U-17 girls impressed, but need more games - Bermuda Sun

[Anguillan newsboy]

U-17 girls impressed, but need more games
Bermuda's under-17 girls impressed on their international debut - but just missed out on qualification for the next stage of the Youth World Cup.

The girls beat Anguilla 2-1 and had a default victory over no-show Dominican Republic. But they lost the group decider against Puerto Rico, who qualify as group winners, courtesy of their 2-1 win.

Despite that disappointment coach Wendell Furbert was pleased with his team who he said dominated possession at times against their more experienced opponents.

Akilah Berkeley Bremar was the two goal heroine against Anguilla - scoring her opening goal after 34 seconds. Donte Allen got the goal against Puerto Rico.

Coach Furbert said the key now was for the girls to get more exposure to a higher level of competitive football,

"I'll be submitting a report to the technical committee but I would hope that we can have some more fixtures.

"This was the right level for us to begin with. You don't get closer than two 2-1 results.

"There is a lot of talent in the squad and the way forward for these young women is regular competitive football."

Furbert believes the under-17 squad, which already has five players competing at senior level, will go on to be the core of the senior national squad in a few years time.

"They have been playing the game since they were kids and they know and understand football better than some of the women I've coached at senior level.

"Provided we can get them in a structured programme where we have regular competitions to prepare for I have no doubt that they will go on to be the core of the senior team in four or five years time.

"I couldn't have been happier with their performance in Puerto Rico and I'm proud to have coached them."