X-Roads Warriors will be among the teams represented at this year’s VA Cup in Virginia.

The First Division club is being represented by a squad of 14 players aged 11 and 12. For most of the squad, a mix of local and overseas guest players, it will be the first time they have competed overseas, while some will be participating in 11-a-side football for the first time.

Thaaqib Talbot, the X Roads youth technical director, said the team’s primary objective is to “work hard, listen and learn as much as they possibly can” from the wonderful opportunity to broaden their horizons.

“They are expected to represent themselves, their families, clubs and country to the highest level possible,” Talbot said.

“This is an opportunity for our future footballers of Bermuda to experience a large tournament environment, playing against young athletes from another part of the world, building relationships with new people and strengthening existing ones.

“Building a player is like building a house, brick by brick, block by block. At the foundation is motor skill development, on top of that is ball mastery, followed by one-on-ones, group tactics and team tactics. Experiences like these form the building blocks of their success on and off the field.”

Talbot said the players are champing at the bit to showcase their budding talents at this level.

“Most of the boys have not competed overseas before and for some this is their first time leaving Bermuda,” Talbot said.

“So there are a lot of emotions and excitement, which is part of the process of tournament play. Learning how to deal with new environments, how to move on a schedule, how to fuel and hydrate your body, rest and recovery. All part of the learning experience.”

The team’s preparations heading into the tournament have gone smoothly.

“Preparations are going well,” Talbot added. “The boys have been training consistently throughout the summer with conditioning work through the trials at Horseshoe Bay followed by on-field work closer to the tournament date.”

“We are now on the eve of the tournament, so we will have one or two more training sessions in Virginia along with practice matches.”

Talbot thanked all those who have made it possible for the club to be involved in the largest Labour Day football tournament in the state.

“We would like to thank our tournament sponsors MASS Ltd, BoatPort and Perfect Pass Welding and Diving Services for helping making this experience possible for the young men in our community,” he added.

“Their commitment to the development of sport in Bermuda and to the youth of Bermuda is valued and appreciated.

“We look forward to their continued support and invite other like-minded sponsors and organisations to join us as we help develop Bermuda’s young people using football as the tool and guide.”

TheVA Cup runs from August 30 to September 1.