Whirlpool Youth Soccer

4 Oct 2007 | Rugby

Despite the rain in recent weeks, the Islands youngsters have still been coming out in their droves in readiness for the start of the Whirlpool Youth Soccer League which is expected to start in earnest within the next week or so after a month of hard and dedicated practices.

Technical Director Mark Hardy noted in an interview yesterday that registrations are almost complete and they are currently finalizing the teams in preparation for the first round of games. Coach Hardy said they hoped to start formal individual squad practices next week (Wednesday 10th) with pre-season friendlies starting the following week, at which point the team uniforms are to be distributed by the coaches. The official first Whirlpool League games of the fall 2007 season are expected to be played on Wednesday October 17th at Freeport Rugby & Football Club.

It was noted that there will be 5 teams competing for the Whirlpool Trophy:

Dynamo Smit
Borco Oilers
Cable Bahamas Stars
GB Shipyard Wanderers
AC Millies Car Rentals

There is an abundance of talented soccer players all ready for the season to start. These players range from the young (but richly talented) players such as Aarron Levarity, James Farquason and Marco Borsetto all of whom are playing above their age groups to more experienced players like Sam Taylor, Andre Turnquest and Christopher Malakious.

The Whirlpool I League forms part of The Dolly Madison Youth Soccer Academy which is for boys aged 9 to 21 years of age. All other age groups continue to practice at the same location (Freeport Rugby & Football Club) each Wednesday. The Soccer Academy offers those young male players, looking to further develop their soccer, an additional means of improving their skills and experience in the game of soccer by offering players further higher level and qualified coaching and additional organized practices and competitive games.

Any interested players or persons interested in helping to coach can contact Mark Hardy at 357 5403 or check www.rugbyfootballbahamas.com

Youth rugby starting next week ( October 13th)

4 Oct 2007 | Rugby

With a new rugby coach straining at the leash , Youth Rugby is ready to start up on Saturday October 13th at 10am at the club.

Coach Herb , who originates from the bedrock of rugby- New Zealand, has moved to the Island with the objective of developing the game of rugby on the Island. October 13th gives the first opportunity to any youngster (whatever 6 to 18), boy or girl who are interested in learning the game to give it a try ( no pun intended).

Youngsters will be split up by sex and age to ensure a safe and fun environment in which to learn the game.

Come along and see where the real action is . Contact Herb at 352 2952 for more details

Malcolm Santer RIP

2 Oct 2007 | Rugby

Discovered this week that Rugger enthusiast Malcolm Santer died earlier this summer.
Malcolm was a great lover of the game and was a frequent attendee of games and functions as well as being a wonderful raconteur , as anyone who has sat next to him at Lodge/Rotary or a dinner table can testify.
I am sure that you are already sat at a good table upstairs amongst friends with a glass in hand !!!
Below is a tribute from one of his former clubs , Aurora Barbarians in Canada
Malcolm Santer, originally from The U.K., arrived in Toronto via Bermuda in the late 60s. He joined The Barbarians and proved to be a useful full back with remarkable tackling skills. He was very supportive of all Club activities, and was respected for his wit and enthusiasm. He was elected twice as Club President in the early 70s. During this time the Club began their junior development programme, a legacy that has led to our remarkable success in recent years. Malcolm died last week. Present Club members and even those Black Sheep under 45 are probably unaware of Malcolm's contribution to the Club; he retired to The Bahamas in the 80s and returned to Ontario recently.
It is important to remember those who helped our Club grow, and respect is due. We send our sympathies to Betty, his long time loving partner, and trust that she will be comforted by all the happy memories. Thank you Malcolm.
Here here

Rugby World Cup

2 Oct 2007 | Rugby

Herb and Vic skins vs the Rest


Here's the Schedule (all times Bahamian)

Oct. 6th
10am Australia vs. England (camm on ingerlund)
3pm New Zealand vs. France (allez les noir)

Oct. 7th
10am South Africa vs. Fiji (fiiiijeeeeeeeee!)
3pm Argentina vs. Scotland ( errm both of you can lose as far as i'm concerned)

Semi-Finals are on Oct. 13th (Aus/Eng vs. NZ/Fra) & 14th (SA/Fij vs. Arg/Sco),


Final on Oct. 20th


Check Herb at the club for details ( 352 2952) or Committee Member

Small $5 cover charge may apply ( don't moan it cost me $20 to watch the dirge that England served up last week in a pub in lauderdale)

Dolly Madison Soccer Academy Kicks Off

19 Sep 2007 | Rugby

After a break over the summer months, The Dolly Madison Youth Soccer Academy ( formerly the Grand Bahama Youth Soccer Development Programme) is scheduled to restart on Wednesday September 11th at Freeport Rugby Football Club at 5pm for all boys aged 9 to 21 years of age .

At present the following age levels will be coached on a weekly basis: Under 10s, Under 13s, 14 to 17 year olds, and 18 and over.

The Programme provides a framework which complements the YMCA and School programmes by offering players further higher level and qualified coaching and additional organized practices and competitive games.

Under its first full season with new sponsor Dolly Madison and Whirlpool, the Academy continues to expand and has ambitious plans for the future year including:

*Being able to utilize the new and expanded training facilities at Freeport Rugby & Football Club which are likely to open in early 2008. These will include a full size soccer pitch , 2 training areas and a 5 a side pitch ,

*Expanding of the Whirlpool Intermediate League, which is for boys aged 14 to 17 , from four teams to six or seven once the new pitches come on stream

*Continuing to assist in young players obtaining soccer scholarships to US Colleges. This summer , 3 players who have come through the ranks of the Soccer Academy obtained Soccer scholarships.

*Both hosting and touring against other Bahamian Islands and US teams in order that the players get the correct exposure to different players, other styles of play etc

Any interested players or persons interested in helping to coach can contact Mark Hardy at 357-5403 or come to Freeport Rugby and Football Club from 5pm every Wednesday.