Mavericks Sports Club has completed the second leg of its 2026 Global Exposure Initiative, with its Under-15 and Under-17 boys returning from Canada on Monday.
The latest tour brings to an end a two-part overseas programme that involved 120 players and coaches, following the first trip in July by the club’s women’s team and Under-12 squad.
Mavericks president Raphael Holder said the club was pleased with the progress made through this year’s initiative, which focuses on player and coach development through international exposure.
“We played a series of friendly games to give the girls and young men some exposure to the different styles and types of football, while also providing opportunities for young persons to connect with their overseas counterparts and that went well overall.
“Our second tour was to Ontario, Canada as well from August 28 to September 7. That consisted of a tournament called the Friendship Cup, as well as some coaching engagements with the staff there,” Holder told Barbados TODAY.
Intense rivalry during the Friendship Cup (MSCI)
The Mavericks coaches on tour were able to interact with the Canadian Under-17 national coach as well as his assistant, who is also the director of soccer at the Milton Football Club.
The inaugural Friendship Cup also included the Inter Toronto team, and while Mavericks lost their games, Holder said they showed good spirit and technical ability.
“It was good exposure for them and it taught them about football at a much higher level than what they’re probably accustomed to here in Barbados. This was the whole purpose of the trip, which was geared towards elevating their game,” Holder added.
A number of international teams will travel to Barbados in December, as Mavericks stages an Under-19 tournament. Holder stated that last year’s edition was a resounding success and expects the overseas-based teams to add yet another layer of quality this year.
“The Under-19 tournament we usually stage at Christmas will be expanded and will form a part of our Mavericks NextGen event. We will be bringing down some scouts and so forth and at least three overseas teams will be taking part in that tournament.”
According to Holder, Mavericks’ teams are set to be involved in the Prime Minister’s Cup for Women from October, as well as the resumption of the Barbados Football Association’s youth tournament.
“We are also trying to ensure that all of our members are enrolled at one banking institution, because we want to start financial planning for our members, as well as the parents and guardians of those involved. This is in addition to launching a health discount card, in an effort to ensure the well-being of our club members.” (KH)
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