, where he solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic young attackers in the North American prep circuit.
During his time at Northwood, Donawa was a focal point of the school's elite football program. Known primarily as a creative winger, he also demonstrated versatility by playing centrally when required.
Key Highlights: He consistently appeared in regional and national recruiting rankings throughout 2024 and 2025, often cited as a top-tier Division I prospect. Clutch Performances: One of his defining moments at Northwood came in May 2025 against the IMG Academy top international team. With the score tied late in the match, Donawa netted a crucial goal to secure a 2-1 victory, providing his team with vital momentum for the remainder of their showcase tournament. Cultural Growth: Donawa credited his time at Northwood with helping him adapt to new environments, noting that the cultural difference between Bermuda and upstate New York was significant but ultimately rewarding for his personal development.
Donawa's performances in the U.S. did not go unnoticed by the Bermuda National Team.
Island Games Success: In July 2025, he played a pivotal role in helping the Bermuda Under-23 side win gold at the International Island Games in Orkney, Scotland. At just 17, he was the youngest member of the squad and scored a dramatic 120th-minute winner in the semi-final against Jersey, followed by a goal in the 3-1 final victory over Ynys Môn. Senior Call-Up: His rapid development earned him his first senior call-up in November 2025 for Bermuda's Concacaf World Cup qualifying matches against Curaçao and Trinidad and Tobago.
Donawa officially joined the UNC Tar Heels on January 1st, 2026. He is currently listed as a freshman forward on the 2026 Men's Soccer roster, wearing the number 7 jersey.
Prior to arriving in Chapel Hill, Donawa spent several months training with English fifth-tier club Altrincham to maintain his fitness. Under the guidance of professional coaches—and alongside his brother, fellow Bermuda international Justin Donawa—he gained valuable experience in a professional European environment before making the jump to high-level collegiate soccer in the ACC.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Khan & Benfica Residential Academy Unstoppable in Florida
IslandStats.com
Bermudian standout Riley Khan has helped the Benfica Residential Academy Girls program reach a new milestone as they claimed the Female Under 17 Division title at the 25th Annual Weston Cup & Showcase.
The prestigious event, widely regarded as Florida’s premier Presidents’ Day Weekend tournament, is the largest youth soccer competition in the United States. The victory in Florida marks the sixth tournament championship in just the first year for the Benfica girls program, which incredibly remains undefeated.
The Benfica squad produced a performance of utter dominance throughout the tournament, scoring 25 goals without conceding a single one. They opened their campaign in the Showcase/Gold division with a clinical 7–0 demolition of Fort Lauderdale United FC before maintaining their momentum with a 2–0 win over Strikers Miami FC.
Khan and her teammates followed this up with a 5–0 shutout of SWFL Surge and a 3–0 victory in their final group match, again defeating Strikers Miami FC.
The knockout stages proved to be more of the same for the academy side. In the semi-final, they once again dispatched SWFL Surge with a 5–0 scoreline to book their place in the championship match.
Facing Strikers Miami FC for a third time in the final, Benfica remained composed to secure a 3–0 win and hoist the trophy. The result further highlights the rapid development of Khan, whose move to the Florida-based academy in 2025 has seen her become a cornerstone of both her club and the Bermuda Under-17 national team.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Todd & Benfica Academy secure Weston Cup Title
IslandStats.com
Bermudian teenager Isaac Todd has capped off a remarkable weekend in Florida as his Benfica Residential Academy Under-16 Red side were crowned division champions at the 2026 Weston Cup & Showcase. The tournament, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is the largest youth soccer event in the United States and serves as a premier destination for elite international and domestic talent during Presidents’ Day weekend.
The Benfica RA U16 Boys Red side made an immediate statement in their opening fixture, dismantling West Pines United FC 2010 Academy with a clinical 5-0 victory. They maintained their momentum in the second match, producing another disciplined performance to overcome Palm Beach Kicks PBU 2010 Boys NL with a comfortable 3-0 win.
The road to the trophy was not without its challenges, however. Todd and his teammates suffered a narrow 1-0 setback against FC Dayton B10 Elite in their final group outing. The result set the stage for a dramatic rematch in the "A" Final, where the Benfica side sought immediate revenge against their Ohio-based opponents.
In a tightly contested championship match, the two sides remained inseparable after regulation time, with the score locked at 1-1. The deadlock forced the game into a high-pressure penalty shootout. Todd and his teammates demonstrated superior composure from the spot, successfully converting their chances while their defense held firm to win the kicks from the penalty mark 3-0.
The victory marks another milestone for Todd since joining the St. Leo-based academy in August 2025. Having already scored his first goal for the club during the Tampa Bay Super Cup in November, this latest championship further establishes the young Bermudian as a key figure in the Benfica Residential Academy's successful campaign in the United States.
Monday, February 16, 2026
Bermuda youth stars shine at Surf Nation Champions League
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Four promising young footballers from IDA-Bermuda have made their mark on the international stage after traveling to San Diego to compete in the prestigious Surf Nation Champions League. The event, which focuses on the 2012 birth year, serves as a critical identification platform for the Surf Select national program.
Vashon Martin, Xavier Hidalgo, and Cairo Burgess represented the New England Surf Select North East boys' team with distinction. The trio played a pivotal role in leading their side to the championship title in the Bronze flight, finishing the tournament with an undefeated record. Their campaign began with a dominant 7-1 victory over San Diego Surf ECNL Blue, followed by a clinical 3-0 win against San Diego Surf ECNL White. They secured their place in the final after defeating Solano Surf ECNL 3-1, before ultimately lifting the trophy with a comprehensive 5-5 victory over Monterey Surf in the final.
In the Girls' Division, Devi Samuels joined forces with Canada’s Ottawa City SC in the Under 14 Silver Division. Samuels helped her side navigate a competitive group phase to finish in second place. After an opening setback against Empire Surf, the team rallied to secure a 3-1 win over Hawaii Surf SC and a 2-0 victory against Central Coast Surf. Unfortunately, the chance for further silverware was thwarted by the elements, as a severe storm in Southern California caused the final showcase games to be rained out.
The Surf Select program is a high-level national pathway designed for players aged 9 to 17 who possess the ambition to compete at the highest level of youth soccer. With 56 clubs across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, the network provides a significant platform for talent. Bermuda's involvement is facilitated through a partnership between the Warwick Football Academy and the International Development Academy, an affiliate of Surf Soccer.
Under the guidance of Richard Todd, these opportunities allow Bermudian players to guest play for regional teams and participate in world-renowned events such as the Super Cup Northern Ireland. Following their strong performances in San Diego, the four players now await news on potential selection for the National Surf Select rosters. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to compete in the Surf Cup International in Salou, Spain, and the Target USA Cup in Minnesota later this year.
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Ecclesfield FC Secure Bermuda U20 Prospect Hayden Dill
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Sheffield-based outfit Ecclesfield FC have confirmed the signing of Bermudian youth international Hayden Dill, adding further international flair to the County Senior First Division.
The 19-year-old, a product of the IDA Academy programme, arrives in South Yorkshire with an impressive burgeoning reputation. A versatile attacking threat, Dill has been a consistent fixture in the Bermuda Under-20 national setup and was recently named in the squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Under 20 Championship Qualifiers against the likes of Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica.
Dill’s move to the Steel City follows a successful stint in Bermuda recently representing the PHC Zebras. Known for his clinical finishing—highlighted by a standout hat-trick during cup competition last season—the young forward is expected to bring a fresh dimension to the Ecclesfield frontline as they push for promotion from the regional tiers.
The signing is seen as a significant coup for Ecclesfield, who play their home fixtures in the shadow of the city's professional giants. Club officials expressed their delight at securing the signature of a player with Dill’s pedigree, noting that his experience within the IDA Academy has prepared him well for the physical demands of English non-league football.
"We are delighted to welcome Hayden to the club," a spokesperson for Ecclesfield FC noted. "His technical ability and international experience are clear for all to see, and we can’t wait to see him pull on the Red Rose shirt and get started."
For Dill, the move represents the next step in a journey that has already seen him gain experience at various levels of the Bermudian pyramid, including spells with Robin Hood and Dandy Town Hornets. As he transitions to the Sheffield circuit, local fans will be eager to see if his goal-scoring exploits in the mid-Atlantic can be replicated on the pitches of the County Senior League.
