The Tribune

THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) is excited to share the outstanding achievements of their national under-13 boys and girls teams that competed at the 2024 Naples Elite Cup, held in Naples, Florida, August 24-25.

The young athletes gave it their all, with the under-13 girls’ team taking home the championship and the under-13 boys’ team securing a solid third-place finish.

Girls Team Crowned Champions

The under-13 girls’ team played with discipline and heart throughout the tournament. They kicked off their campaign with a 6-1 win over San Carlos Park Scorpion SC U14G BLACK and continued with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against San Carlos Park Scorpion SC U13G BLACK. 

They followed up with a 0-0 draw against Naples Elite Soccer Club Naples Elite SC 2011 Girls to qualify for the finals. They capped off the trip by winning the final match 2-0 against San Carlos Park Scorpion SC U13G BLACK, clinching the championship title without a single loss. 

The girls’ commitment and teamwork truly stood out during the competition.

Boys Team Secures Third Place

The under-13 boys’ team also delivered a strong performance. Despite a tough start with a 0-4 loss to Cape Coral Soccer 2011, they bounced back with a 3-0 win over Florida West FC ECNL RL B11. 

Their final match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Naples Elite SC 2011, earning them a well-deserved third-place finish. The boys showed great determination and never gave up, no matter the challenge.

Coaches Reflect on the Teams’ Performances

“Our U13 teams have made us all very proud,” said Bruce Swan, technical director of the BFA, as he shared his pride in the teams’ efforts. 

“The girls’ victory and the boys’ strong finish highlight the talent and hard work they’ve put in over the months. This experience is an important step in their development, and I’m excited to assist with their growth in sport.”

Thank You to Our Supporters

“These successes are not just about the players on the field, they’re also about the support behind them. We want to extend a big thank you to the clubs, parents, coaches and everyone in the BFA community who played a role in this journey. 

“Your support and encouragement have been integral in helping our young athletes achieve these results. We also want to thank everyone who followed the teams’ progress and cheered them on. Your support means the world to us, and we look forward to more exciting moments in the future.”

For more updates and information, please follow the BFA’s social media pages or contact the BFA Secretariat.