The Tribune

TAMBEARLY International School founder and owner Alice Langford was one of the 20 honourees awarded The Beacon of Light Award as The Bahamas Football Association celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 18.

As the only educator and school to be recognised, Mrs Langford shared what a true honour it was knowing Mr Langford’s passion for football continues to inspire youth of the Bahamas.

Football (soccer) was the number one sport at Tambearly since its early days at its Queen Street campus.

The teams practiced at Fort Charlotte and were coached by Terry Langford, who had developed a passion for the sport from his childhood in the UK.

Soon afterwards, a volunteer parent, Dennis Cole, also became a regular football coach for Tambearly.

Terry, Dennis, and many volunteer mothers and fathers organised practice sessions twice a week after school, focused on developing well-rounded athletes and good sportsmanship.

When the school moved to Cable Beach with its own football fields, Tambearly students became even more focused on football, playing at every recess, in addition to the organised sessions after school and BYFL matches on weekends.

Over the years, the Tambearly football programme has benefitted from the extraordinary coaching skills of their sports directors, most notably Christian Villi and Julian Gardiner.

Alice Langford’s Tambearly School football programme has been a staunch supporter of the Bahamas Football Association Youth Football League for approximately 30 years, and the many trophies on display at the school attest to over 15 BFA Championship wins during this time. The school also gives out coveted trophies to its Most Valuable Player and Best Team Player during its annual prize-giving ceremony.

Though Alice Langford may be best known as one of the Bahamas’ most admired educators, her love for the beautiful game bubbles over in conversation.

She credits football with positively impacting countless young players who benefited from the exercise, teamwork, friendships and fun. Her favourite football moment is priceless, a David and Goliath story that sends her into giggles, “Pint sized Vishnu Turnquest, a tiny and spirited academic genius, was playing against some oversized 12-year-olds in a Championship BYFL Game.

Just before the whistle, he ran right under an opponent’s legs to score the winning goal for Tambearly’s U-12’s!”

This example seems to be a parable for the Tambearly football programme: A small school with a big heart and huge love for the game that transcends all obstacles.