The Barbados Football Association (BFA) highlighted the activities of several of its Senior National players, showcasing them as exemplars of the power of football to drive positive social development.

The BFA confirmed that Sheran Hoyte, Nathan Sealy, Khalil Vanderpool-Nurse, and Andre Applewhaite have been out in the community lately, collectively inspiring the next generation by speaking at various sessions aimed at empowering the nation’s youth.

Earlier this month, Sheran Hoyte was invited by Kickstart Rush F.C. to talk with their Under-11 and Under-13 players about his on-pitch and off-pitch football experiences, and daily life as a national player.

Nathan Sealy (currently playing for Salem University in the USA) and Khalil Vanderpool-Nurse (who has played in the UK and Sweden) were also recently invited to share their unique career journeys, particularly overseas, with the Under-13 and Under-17 players at First Touch F.C.

Last month, National Captain Andre Applewhaite additionally answered the call to give young footballers at the Gospel Light House Church invaluable insight into the opportunities available for local players to play professionally.

The BFA went on to highlight former National Captain and fire officer Rashad Jules, who was awarded the Barbados Bravery Medal by the President of Barbados, His Excellency Lt. Col. The Most Honorable Jeffrey Bostic, on Independence Day for his courageous act of bravery last year – entering the Amity Lodge house fire and guiding 104-year-old Beryl Whitney to safety, helping to save her life.

Niall Reid-Stephen (currently playing for South Georgia Tormenta F.C. in the USA) was also added to the cadre of National players demonstrating excellence, with the BFA announcing his nomination for the 2025 Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) People’s Choice Male Athlete of the Year Award for his contributions to the local and international football landscapes.

National Senior Men’s Head Coach Kent Hall said he was delighted to see so many of his players exemplifying the values instilled through the National development program, emphasizing that the power of football transcends way beyond the pitch.

“It makes me extremely proud to hear all the positive things these guys have been doing and achieving, and I am in no way surprised,” he said. “They are all good young men, and their actions reflect the values such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, responsibility, and respect that we encourage at the National level. We take as much pride in our performances off the field, as we do on it, so I am elated to see them leading by example off the pitch within our community as well as to see Niall’s nomination for his stellar year on the pitch thus far.”

BFA President Randy Harris echoed these sentiments.

“Football can be such an important tool to cultivate life skills, especially for young men, so I am pleased to see so many of our senior players leading the charge when it comes to being true exemplars of just what makes this sport so special,” he said. “To represent your nation is a proud honor and a responsibility, and the BFA remains committed to not only assisting to develop the technical skills of our National players, but to also playing our part in collaboration with our local clubs to use football to nurture well-rounded citizens and the future leaders in our communities.”