Turks scrum half makes a run for the try line. Photo: Freeport Rugby Football Club for Barefoot Marketing

Friday, May 12, 2017

#FREEPORT Rugby Football Club will proudly host their Youth Rugby Festival at the FRFC Club, located next to the YMCA this weekend (May 13-14).

#This year, over 350 young players from the ages of eight to 18 will be participating in the weekend games.

#Girls and boys from all age groups will be enjoying the experience of playing against international opposition from Cayman, Bermuda, Nassau, Key Biscayne, Florida and Turks and Caicos. “We are thrilled to keep this dynamic event for rugby youth players going for the Caribbean and The Bahamas,” said Robert Speller, president of the FRFC. “This year will be our eighth consecutive event, it’s a win for our club, tourism and, most importantly, for the youth.”

#The festival games are slated to begin at 9am on Saturday, following a private welcome reception for players, coaches and parents on Friday night.

#Sunday will see games start at 9.30am and finish around 2pm with a beach party to follow. “This is our third year travelling to Grand Bahama for this event,” said Craig Massey, of Lyford Cay Rugby. “The hospitality at the club is fantastic, the local hotels, the camaraderie with teams and coaches makes this not only a fun event but an exciting one. For us it also gives us a chance to showcase our team and play competitively – the kids love it.”

#FRFC members and senior players will all be working to host the 500 strong contingent, organising dinners, transportation, programmes and more.

#“Our goal is to get in as many games as possible for each age group,” said Nigel Kirkby, FRFC senior referee. “Its very competitive on Saturday and then on Sunday we mix up the teams, so the kids get to play with other islands. And, if we aren’t too exhausted, the coaches will also play a game and show them how it’s really done.”

Some 300 youths from teams in Florida, Cayman, Bermuda New Providence and Grand Bahama converged in Freeport for the 8th annual Junior International Rugby Festival. The event received widespread support and gave coaches, players, parents and supporters the opportunity to engage in a weekend of fun and friendly competition. Photos courtesy of Freeport Rugby Football Club for Barefoot Marketing

As of Thursday, May 24, 2018

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#THE Freeport Rugby Football Club was buzzing with excitement over the weekend as five teams competed in the club’s eighth annual Junior International Rugby Festival.

#From the Friday night welcome party to a full day of rugby action on Saturday, to the final games on Sunday, there was no shortage of fun for all the players, coaches, parents and supporters.

#“This year was our busiest festival with over 300 boys and girls playing rugby,” said Rob Speller, president of the FRFC.

#“The weather was fantastic with cloudy and breezy conditions and all the games were played in good spirit and with great enthusiasm, with no major injuries.”

#Despite a few weather-related travel issues, Key Biscayne, Cayman, Bermuda and Nassau managed to make their way to Freeport for the club’s annual youth rugby tournament.

#Over the course of Saturday and Sunday, players from under-8 to under-16 competed, including a thrilling girls vs. boys match featuring Freeport’s emerging girls’ rugby team.

#Saturday’s final match was a physical full-field under-16 match that saw some terrific tries scored by Freeport’s Titus Lockhart and Cameron Chandler.

#Sunday’s action included team challenges, as well as mixed age-group matches that gave players a chance to suit up alongside some of their opponents.

#Following the conclusion of the tournament, everyone made their way to Banana Bay for a relaxing afternoon of food and drinks punctuated by some beach rugby.

#“This weekend was even better than we could have hoped for,” said Stephen Sheehan, FRFC youth development officer.

#“To see so many kids playing rugby and making new friends is what this tournament and sport is all about.”

#FRFC would like to extend its gratitude to the many sponsors and volunteers who helped make the festival possible.

#The club looks forward to continuing this tradition next year and encourages anyone around the island to come out to youth rugby training on Saturdays from 10am to 11:30am.

#“All the teams had a great time on our beautiful island and we’re already looking forward to next year,” said Speller, “and we are so grateful to all the helpers, sponsors and coaches who made it happen.”

Some 300 youths from teams in Florida, Cayman, Bermuda New Providence and Grand Bahama converged in Freeport for the 8th annual Junior International Rugby Festival. The event received widespread support and gave coaches, players, parents and supporters the opportunity to engage in a weekend of fun and friendly competition. Photos courtesy of Freeport Rugby Football Club for Barefoot Marketing

Thursday, May 24, 2018

#THE Freeport Rugby Football Club was buzzing with excitement over the weekend as five teams competed in the club’s eighth annual Junior International Rugby Festival.

#From the Friday night welcome party to a full day of rugby action on Saturday, to the final games on Sunday, there was no shortage of fun for all the players, coaches, parents and supporters.

#“This year was our busiest festival with over 300 boys and girls playing rugby,” said Rob Speller, president of the FRFC.

#“The weather was fantastic with cloudy and breezy conditions and all the games were played in good spirit and with great enthusiasm, with no major injuries.”

#Despite a few weather-related travel issues, Key Biscayne, Cayman, Bermuda and Nassau managed to make their way to Freeport for the club’s annual youth rugby tournament.

The club is expecting over 250 youth players from the ages of 8 to 17, in both the girls and boys age groups.

As of Friday, May 17, 2019

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#FREEPORT Rugby Football Club (FRFC) is preparing to welcome teams from Cayman, Miami and Nassau for their ninth annual Youth Rugby Festival, starting today with play until May 19.

#The club is expecting over 250 youth players from the ages of 8 to 17, in both girls’ and boys’ age groups, travelling to enjoy the experience of playing international rugby.

#The festival is a culmination of months of dedication from Freeport’s coaching staff, players, and numerous sponsors helping to make the event possible.

#“As a non-profit organisation we rely on the goodwill of our members and sponsors, to enable all our youth programmes to operate and to host such an event.

#“Our aim has always been to provide boys and girls in our community with a safe environment to play soccer and rugby, and to pass on the love of this great game to others.”

#With the return of four visiting clubs, this also means a great tourism opportunity for Grand Bahama, as the teams will also travel with coaches, parents, and supporters.

#“We are thrilled to be heading back to Freeport, to visit with this great club,” said Cayman coach Mick Kehoe.

#“Our players and parents look forward to this trip all year, and it’s great to see these young athletes renew friendships they’ve made over the last nine years,” he added.

#The club welcomes spectators to watch the action, which will kick off with a welcome reception for players on Friday, with games starting on Saturday morning at 9am and running until Sunday afternoon.

#The games will also be streamed live to Cayman Islands, which can also be viewed by fans of rugby via this link:

#https://livestream.com/crfutv/events/8681072

#“The club extends its gratitude to its generous title sponsors, including The Bahamas Tourism Board, The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Port Lucaya Marketplace, and ALIV, who will provide wireless services for all visitors and invaluable local business and supporters.

#“We invite everyone to come down and watch the games,” said President Speller.

#“We will have food, drinks, and of course some great Rugby,” added Speller.

As of Thursday, May 1, 2014

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#THIS weekend, the Freeport Rugby Football Club (FRFC) will host the 4th Annual Junior Rugby International Tournament.

#Teams from the ages of eight to 16 from the Cayman Islands and Key Biscayne, Florida, will arrive to play with the teams in Freeport.

#Every year, the Cayman team has travelled for this annual event, and this year they will bring their largest group ever of 120 players, coaches and supporters. The Cayman team has chartered their own jet to the Bahamas and will also bring the National Rugby team to play the Bahamas National team during the festival.

#Back again are the Key Biscayne “Rugby Rats” who will be bringing over 120 adults with 75 children, ready to play hard for their club.

#As well as watching the children play, rugby supporters will be able to cheer on the dads who will play in a “Golden Oldies” match, for men over 35 years of age, before the special international game between the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands to be played Saturday evening.

#“This will be great because the kids who train in Freeport every week will get to enjoy the game all weekend and hang out with the kids from other countries,” said Rob Speller, FRFC President. “Making new friends is part of the sport and on top of that they will get to enjoy a BBQ and pool party too.”

#FRFC Rugby Youth Coach Nigel Kirkby noted, “Our boys have been training every Saturday morning and have worked really hard to learn all the skills for this weekend. My thanks to the moms and dads who have really supported them and the corporate sponsors who make this event possible.”

#The first game will start on Saturday, May 3, at 9am. The games will continue until 3:30pm for a round robin competition. The Golden Oldies game starts at 4pm and the day rounds off with the Bahamas versus the Cayman International at 5.30pm. Sunday morning games start at 10am and the Youth Festival will finish at 1pm. The club is hoping for lots of support as the visiting teams have made such a great commitment to this event and Grand Bahama.

#“We look forward to a wonderful weekend of Youth Rugby, thanks to Cayman and Key Biscayne for making the festival possible,” Mr Speller added. “We hope all the parents and families will come out and support the kids on Saturday and Sunday.”

Freeport Rugby Football Club is working to expand its programme.

As of Thursday, February 15, 2018

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#WITH the popularity of rugby rising around the world, the Freeport Rugby Football Club (FRFC) is working to expand its own rugby programme.

#The success of its Saturday developmental league has created a surplus of players and now a full women’s and young girl’s rugby league too.

#Last month, Stephen Sheehan joined the club as their youth development officer. Sheehan, a Florida native, played four years of collegiate rugby at the University of Florida.

#Stephen is a former team captain and second-team All SEC selection for the Florida Gators, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a Master’s degree in sports management. After graduating, Stephen returned home to South Florida and began coaching football and working as a high school teacher while continuing his playing career with the Okapi Wanderers RFC based in Weston, where he also served as club captain. Seeking more rugby experience as a coach and player, he spent three months in Gorey, Ireland before making his way to Freeport, Bahamas.

#“From Florida to Ireland and now to The Bahamas, rugby has literally taken me all over the world,” said Sheehan. “I am very excited to put Freeport RFC on the map and help Bahamian children understand the impact that other sports like rugby and soccer, can have on and off the field.”

#With an extensive background in both teaching and coaching, Sheehan’s ability to connect with youth of all ages and demographics made him the ideal candidate for the YDO position.

#His primary role is to foster relationships with the schools on the island and recruit children about the emerging sport of rugby. He will also head coaching activities on Saturdays at the club, located next to the YMCA. “We decided we needed to invest some time and funds into the local community and schools,” noted Robert Speller, FRFC President.

#“The club wanted to improve our junior soccer and rugby programmes and Stephen fit the youth development idea we had. The club has just passed its 50th birthday and we wanted to start the next 50 years with strong youth development programmes and leading the way in rugby in the country.”

#Not just a rugby club, the second “F” in its name stands for ‘football’, also known as soccer. The club also has a burgeoning youth soccer programme that coach Sheehan will also promote with the eventual goal of creating a competitive league.

#Another asset for FFRC is Sheehan’s journalism degree, which he is utilising to improve the club’s social media with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to build a strong brand within the community. Besides recruiting athletes for the rugby and soccer programmes, Freeport RFC seeks to become a place for families and friends to come together to enjoy the social aspects of club membership.

#Whether you are interested in playing rugby, soccer or simply want to become involved with the club, interested persons can contact Sheehan via email at stephen.p.sheehan@gmail.com or we encourage you to follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/FreeportRFC, on Instagram (@FreeportRugbyClub) and on Twitter (@FreeportRFC).

THE Freeport Rugby Football Club is thankful for a recent donation provided by the GBPA Conchman Committee of funding for new uniforms (kits), training equipment, and tents for the new season starting in September.

As of Tuesday, July 23, 2019

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#THE Freeport Rugby Football Club (FRFC) is delighted and thankful for a recent donation provided by the GBPA Conchman Committee of funding for new uniforms (kits), training equipment and tents for the new season starting in September.

#Having just finished another successful Sir Jack Hayward Soccer Camp, the much-needed tents will provide shade for the 80 children who attend their annual camp.

#“We are very grateful for the donation by the Conchman Triathlon Committee and are thrilled to have new kits for all our junior programmes,” said Rob Speller, president of the FRFC. “We try to make all our programmes as affordable as possible and donations like this help, so many who want to be part of a team and a great club. Our junior membership is only $25 per year and we invite everyone to come and join our safe and positive environment to play both soccer and rugby”.

#Many of the members of the well-known rugby and soccer club participate in the annual triathlon, held on the first Saturday of November each year in Freeport. The Conchman Committee is hoping the club will encourage the younger members to participate in the IronKids triathlon, which has become almost as popular as the adult races. Last year, Janika Edey, a junior FRFC club member, won her age group in the girls’ under-19 division.

#“We also plan to have a FRFC Seniors Team this year,” noted Speller. “It’s great training for our athletes and we want to support Chris and his committee for all they do for the sport here in The Bahamas.”

#The presentation was given during the club’s camp event. The chairman of the Conchman Triathlon was on hand for the donation and said: “We want to continue to support organisations and groups who are playing key roles to children in loving sport.

#“Sports are an integral part of a grown child’s physical needs and we want to encourage these young athletes to be future triathletes.”

#The annual Conchman triathlon is now only four months away and it’s a good time to start training for this swim, bike and run event. Learn more on the event’s website or social media pages, and plan to attend the event and support all participants at Taino Beach 7:30am November 2.

of Friday, October 19, 2018

#THE Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines (BPCL) has been announced as the sponsor of the 2018 GBPA Conchman Triathlon.

#The popular two-day cruise line will facilitate the import of international participants’ bikes for the November 3 competition, and gave away eight winners round trip tickets.

#The cruise line has also provided travel for the event’s star patron and world-famous triathlete Hector Picard, who returned to Grand Bahama to participate for a third consecutive year.

#Over the past three decades, the GBPA Conchman Triathlon has grown in popularity, attracting some of the world’s preeminent triathletes.

#Since 1986, the event has provided an environment of friendly competition for both residents and visitors while encouraging physical health activity. “The support we’ve received from Paradise Cruises and their team has been invaluable” said GBPA Conchman Chairman Christopher Baker.

#“Not only have they made it extremely easy for our participants and their bikes to get to the island, but they’ve been instrumental in the provision of prizes for winners in both the open and individual categories with reduced rates for travel and participants equipment.”

#The cruise line, which has two ships that visit Grand Bahama daily, also hosted the Conchman Team, Picard and local media last week for a tour and sit-down discussion about next year’s plans.

#BPCL Director of Guest Experience, Lionel Pirotte, a triathlete and iron man himself, is looking to provide even bigger prize options and travel deals for teams looking to race in The Bahamas. He and Mr Picard are also looking to organize some fun cruise and bike trips, to help promote the service and the event to more Floridians.

#“This is definitely the kind of event Paradise Cruises wants to support” Mr Pirotte said.

#“Not only do we get to encourage physical activity among our people, but we also appreciate Hector’s incredible physical efforts to inspire local children to participate and join this amazing endurance sport.”

Wednesday, September 2, 202

#Freeport, Grand Bahama — It is with a heavy heart that the Grand Bahama Conchman Committee has decided to cancel the 34th running of the GBPA Conchman Triathlon, which was to be held on November 7 this year. It will be the first time in its 34-year history that it will not be held.

#“With the recent announcements from the Government of The Bahamas that they do not expect The Bahamas borders to be opened before the end of October or the beginning of November, and the restrictions being placed on sporting events by the Government, the committee believes they have no option but to cancel this year’s race.

#“As is being said many times, 2020 has been an extraordinary year,” said Conchman Chairman, Christopher Baker. “Our race is very dependent on participation from other islands, as well as a very strong international following, and with the strict COVID guidelines, we have decided to cancel the event.”

#“We will look forward to the world coming out of this pandemic in 2021. I don’t suppose we shall get back to normal living as we knew it for many years,” said Baker. “But we can hope that we can all begin to go about our daily business and especially as regards to us triathletes, that we will be able to start training and competing again in the sport we all love so much soon.”

#The committee is tentatively planning to hold a duathlon in the spring of 2021 which they feel they can run safely and within COVID-19 regulations.

#“The committee urges everyone to keep safe and healthy, and thanks to their many participants and supporters for reaching out to them daily for updates and support.

#“Please stay in touch with us,” added Baker. “We encourage you to watch our social media pages for more info and above all, keep practicing – we will be back.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Freedom Farm Baseball League remains undefeated thus far at the Caribbean Regional qualifying tournament for the Little League World Series.

#They improved to 3-0 with a dominant 13-2 win over District 1 Little League of the US Virgin Islands yesterday at the Quintin Hernandez Park in Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico.

#Andru Arthur hit the first home run of the tournament to highlight the offensive outburst for Freedom Farm. Participating teams in the event include defending Caribbean champions Los Bravos de Pontezuela (Santiago, Dominican Republic), Aruba Center (Santa Cruz, Aruba), Pabao (Willemstad, Curacao), Radames Lopez (Guayama, Puerto Rico A), Gino Vega (Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico B) and District 1 (St Thomas, US Virgin Islands).

#Today, Freedom Farm faces their toughest test of the tournament thus far with a doubleheader against two of the event’s top teams.

#They face the host country’s A team – Radames Lopez at 10am in the first game, followed by a matchup against Pabao at 1pm at the Wifo Montalvo Park.

#Radames Lopez is the only other undefeated team in the tournament at 4-0. A team from Puerto Rico has won the Caribbean Qualifier three times, most recently in 2014.

#Curacao has won 11 Caribbean championships including a streak of seven consecutive years titles from Pabao. Pabao also captured the Little League World Series title in 2004. At 2-1, their lone loss came against Radames Lopez on opening day.

#Freedom Farm will close out preliminary play Wednesday against Aruba Center at the Quintin Hernandez Park.

#The semi-final rounds follow on Thursday and the tournament concludes with the championship and consolation game on Friday.

#The winner of the tournament will advance to play in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

#In game one, Freedom Farm defeated the team from the Dominican Republic 3-2 and followed with a 10-3 win over Gino Vega on Sunday.

#Each of the eight international regions – Asia-Pacific, Australia, Canada, Caribbean, Europe-Africa, Japan, Latin America and Mexico – will contest their regional tournaments this month.

#The United States Divisions take place in early August and the LLBWS takes place August 16-26 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

#Over the course of 30 days, approximately 935 Little Leaguers aged 10-16 from nearly 80 different baseball and softball teams around the world will compete to determine the seven World Series Champions for 2018.

FREEDOM Farm Baseball League, representing the Bahamas at the Caribbean Regional Qualifying Tournament for the Little League World Series in Puerto Rico, lost its third straight game but maintains the fourth position in the standings, advancing to the playoff round.

Thursday, July 19, 2018

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#FREEDOM Farm Baseball League lost its third consecutive game at the Caribbean Regional Qualifying Tournament for the Little League World Series but maintains the fourth position in the standings and advanced to the playoff round.

#The Farmers suffered a 4-3 loss on a walk-off hit from Aruba’s Daniel Werlenman yesterday in Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico.

#The Bahamas took an early 3-1 lead, but left runners in scoring position on second and third in the third inning.

#Aruba had runners on second and third in their half, but Brian Johnson struck out two batters. What looked like a sure out turned into a throwing error and Aruba scored two runs to tie the game.

#Participating teams in the event include defending Caribbean champions Los Bravos de Pontezuela (Santiago, Dominican Republic), Aruba Center (Santa Cruz, Aruba), Pabao (Willemstad, Curacao), Radames Lopez (Guayama, Puerto Rico A), Gino Vega (Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico B) and District 1 (St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands).

#The winner of the tournament will advance to play in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

#Freedom Farm finished the preliminary round with a 3-3 record and will face the tournament’s top team Radames Lopez (6-0) today at 1pm.

#In the first matchup against Radames Lopez, the Bahamas suffered a 7-4 loss in the first game of Tuesday’s double header.Pabao (4-2) and Aruba Center (4-2) will face each other in the other semi-final at 10am.

#Freedom Farm earned the rights to represent the Bahamas after they were declared the winner of the Bahamas Baseball Association’s National Championships that was played recently at the Emera Baseball Stadium in Grand Bahama.