After a prolonged hiatus, beach soccer made a spectacular comeback in Barbados with the launch of the inaugural Barbados Beach Soccer Championship last Sunday. Organized by the Sports Development Unit under the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, the tournament commenced at Brighton Beach and is set to continue until November 16. The championship will feature 28 teams competing across three iconic beaches—Brighton, Brandons, and Browne’s—with over $20,000 in prizes up for grabs, including a grand $10,000 cash reward for the champions. The opening day delivered an electrifying start, with six action-packed matches showcasing skill, intensity, and breathtaking goals. Among the standout performances, the Sundown Ballers dominated Trident Spurs with a commanding 9-2 victory, thanks to braces from Eric Joseph and Duan Best, along with contributions from Clairmonte Callender and Jayden Mayers. The Beach Blitzers also impressed, overpowering Island Fusion 7-3, with Rashad Smith scoring four goals. Other notable matches included the Sunset Chasers’ 6-2 triumph over Soca Stormers, Full Volley’s 6-1 rout of Crop Over Kings, and a nail-biting penalty shootout victory by the Tiki Tacklers over Bajan Heat. The championship promises to be a thrilling showcase of beach soccer talent and passion.
分类： sports
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CWI restarts coaching courses in Leeward Islands and SVG
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has reignited its commitment to nurturing a robust pool of high-quality cricket coaches across the Caribbean by launching the second round of its Foundation Level and Refreshers Coaching Courses. This initiative, which began in Antigua and Barbuda on October 2 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, is strategically timed to align with the anticipated restart of primary schools and community-based grassroots cricket programs. The sessions are scheduled to continue in Montserrat, the British and US Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, Anguilla, and conclude in St Vincent on October 30.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, ‘The continuation of these courses underscores CWI’s dedication to enhancing coaching talent and fortifying cricketing infrastructure throughout the region. By investing in coaching education at this foundational stage, we are laying the groundwork for the sustainable growth and future success of cricket in the Caribbean.’
Bascombe further highlighted the broader impact of this effort, noting that well-trained coaches are essential for flagship programs like the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Five for Fun Cricket and the Girls Under-16/19 Territorial Cricket Hub initiatives. These programs are pivotal in inspiring the next generation of cricketers and fostering mass participation in the sport.
The coaching courses are led by Brendon Ramlal and Keshava Ramphal, both Level 3 certified coaches with extensive experience in age-group cricket development and education systems in Trinidad and Tobago. Their expertise spans critical areas such as child protection, analytics, tactical awareness, physical fitness, and effective communication.
In a move to prioritize the safety and well-being of young players, all participants are required to complete the UNICEF Child Protection Course and attend a virtual Cricket Safeguarding and Child Protection Workshop before commencing the program. These measures ensure that coaches are equipped to create a secure and supportive environment for player development.
Previously, CWI successfully conducted these courses in Dominica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Grenada (including Carriacou), Jamaica, and Barbados, engaging over 150 participants. These efforts are designed to empower current and aspiring coaches with the skills necessary to cultivate young talent and drive the growth of cricket at the grassroots level.
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SECOND LOSS
The Solomon Islands national football team concluded their FIFA Series 2026 campaign with a second consecutive defeat, falling 4-2 to Saint Kitts and Nevis in an international friendly match at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 30, 2026.
The Caribbean squad secured victory through clinical finishing despite the Melanesian side showing marked improvement from their previous 10-2 defeat against Bulgaria. The encounter between similarly-ranked opponents—Solomon Islands at 152nd and Saint Kitts and Nevis at 154th in FIFA rankings—produced an entertaining contest following a 30-minute delay to kickoff.
Both teams demonstrated offensive capability throughout the match, with Solomon Islands managing to score in both tournament appearances. However, defensive vulnerabilities ultimately cost the Pacific nation against their Caribbean counterparts. The FIFA Series initiative, designed by football’s global governing body, provides emerging football nations with increased international exposure and competitive opportunities across confederations.
The result concludes Solomon Islands’ participation in the inaugural tournament series, with attention now turning to future international fixtures and continued development on the world stage. The match was witnessed by spectators at Indonesia’s iconic sporting venue, with photographic coverage provided by Aldhi Chandra of Okezone.
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Column: Binnen handbereik!
Suriname’s national football team, Natio, is on the brink of two pivotal matches in the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers. Surprisingly leading the group with 4 points from 2 matches, Natio has become the team to beat, bringing immense pressure. Previous opponents underestimated Suriname, labeling them as an easy adversary, but the tables have turned. Now, every effort will be made to thwart Natio’s advance to the coveted final round. The upcoming matches will be decisive for both the group leader and regional football powers in the race for the World Cup ticket. Securing at least 4 points in this window would bring the World Cup within reach, but the pressure to perform is undoubtedly immense for Natio.
As athletes approach critical moments, the pressure to perform is normal, but its intensity varies with the stakes. The key is to manage this pressure effectively to achieve the desired performance. If players cannot handle the pressure appropriately, it may lead to disappointing results. Natio’s management must focus on the mental well-being of the players to ensure they are not overwhelmed but can cope optimally. Although they are professionals, the prospect of playing for a ticket to the world’s most significant football event is new to them, and emotions could play a significant role. The growing belief among fans could also unsettle the players.
Natio is currently stronger than ever. Not only has the team added more professionals since the start of this journey, but the staff has also seen a remarkable quality boost with the arrival of Henk Fraser. Progress has been evident since the Gold Cup for those who look beyond just the results. Even players who were initially skeptical about joining the project now see their chance to contribute and reap the rewards. The players are undoubtedly eager to complete the task and add a World Cup participation to their achievements.
Opponents’ fear of Natio is evident from their behavior and statements on and off the field. Natio was unfairly treated in El Salvador, and Guatemalan representatives made derogatory remarks on social media after a scouting visit. Naive self-proclaimed presenters gave journalists from opposing teams a platform to reveal Natio’s team composition and key players. While many believe they are contributing in their own ways, caution is advised with such revelations made by individuals linked to the opponents. Natio’s staff should focus on their own strengths and deliver solid performances to secure the necessary results.
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2026 World Cup Qualification : D-Day, Haiti vs Nicaragua
Haiti’s senior national football team, the Grenadiers, is set to face Nicaragua in a pivotal 2026 World Cup Qualifying match on October 9, 2025, at the National Stadium in Managua. This encounter marks the third of six matches in the final qualifying phase for Haiti, as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. The game is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. (Haiti time) and is expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike. Historically, Haiti has dominated this fixture, with six wins out of nine previous meetings, scoring 15 goals and conceding nine. Their most recent victory over Nicaragua was a 1-0 triumph in the 2021 World Cup qualifiers. However, the Grenadiers face challenges ahead of the match, with key player Yassine Fortuné sidelined due to injury and Fabrice Picault absent for undisclosed reasons. Lambèse has been called up as a last-minute reinforcement to complete the 23-player squad. Haiti’s ambition is clear: to secure a victory in front of 17,000 spectators and reignite their dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Following this match, Haiti will face Honduras on October 13th in a return leg, after their first encounter ended in a goalless draw. The Grenadiers’ journey continues in November with matches against Curaçao and Costa Rica. Currently, Haiti sits third in Group C with two points from two matches, trailing Honduras and Costa Rica. Nicaragua, with just one point, is at the bottom of the group. This match is a critical opportunity for Haiti to climb the standings and strengthen their World Cup aspirations.
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Serena Williams to crown Fraser Pryce at ATHLOS event
In a momentous celebration of athletic excellence, retired Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will be honored at the ATHLOS event this Friday at Icahn Stadium in New York. The crowning ceremony will be conducted by tennis legend Serena Williams, marking a symbolic passing of the torch between two of the greatest athletes of all time. The announcement was made by Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams’ husband and founder of ATHLOS, during an interview on CBS Mornings, where he was joined by Fraser-Pryce. Ohanian emphasized the significance of the event, stating, ‘This is about celebrating greatness and reflecting on the future of track and field, modeled after the Formula One approach.’ Fraser-Pryce, who recently retired after 18 illustrious years in the sport, expressed her desire to continue elevating track and field through her voice and influence off the track. ATHLOS has also announced that Fraser-Pryce will receive a Tiffany crown, symbolizing her lifetime of speed, excellence, and legacy.
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Frome Tech and Maldon High qualify for daCosta Cup second round
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a thrilling series of matches on Wednesday, Frome Technical and Maldon High clinched their places in the round of 32 of the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition. Frome Technical staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Knockalva Technical 2-1 in a game shortened to 70 minutes due to heavy rains. Meanwhile, Maldon High ended a three-game winless streak with a dominant 5-0 victory over Green Pond High, securing their advancement from Zone A for the second consecutive year. Both teams join Cornwall College and Rusea’s High, who had already qualified earlier in the competition. The second round of the tournament is set to commence on Saturday, with 26 other teams having already secured their spots. Notable qualifiers include Cornwall College, Maldon High, Rusea’s High, Frome Technical, and several other high-performing schools. The competition continues to intensify as teams vie for the prestigious title.
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Champions Garvey Maceo send message with win over Glenmuir
In a thrilling display of resilience, defending champions Garvey Maceo Technical High School overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory over Glenmuir High in a pivotal ISSA daCosta Cup Zone I playoff match on Wednesday. This win not only avenged their earlier 4-0 defeat to Glenmuir but also propelled them to the top of the points table with 24 points, two ahead of their rivals. Glenmuir’s Orane Watson initially put his team in control with goals in the 28th and 46th minutes, but Garvey Maceo’s Jihari Williams struck twice in the 52nd and 74th minutes, setting the stage for Rushane White’s decisive 81st-minute winner. The loss extended Glenmuir’s winless streak to three matches, following defeats to Kemps Hill High and a draw with Denbigh High. Meanwhile, Mannings School continued their dominant run in Zone C, completing a flawless first round with a 4-0 victory over Petersfield High. Jordan Turner led the charge with a brace, supported by goals from Kajaye Williams and Devardo Reid. Mannings’ 47 goals trail only Manchester High’s record-breaking 76 and Ocho Rios High’s 55. In other zones, Cornwall College secured back-to-back Zone A titles with a 2-0 win over Herbert Morrison Technical, while Clarendon College topped Zone H after a 4-0 thrashing of Claude McKay High. Belair High narrowly edged May Day High 1-0 in a rain-shortened Zone F match, finishing second to Manchester High. The Zone D decider between Cedric Titus and William Knibb Memorial was postponed due to inclement weather.
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Mbappe ‘relaxed’ and ready to play in France’s World Cup qualifiers
PARIS, France (AFP) – French football star Kylian Mbappe expressed his confidence and relaxation as he prepares for France’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Real Madrid forward addressed his recent minor ankle injury and his seamless adaptation to life in Madrid. Mbappe, who sustained a “small niggle” in his right ankle during a match last weekend, assured fans that the injury would not hinder his performance. “The coach (Didier Deschamps) wants me to play. I don’t think there will be a major problem,” he stated. Deschamps echoed this sentiment, noting that the decision to play would depend on Mbappe’s comfort level with his ankle. The 24-year-old also reflected on his transition to Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last season, describing it as a positive change. “I’ve adapted well to Madrid. The lifestyle is different—less hectic than in Paris. I’m more relaxed there,” he shared. Despite his contentment, Mbappe remains focused on improving his game, emphasizing his current good form and goal-scoring ability. Meanwhile, Deschamps warned his team against underestimating Azerbaijan, highlighting their recent draw against Ukraine and the presence of seven Qarabag players in their squad. France, currently leading their qualifying group with two wins, will face Azerbaijan at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium on Friday before traveling to Iceland three days later.
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WORLD CUP HOSTS JAMAICA?
Jamaica is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone in international football, with advanced discussions underway for the island nation to co-host matches during the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The tournament, primarily hosted by the United States and Mexico, could see Jamaica become the first Caribbean country to stage a senior World Cup match. Michael Ricketts, President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), hinted at a formal announcement scheduled for New York on October 20, 2023, confirming Jamaica’s interest in hosting. Ricketts emphasized the federation’s commitment to developing women’s football, citing the Reggae Girlz’s recent successes, including back-to-back World Cup appearances in 2019 and 2023, as evidence of Jamaica’s growing stature in the sport. The 2031 tournament will mark the fourth time the CONCACAF region has hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with other CONCACAF nations also expected to join as co-hosts. Jamaica’s bid is bolstered by government support and plans to redevelop the National Stadium, set to begin in 2026 and conclude by 2029. The upgraded facility will feature enhanced seating, lighting, media infrastructure, and green spaces, meeting international standards for major tournaments. Ricketts highlighted the teamwork and dedication behind Jamaica’s football progress, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to the sport’s development. As the Reggae Girlz prepare for the CONCACAF W Qualifiers in November, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup appearance, Jamaica’s potential role as a co-host underscores its rising influence in global football.