Category: News

FIFA Women’s Campaign launched

The Barbados Football Association (BFA) hosted the FIFA Women’s Campaign; a global grassroots development initiative aimed at increasing young girls’ participation in football while creating stronger community pathways for the development of women’s football.

The campaign forms part of FIFA’s broader strategic framework to strengthen women’s football through improved infrastructure, coach mentorship, and administrative development. It began on November 10th with a Coaching Theory Day, running from 9.00am to 4.30 p.m. and will culminate on Wednesday with a practical day, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

During this time the BFA expects to welcome over 150 students from Secondary Schools and introduce them to the basic skills and fundamentals of football.

Barbados Name 24-Man Squad as Tridents Target Nations League Promotion and Gold Cup Qualification

November 9, 2026 | Bridgetown, Barbados

The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has announced a 24-man senior national squad for the final two group matches of the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League, with the Tridents seeking to secure top spot in League B Group B and advance to the next stage of the competition.

Head Coach Kent Hall has assembled a squad combining locally based players and overseas professionals competing in England, the United States, Jamaica and Moldova.

Barbados currently occupy first place in League B Group B with 10 points from four matches, having recorded three victories and one draw. The Tridents remain unbeaten, scoring 10 goals and conceding four.

Current League B Group B standings

As of November 9, 2026

PositionTeamPlayedGDPoints
1Barbados4+610
2Saint Lucia4+59
3Guadeloupe4−34
4Bermuda4−80

Saint Lucia are close behind in second place with nine points, followed by Guadeloupe with four and Bermuda, who are yet to register a point.

The national team opened its campaign with a 2–0 victory over Saint Lucia on September 25 before battling to a 2–2 draw against Guadeloupe on September 28. Barbados subsequently completed a double over Bermuda, recording a convincing 4–1 victory on October 2 and following up with a 2–1 win on October 5.

These performances have placed Barbados in a strong position heading into the decisive November international window.

Barbados will face Guadeloupe on November 12 before concluding their group campaign against Saint Lucia on November 17. Both matches are scheduled for Stade Roger Zami in Le Gosier, Guadeloupe.

Victories in both remaining matches would guarantee Barbados first place in the group, regardless of other results.

Finishing as group winners would deliver several significant achievements, including:

  • Promotion to Concacaf Nations League A, where Barbados would compete against some of the region’s leading national teams.
  • Automatic qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup, the region’s premier men’s national team tournament.
  • Qualification for the inaugural League B Championship, scheduled for March 2027, providing an opportunity to compete for the League B title.

Thierry Gale Continues Impressive Form

Among the standout players in the squad is 24-year-old forward Thierry Gale, who has continued to establish himself as one of Barbados’ leading attacking talents.

The Bolton Wanderers attacker has been instrumental in the Tridents’ unbeaten Nations League campaign, registering six goals and two assists in four appearances, contributing directly to eight of Barbados’ 10 goals.

Gale has also enjoyed a productive start to the 2026/27 English Championship season, scoring three goals and providing an assist in his first 10 league appearances.

His performances include a goal in Bolton’s dramatic 4–3 victory over Norwich City in September, highlighting his ability to make an impact at a competitive professional level.

Gale’s experience and goalscoring ability will be particularly important if Barbados is to achieve promotion and qualification for the Gold Cup.

Full Barbados National Squad

Goalkeepers (3)

  1. Jireh Malcolm
  2. Kaliq Lashley
  3. Jamal Blackman

Defenders (9)

  1. Mario Williams
  2. Ajani Banton
  3. Davion Thorne
  4. Raquan Clarke
  5. Nathan Sealy
  6. Lemar Catlyn
  7. Nicoli Brathwaite
  8. Tarique Bailey-Edwards
  9. Andre Applewhaite

Midfielders (8)

  1. Jaylan Gilkes
  2. Ackeel Applewhaite
  3. Ross Bourne
  4. Omani Leacock
  5. Jaheim Neblett
  6. Darico King
  7. Jaron Oughterson
  8. Reuben Garnes-Alleyne

Forwards (4)

  1. Niall Reid Stephen
  2. Nadre Butcher
  3. Thierry Gale
  4. Colin Griffith

Head Coach: Kent Hall

Barbados U15 Team Ends FIFA Campaign with Victory

Barbados’ Under-15 team ended its inaugural FIFA World Cup and Festival campaign in Baku, Azerbaijan, by defeating Suriname 4–2 in the Tier F consolation final on 30 October 2026. The result crowned the young Tridents Tier F consolation champions after a difficult opening stage and a strong recovery in the latter part of the tournament.

Earlier, Barbados had recorded a landmark 5–0 victory over the US Virgin Islands on 28 October, with Kaleb Catwell scoring twice and Raezario Roach, Jevonte Ward and Zion Greene also finding the net. That result followed a narrow penalty-shootout defeat to Grenada, after a 2–2 draw. Captain Danari Griffith also made history by scoring Barbados’ first goal at a FIFA World Cup finals event.

The squad returned to Grantley Adams International Airport on 2 November to a welcome from relatives, supporters and officials, including Minister of Sport Charles Griffith, BFA President Randy Harris and General Secretary Nicholas Branker. Head coach Stefan King said the players grew in confidence and understanding as the tournament progressed, making the experience a valuable foundation for future development.

BFA Welcomes New Era for Futsal and Beach Soccer

The Barbados Football Association has formally affiliated the Futsal and Beach Soccer Association of Barbados (FABSA), opening new opportunities for both disciplines. FABSA is working towards structured competitions, coaching and refereeing education, and national team development.

Its plans include beach soccer activities in November 2026 and an expanded programme in 2027. The affiliation marks a step towards broadening participation and strengthening football pathways across Barbados.

Barbados Under-15 players and officials before departing for the FIFA event.

Young Tridents Prepare for Historic FIFA U15 Event

Barbados Under-15 players and officials before departing for the FIFA event.
Barbados Under-15 players and officials before departing for the FIFA event.

Barbados’ Under-15 national team departed the island on 19 October 2026 for Baku, Azerbaijan, where the young Tridents were set to take part in the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival from 24–30 October. The trip marked a historic opportunity for a Barbadian national team to compete at a FIFA World Cup event.

The tournament used an eight-a-side format, with matches played in two 20-minute halves. Barbados was drawn in Group E alongside Spain, Chile, Congo, Kuwait and Tajikistan. The team was led by head coach Stefan King and captain Danari Griffith, a Queen’s College student who spoke of the squad’s excitement and preparation ahead of departure.

BFA President Randy Harris described the opportunity as an important milestone and encouraged the players to enjoy the experience while representing their country. Beyond the results, the tournament offered exposure to different playing styles and a chance for young players to measure themselves against international peers.

Participants and officials at the BFA C Diploma Coaching Course.

BFA Launches C Diploma Coaching Course

Participants and officials at the BFA C Diploma Coaching Course.
Participants and officials at the BFA C Diploma Coaching Course.

Fourteen coaches began the BFA C Diploma Coaching Course on 13 October 2026, as the Association continued its drive to improve coaching standards throughout Barbados. The course is intended to strengthen the knowledge and practical methods of individuals working with footballers and to support the development of more complete players.

BFA Vice-President Fabian Wharton highlighted the Association’s commitment to better coaching education at the opening of the programme. The course represents an investment in the people who plan sessions, guide young footballers and shape everyday training environments across the island.

The qualification initiative also complements wider BFA efforts in grassroots football and player development. As participating coaches apply what they learn with clubs and teams, the Association hopes to create a more consistent standard of instruction and improve opportunities for players to progress.

Thierry Gale Inspires Young Footballers at Pro-Shottas

Barbados international Thierry Gale returned to Pro-Shottas Soccer School, the club where his football journey began, for a visit reported by the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation on 8 October 2026. The Bolton Wanderers winger spent time with young players, sharing encouragement and reflecting on the path from local youth football to the international game.

Gale, who has represented Barbados in the Concacaf Nations League, offered the youngsters a relatable example of what dedication and sustained effort can achieve. For many of the current Pro-Shottas players, the visit was an opportunity to meet a footballer who once trained in the same environment.

BFA General Secretary Nicholas Branker praised Gale for maintaining his connection to the club that helped shape his early career. The occasion also highlighted the role of community clubs and youth coaches in identifying talent, building confidence and preparing footballers for higher levels of competition.

Paradise Crowned 2026 Women’s Premier League Champions

Paradise Football Club secured the 2026 BFA Women’s Premier League championship with one match remaining, an achievement that reflects the team’s consistency over the league campaign. The title represents an important success for the players, coaches and club officials involved in the women’s competition.

Winning the league before the final fixture underscores the value of sustained performances across a season rather than a single result. It also provides a platform to recognise the work carried out by domestic clubs in developing female footballers and creating competitive opportunities.

The BFA Women’s Premier League remains an important part of the pathway for women and girls in Barbados, giving players meaningful match experience and visibility.

Barbados Climbs Five Places in FIFA World Rankings

Barbados’ senior men’s national football team moved up five places to 174th in the FIFA World Rankings released on 7 October 2026. The rise, reported by the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation on 8 October, saw the Tridents move ahead of Andorra, Cambodia and Nepal.

The ranking improvement followed a productive opening phase of the 2026–27 Concacaf Nations League campaign. At the time of the report, Barbados was leading its League B group with 10 points, with two fixtures still to play. The team also registered a seven-place rise to 28th in the Concacaf men’s team rankings.

Although rankings are only one measure of progress, the movement provides a positive marker for the national programme. Maintaining that momentum will require consistent results, strong preparation and continued attention to the development of players across the domestic and international pathways.

Participants in the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy at the BFA Technical Centre.

BFA Takes Grassroots Football Development to 25 Schools

Participants in the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy at the BFA Technical Centre.
Participants in the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy at the BFA Technical Centre.

The Barbados Football Association (BFA), working with Concacaf, has introduced the Bigger Game Academy to 25 primary schools as part of an effort to combine grassroots football training with life-skills development. The initiative opened with a two-day training session for coaches at the BFA Technical Centre in Wildey on 7 October 2026.

Technical Director Philip Marin explained that participating schools would select groups of boys and girls for a 10-week programme covering football fundamentals and social skills. An introductory activity day was planned for 130 children from the schools, using 10 stations featuring passing, dribbling and small-sided games. Coaches also received guidance on coaching methods and safeguarding.

BFA President Randy Harris and General Secretary Nicholas Branker welcomed the programme as an opportunity to make a positive contribution to children’s development beyond the football field. Following school-based sessions and assessments, the initiative is expected to culminate in a festival bringing together participants from all 25 schools.