Death is an avoidable occurrence in life for which we are almost never prepared. However, the anguish and heartache is perhaps exacerbated to unbearable proportions when a young life surrenders

to the claws of death. Bradley Cyril, a young man of limitless potential and the personification of the football philosophy of the SLFA, tragically passed away.

Bradley was part of the first youth team produced by the SLFA following the launch of its reinvented football program designed specifically to cater for the development of youth football. He proudly wore the national colours at the under 15 and under 17 levels where he made invaluable contributions to his team becoming the most successful St. Lucian team of all time. He will forever be remembered for his remarkable left footed trailblazer which ruffled the back of the Trinidadian net, thus stamping St. Lucia’s authority in football on the regional scale. Bradley’s impressive football intelligence, his ability to read the game, his unbreakable composure and his lethal left foot, were all attributes which earned him his selection on the national team. He was also an important figure for his lifelong club Valley Soccer. Bradley had been instrumental in the club’s success especially at the junior level.

The entire administration is in a melancholy mood following the youngster’s passing but this loss has been particularly cruel to his Under 17 Coach Albert St. Croix and his team mates. The longevity of the team fostered a family-like relationship amongst the players and coaches and his tragic passing has left the entire team in an agonizing state of disbelief.

The executive and staff of the SLFA, with a broken heart extends their sincerest condolences to the family and friends of this young footballer. He made us all proud and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. Bradley Cyril, an amazing young man, a life definitely gone too soon.