Milestones
Milestones in Bahamian Football History
The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) has been instrumental in developing and shaping football across the islands. Below are some of the key milestones that have marked our journey towards elevating football in The Bahamas.
The first official attempt to organize football in The Bahamas. The Bahamas Amateur Football Association was created, with Brian Andrews as its first president and Paul Thompson as secretary.
The Bahamas’ first All-Star team traveled to Miami, marking the beginning of Bahamian international football. This match against Coral Gables Soccer Club laid the foundation for future international competition.
The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) was formed, uniting New Providence’s two major leagues and bringing football under one national body in accordance with international standards.
The BFA gained full membership in FIFA, joining the global football community and gaining the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
The Bahamas officially became part of the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), opening more opportunities for competition in the region.
The BFA joined the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), further solidifying its presence in regional football and expanding opportunities for Bahamian players.
The BFA opened the Roscow A.L. Davies Field, providing a dedicated and modern facility for football matches and training. This facility has become a central hub for football activity in New Providence.
The Bahamas made history as the first Caribbean nation to host the FIFA World Congress, one of the largest international gatherings in global sport. The event brought together delegates from 208 member associations and top football figures, including FIFA President Joseph Blatter and legends Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer. Held at Atlantis Paradise Island, it marked the first time in FIFA’s history that all delegates were accommodated under one roof — a milestone moment for Bahamian hospitality and football leadership.
In 2011, BFA President Anton Sealy and Executive Vice President Fred Lunn were part of a major regional integrity investigation that reshaped conversations around governance within Caribbean football. The incident became part of the global record and is featured in the Netflix documentary
https://www.netflix.com/title/80221113
The Beach Soccer Stadium was officially opened, positioning The Bahamas as a key player in beach soccer on the world stage. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to the BFA's commitment to expanding football in all its forms.
The Bahamas made history by hosting the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2017. This international event brought global attention to Bahamian football and showcased the nation’s capacity to host world-class football events.