Athene Sponsors DCYFS × BFA U13 Invitational
The DCYFS × BFA U13 Invitational will take place on Friday [October 2] at the National Sports Centre North Field, with Athene joining this year’s programme as a sponsor.
A spokesperson said, “The DCYFS × BFA U13 Invitational is pleased to welcome Athene as a sponsor of this year’s programme, taking place at the National Sports Centre North Field on Friday, 2 October 2026.”
“Success is a team sport, and every partner strengthens the side,” said Ms. Richardson-Augustus of Don’t Cut Your Future Short [DCYFS]. “We are thrilled to welcome Athene as a sponsor. Its support aligns with the Invitational’s purpose: advancing cross-strand collaboration to create intentional, positive pathways for our young footballers.”
Natasha Scotland Courcy, CEO and General Counsel of Athene Life Re, said: “Sport has the power to create meaningful opportunities for young people, helping them build confidence, develop important life skills and form positive connections within their community.
“We are proud to support Don’t Cut Your Future Short and its commitment to keeping Bermuda’s young people engaged through football and mentorship. This initiative extends the same mission behind the Athene Youth Kickstart Cup which is utilising sport to open doors for Bermuda’s next generation, both on and off the field. Supporting it is a natural next step in that commitment.”
The spokesperson said, “Athene’s sponsorship strengthens the One Team, One Community ethos at the heart of the DCYFS × BFA partnership, deepening purposeful, community-centred engagement for Bermuda’s youth.
An innovative evening of development and mentorship
“The DCYFS × BFA partnership looks forward to welcoming U13 players and clubs to the National Sports Centre North Field on Friday, 2 October 2026. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m., with the programme starting at 6 p.m.
“The Invitational will feature six high-tempo stations: four academy-style technical stations and two structured character- and profile-building stations. The energetic, purposeful rotations are designed to sustain focus while delivering quality instruction and meaningful engagement.
“Participants will benefit from feed-forward coaching delivered by licensed local coaches alongside visiting Premier League legends John Barnes and Andrew Cole. The programme will also include:
- Micro character-building sessions led by accomplished figures from academia, sport, business and medicine;
- Small-sided games to conclude the evening; and
- Curated networking opportunities connecting participants with mentors and community stakeholders.
“The organisers have bold ambitions for this signature event to become a cornerstone prelude to Bermuda’s youth football season, helping shape the future of the island’s young athletes while contributing to the wider national strategy for youth development.
“DCYFS and the BFA look forward to working alongside Athene, BELCO, the Bermuda Government, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Polaris and additional partners to harness Bermuda’s collective excellence in support of this important community initiative.
U13 Invitational details
- Date: Friday, 2 October 2026
- Venue: National Sports Centre North Field
- Player check-in: 5:30 p.m.
- Programme: 6–8 p.m.
- Participation: By invitation through Bermuda U13 club teams
“Each team will nominate five players, with clubs fielding two teams able to nominate ten. Registration and parental or guardian consent will be required.
“Sponsorship opportunities are still available; to learn more, please contact Tammy L. Richardson-Augustus JP at trichardsonaugustus@gmail.com.”

