Burnley FC Academy Under-18s were left to rue a narrow defeat after a hard-fought performance ended in a 1-0 loss against Stoke City FC Under 18 Academy
The match featured 17-year-old Bermudian prospect Blayz Borgesson, who recently committed his future to the Turf Moor club by signing a contract running through to the end of the 2026/27 season.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Bermudian Referee Smith Takes Centre Stage at CFU U14 Series
Dominica’s Under-14 boys kicked off their CFU U14 Challenge Series campaign on a high note, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Turks and Caicos Islands in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The fixture also marked a significant milestone for Caribbean officiating, with promising Bermudian match official Sar Smith taking charge of the contest in the middle.
Controlled Officiating in Tight Regional Clash
Smith, who recently completed the Caribbean Football Union’s Next Generation Referee Course, delivered a composed performance with the whistle, managing the tempo and ensuring disciplined play throughout a competitive regional encounter.
The appointment highlights the 18-year-old Bermudian’s steady progression through the regional officiating ranks as part of the CFU's elite development pathway.
Solid Start for Dominica
On the pitch, the young "Nature Island" squad produced a disciplined and resolute display. Breaking the deadlock with a decisive single goal, Dominica held their defensive shape under pressure to repel Turks and Caicos’ attacks and secure all three points.
The 1-0 result gives Dominica vital early momentum in Tier II Group B as they continue their regional campaign in the Dominican Republic.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Athene Youth Kickstart Cup
Teams can now register for the Athene Youth Kickstart Cup, which will take place Oct. 9-11 at the National Sports Centre.
The Athene Youth Kickstart Cup is a preseason 7-on-7 tournament open to boys’ and girls’ teams in the U7, U9 and U11 divisions.
“More than 1,000 young athletes took part in the inaugural Athene Youth Kickstart Cup in 2025,” said Natasha Scotland Courcy, CEO and General Counsel of Athene Life Re. “We look forward to welcoming teams back for another exciting weekend of youth football.”
The tournament will include a gombey performance, parade of teams, giveaways for the players, food vendors and a children’s activity area for families to attend the event.
Future Pro Sign Bermudian Prospect Christian Smith
Future Pro have announced the signing of Bermudian talent Christian Smith, adding the promising young player to their development programme.
Smith is a familiar face to the setup, having previously featured for Future Pro as a guest player during their successful Bermuda Triangle Cup campaign. His consistently strong performances throughout that tournament clearly left a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
"A Delighted Addition"
By formalising his inclusion in the squad, Future Pro have secured a player whose technical capability and composure on the ball shone bright during international competition.
"Future Pro are delighted to welcome Christian Smith, joining from Bermuda," the organisation stated in an official release. "Smith previously represented Future Pro during our Bermuda Triangle Cup campaign, putting in a strong series of performances throughout the tournament."
The focus now shifts to long-term growth, with the academy backing the Bermudian to take the next step in his career within their setup.
"We’re delighted to now welcome Christian Smith to the programme and look forward to supporting his continued development and progression."
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Donawa Screamer Caps 9-Goal Thriller as UNC Edge Past Liberty
Bermudian forward Jace Donawa proved to be the match-winner as the University of North Carolina men’s soccer team kickstarted their pre-season campaign with a thrilling 5-4 exhibition victory over Liberty at Dorrance Field.
In an end-to-end, high-scoring contest at Play2Dream Legacy Stadium, the Tar Heels showed plenty of attacking sharpness to edge past a resolute Liberty side.
UNC established their dominance through open-play strikes from Ryan Zellefrow, Bertil Rygaard Hansen, and Jonathan Luna Sabando, alongside a calmly converted penalty.
However, it was Donawa who provided the defining moment of the match in the 75th minute. With the tie finely balanced, the Bermudian unleashed a thunderous, long-range screamer that proved too hot for the Liberty goalkeeper to handle, deflecting off the keeper's hands and nestling into the back of the net to make it 5-3.
That moment of brilliance proved decisive, as Liberty struck late to reduce the deficit, but UNC held firm to secure the victory in their season opener.
The result gives North Carolina an encouraging foundation to build upon as their pre-season preparations gather pace, with Donawa making an immediate statement ahead of the competitive campaign.
