Cheers, music, and the steady thump of soccer balls filled the air at Antilles School’s Fishman Family Field during the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department’s Soccer Fun Day.
Young athletes from Lindbergh Bay Soccer Program, Massey Soccer Academy, New Vibes SC, and LRVI FC Castaways brought their A-game across 8U, 9U, and 11U divisions, turning the sunny Saturday into a celebration of competition, community, and youth development.
From early morning warm-ups to the final whistle, the energy never dipped. The concession stand buzzed with activity, volunteers passed out water and snacks, and families packed the sidelines — laughing, shouting encouragement, and sharing in the joy of every goal and assist.
Behind the scenes, it took a village to make the event happen. Parent volunteer, Kelli Webster, from the Lindbergh Bay program, credited the day’s success to the sacrifice and consistency of parents and coaches.
“It’s not easy,” Webster laughed. “But when you see how much these kids love the game, it makes all the effort worth it. Events like this show how far soccer has come in the Virgin Islands. Our kids are starting younger, getting that exposure, and building a real community around the sport.”
That sense of community echoed through the words of Castaways’ parent, Rocky Dell, who shows up weekend after weekend to watch his daughters play. “The kids keep me showing up. I love to see them overcome challenges and hit new milestones,” Dell said. “I hope they’re not just learning the game, but teamwork, sportsmanship, and making lifelong friends.”
“And the young ladies are for real out here!” he added with a smile. “Brilliant to watch. The beach is always gonna be there — but we’ve gotta get out on the field.”
Coach Dale Richards of Massey Soccer Academy emphasized how essential these match days are — not just for fun, but for player growth.
“It gives us a real look at how the kids are progressing,” Richards said. “They get to measure themselves, not just against teammates but players their age from other programs. We want to see them grow together, build chemistry. My hope is that we carry the USVI to the world one day.”
Achieving that dream starts with people like New Vibes SC standout Jordan Atemazem, who consistently volunteers his free time to show up for the next generation.
“I love the sport, and I love these kids. I want to be there to give them the guidance and support they need,” he shared. “It’s not just about playing soccer — it’s about learning how to understand each other and becoming a family.”
At this Soccer Fun Day, that’s exactly what they did. They shared victories and shortcomings. They cheered each other on.
And they reminded everyone watching that the future of soccer in the Virgin Islands is bright — and already on the field.
