Academy Eagles Crowned Provo Premier League Champions

Academy Eagles FC are the new Provo Premier League champions after defeating SWA Sharks FC 2-0 in the PPL Championship Playoff Final on an exciting evening of football.

The Academy Eagles Team

The championship encounter featured the Apertura Round winners SWA Sharks FC against Clausura Round winners Academy Eagles FC, with both sides battling through a tense first half that ended scoreless at 0-0.

While the Sharks defended resolutely and created a physical contest, the Eagles eventually found their breakthrough through star striker Jean Innocent, who delivered when it mattered most.

Innocent opened the scoring in the 77th minute after a tightly contested affair, sending the Eagles supporters into celebration. As the Sharks pushed forward desperately searching for an equalizer in stoppage time, Innocent struck again in the 90+5 minute to secure the championship and complete a memorable brace.

The forward’s outstanding performance earned him MVP honors for Academy Eagles, while Sharks goalkeeper Coreilan Dondy was named Most Valuable Player for his team after keeping the Sharks in the match with several important saves.

The final was also an intense physical battle, with SWA Sharks receiving multiple yellow cards throughout the contest. Joseph Friend Ierr was cautioned in the 20th minute, followed by Elton Joseph in the 56th minute and Jake Maghan a minute later. Elbaket Eugene was booked in the 70th minute, while Makenson Cadet and Caleb Innocent both received cautions in stoppage time.

Following the title-clinching victory, Academy Eagles head coach Aaron Lawrence praised the commitment and discipline of his players throughout the season.

“We work hard. We were more organized than all the teams in the competition and the players gave everything,” Lawrence said. “We were more disciplined throughout the season, and we prepared well and got the job done.”

Lawrence credited the team’s tactical approach for its consistent success throughout the campaign.

“We play to a plan, and the plan works for us throughout every game that we play. We never give any team time to play against us and when we have the ball, we try to play as much as we can.”

The Eagles coach also expressed gratitude to Beaches for sponsoring the club and helping provide opportunities for players to compete at a high level.

“We’re looking forward to next year’s club championship, and we hope Beaches can continue to support what we are doing,” he said.

Lawrence also highlighted the importance of youth development within the organization, and the wider impact football can have on young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“It means a lot for us to help youngsters go through the ranks, play internationally, go to college and even get into academies overseas. This is what we are here for,  to help the youth, help build the programme and help build Turks and Caicos football.”

Despite the loss, SWA Sharks coach Jack Watson said he was proud of his team’s effort and praised the Eagles for an outstanding season.

“We’ve had a good season overall. We won the first cup and had a brilliant season,” Watson said. “Eagles had a terrific season. They were the ones we were chasing for this cup. Hats off to them.”

Watson noted that his side showed significant improvement after previously suffering a heavy defeat against the Eagles earlier in the season.

“The last time we played them we got beat 5-0, so this was a tight game. Possibly the better team at the end won.”

With the knockout competition beginning immediately after the league final, Watson said the Sharks will quickly regroup and prepare for another title challenge.

“We get back to training on Monday. Today is a tough loss, but we are proud of the lads for making the final and we just go again,” he said.

Watson also praised the continued development of football infrastructure and youth programmes in the Turks and Caicos Islands, describing the future of the sport locally as very promising.

“I think it’s brilliant what’s going on here at TCIFA. The facilities here are on par with some high-end facilities in England. The next five to ten years for TCI football is really encouraging for players who want opportunities to play professionally overseas.”

With the league title now secured, Academy Eagles will now turn their attention to the upcoming knockout competition as they attempt to add another trophy to an already impressive season.