BVI Youth Squad Flies to Azerbaijan for Historic FIFA U-15 Tournament

A 14-player contingent representing the British Virgin Islands youth football programme left on October 21 bound for Baku, Azerbaijan, to take part in the first-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.

The squad, assembled by the BVI Football Association from players across multiple local schools, will compete in Group AC alongside Bermuda, Georgia, Namibia, Poland and São Tomé and Príncipe.

The tournament runs from October 24 to 30 using an eight-a-side format with 20-minute halves per match. Play begins with a group stage, then continues through performance-based tiers that keep all teams active until the final day of competition.

The BVI Football Association framed the event as a chance for young players to test themselves against different football cultures and international opponents while building technical skills and self-assurance. The tournament reflects FIFA's broader strategy to make youth international football accessible to member associations regardless of size, allowing emerging players to gain experience and forge connections through the sport.