Thomas-Bassett Impresses In Goal In Spain
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian goalkeeper Xavier Thomas-Bassett showcased his potential for the International Development Valencia Under-14 side at the Mediterranean International Cup in Costa Brava, Spain, this week.
Thomas-Bassett was selected for the competition, which brings together talented youngsters from around the world, after impressing at an International Development Academy camp at Warwick Academy in October last year.
The Warwick Academy Year 8 student plays for FC Bascome and is part of the Bermuda National Academy programme.
Richard Todd, the IDA Bermuda head coach, said Thomas-Bassett produced a solid display in his side’s round of 16 match against Catalonian team Cerdanyola FC, who won on penalties after the game ended goalless.
ID Valencia beat La Liga Academy UAE, of Dubai, in a penalty shootout in the previous round, with the match endeding 1-1 after regulation time.
“The Warwick Academy student would produce a vital penalty save during the match, along with a string of saves, to walk off the field with his head held high,” Todd wrote on Facebook.
“Feedback from Spain indicates that Xavier represented himself, his family, his school, his club, IDA Valencia, and Bermuda at the absolute highest standard in the tournament.
“The opportunity was provided to Xavier through a partnership between the Warwick Academy High-Performance Football programme and International Development Academy, which provides opportunities for students at the school to fulfil their desire to develop their abilities and play at the highest level possible in pursuit of their football goals and desires.”
Todd, a former Bermuda Football Association National Academy director, added: “Xavier has opened the door for future opportunities for Bermuda players, and will have a chance to build on this experience when he leads the IDA-Bermuda select team in the minor division at the Super Cup NI [in Northern Ireland] tournament this summer.”
