Grand Bahama to Kick Off Championship with Northern Bahamas Playoffs May 15–16
Nassau, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) officially launched the 2025 Samuel P. Haven Jr. High School Soccer Nationals during a press conference held at the Beach Soccer Stadium on Tuesday. The gathering brought together school leaders, coaches, students, sponsors, and media partners to mark the opening of this premier national youth football tournament.
Now in its sixth edition, the championship brings together 18 of the nation’s top high school teams—nine girls’ and nine boys’ squads—from New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Eleuthera. The BFA leads the initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, and regional school sports associations.
This year’s tournament opens with the Grand Bahama Northern Bahamas Playoff, scheduled for May 15–16 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex. In the official draw held during the press conference, it was revealed that Tabernacle will face North Eleuthera High School at 4:00 PM, followed by St. George’s taking on Patrick J. Bethel at 6:00 PM. The playoff concludes on May 16, with the winners and losers of the opening matches facing off.
In the BAISS division, several schools have already punched their ticket to the Nationals. On the girls’ side, Lyford Cay International School (LCIS), Queen’s College, and St. Andrew’s will represent their schools. In the boys’ division, defending champions Windsor School return alongside LCIS and St. Andrew’s. Meanwhile, the GSSSA playoffs are underway to determine their top three teams. Semifinal matchups include R.M. Bailey vs. Government High and C.R. Walker vs. C.I. Gibson for the girls, and D.W. Davis vs. Government High and Anatol Rodgers vs. C.V. Bethel for the boys. These teams will join the BAISS qualifiers in the National bracket.
The New Providence Group Playoffs will take place May 21–22, followed by the inaugural New Providence Junior High School Soccer Championship on May 27–28, providing a competitive platform for emerging student-athletes. National Semifinals are scheduled for May 29, culminating in the Finals on May 30.
The press conference was moderated by BFA Technical Director Bruce Swan and opened by Deputy General Secretary Carl Lynch, who offered welcoming remarks and outlined the national vision behind the championship. Varel Davis, President of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA), shared brief remarks emphasizing the value of national exposure for student-athletes. Sandre Hobbs of BAISS and Feliz Cartwright of the Abaco School Sports Association (ASSA), who joined via Zoom, also delivered remarks on behalf of their respective associations. Jana Indi Johnson, Marketing Manager at JS Johnson, spoke about the company’s commitment to youth development and its role as the official sponsor of the Senior Boys Division.
Also in attendance were school staff and students from Lyford Cay International School and Windsor School, as well as coaches from Queen’s College and Anatol Rodgers High School. Mr. Floyd Armbrister, Consultant to the Ministry of Education, and Mr. Adam Miller, Sports Officer for Soccer at the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture, were also present and engaged in the discussions.
The BFA proudly recognizes the support of its 2025 sponsors: Dunkin’ (Senior Girls Division), JS Johnson (Senior Boys Division), Gatorade (Thompson Trading), PDC Corporate & Accounting Services, IL Cares Foundation, Aquapure, and Paradise Promotional Products. Their partnership is essential to the continued success of this national celebration of youth and football.
Games will be hosted at Roscow A.L. Davies Field in Nassau and the Grand Bahama Sports Complex. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. In addition to top-tier football action, the event promises food, family fun, and community spirit. Schools are also encouraged to bring their Junior Junkanoo groups to cheer on their teams and amplify school pride throughout the tournament.
Ticket pricing is designed to be accessible for all Bahamians. All-access passes covering all eight days—including the Junior Championships—are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Daily passes are $7 for adults and $3 for students, while Junior Championships tickets are just $5 for adults and $2 for students.
For full schedules and tournament updates, visit www.bahamasfa.net.
