If you were anywhere near the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla’s main branch on Thursday 2nd October 2025, you probably heard the laughter, cheers and the sound of footballs bouncing across the car park. It wasn’t your average Thursday at the bank — it was the official media launch and skills showcase for the 2025 NCBA Inter-Primary School Football Tournament, and the excitement was palpable.
Students from all seven primary schools turned up in full force — bright-eyed, spirited, and ready to represent. They were joined by their coaches, teachers, parents, NCBA staff, and members of the Anguilla Football Association (AFA), all there to celebrate the beautiful game and the young talents who make it shine.
The event, now in its eighth consecutive year under NCBA’s sponsorship, has become a cherished part of Anguilla’s sporting calendar — a mix of competition, community, and character-building. But this year’s launch went beyond the usual fanfare. It was an inspiring reminder of what sport means for the island’s youth.
Chairing the press conference, Ms. Marisa Gumbs of NCBA set the tone with a warm and purposeful welcome. “At NCBA, we believe in investing in our youth and in the power of sports to build character, inspire confidence and unite communities.”
She went on to link football with financial wisdom — a clever connection captured in this year’s theme, “Secure Your Goals with the Wrap.” As she explained, “Football teaches young players about setting goals, working together and staying focused — qualities that extend well beyond the field.”
Eight years of sponsorship is no small feat, and it’s clear that for NCBA, this isn’t just about branding — it’s about building futures. “Every pass, every effort and every goal contributes to your growth, both as athletes and as future leaders,” Ms. Gumbs reminded the students.
A familiar face in Anguillian football, AFA President Mr. Girdon Connor called the tournament “the biggest on earth” as he reflected on the long-standing legacy of the event. He acknowledged NCBA, the Department of Sports and Department of Education for their vital roles in ensuring that the tournament remains accessible and well-supported.
For Mr. Connor, the tournament’s real value lies in development. “It’s about developing the players, our coaches and our referee officials,” he noted. “We know that they will make mistakes at times, but that is part of the learning process. What’s most important is that we show respect to all the players and to the game.”
Representing the Department of Education, Education Officer Primary and Pre-Primary Mrs. Susan Smith reminded everyone why sport and schooling go hand-in-hand. “This event not only marks the commencement of an exciting competition, but also celebrates teamwork, discipline and the development of our young people,” she said. She urged the young athletes to embrace the true spirit of the tournament — not just to win, but to play their best and enjoy the experience. “One school can only win,” she pointed out, “but the most important thing is that winning and losing are not as important as playing your best.”
If you have ever met Colin Johnson, AFA’s Technical Director, you’ll know he doesn’t do dull speeches. His lively address was part pep talk, part call to action — and wholly infectious. “Welcome to the biggest festival on earth, that is the NCBA Inter-Primary School Football Tournament!” he began, drawing laughter from the crowd.
He praised the teamwork that made the event possible — from the bank and football association to parents and teachers — and urged everyone to make this year’s tournament “the best ever.” He also revealed that all seven schools would participate in both boys’ and girls’ divisions — a point of pride for organisers working to promote equality in sport.
“This year,” Johnson said, “apart from the first Sunday, the games will be played on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays… We want to promote good sportsmanship, good teamwork, and the spirit of the game.” And just in case anyone needed extra motivation, he revealed that there’d be a special prize for the most spirited school — big or small. “You might not win any game,” he said, “but you can win a big prize for being the most spirited group.”
One by one, the male and female captains from each of the seven schools then stepped up, confidently introducing themselves and rallying support for their teams. Their enthusiasm was infectious, as they urged everyone to come out and cheer them on throughout the tournament.
Once the speeches wrapped, it was time to swap microphones for footballs. The crowd moved outside to NCBA’s grounds, where the young players put on a show that turned the ordinary bank car park into a mini carnival of sport. The kids showcased their juggling, dribbling, and shooting skills, with cones lined up like sentinels and laughter bouncing around like the footballs themselves. Bubble races, water balloon challenges, and mini-prize competitions added to the fun — even a few adults couldn’t resist jumping in. As the cheers grew louder, more parents, students, and onlookers gathered. It felt less like a launch and more like a celebration
The tournament officially kicked off on Sunday, 5th October, beginning with the traditional March-Past to the stadium followed by four matches: Adrian T. Hazell vs. Orealia Kelly and Valley Primary vs. Omololu International in both boys and girls categories. Flags waved, school colours gleamed, and the air buzzed with anticipation.
As Colin Johnson had declared, “This is your moment — and you have to make it special.”
And if this launch was anything to go by, the 2025 NCBA Inter-Primary School Football Tournament is shaping up to be a season to remember — big, bright, and full of heart.
By Janissa Fleming
