Bombers FC Strengthens Player Development Pathway with Appointment of Ellington Sabin as U20 Head Coach

One Club. One Pathway. One Community. One Goal.

Portsmouth Bombers FC has taken another significant step in building one of Dominica's most comprehensive football development systems with the appointment of former Dominica Senior National Team Head Coach Ellington Sabin as Head Coach of the club's Under-20 Development Team.

The appointment reinforces Bombers FC's commitment to providing young footballers with a structured pathway from grassroots football to the highest levels of the game. It also strengthens the club's recently unveiled Player Development Pathway, a long-term blueprint designed to ensure every player has the opportunity to progress from their first introduction to football through to the national team, college scholarships, and professional football.

A Vision Built for the Future

Following the first round of the Dominica Football Association competitions, Bombers FC undertook a comprehensive review of its football programme. While the club celebrated encouraging performances across its teams, leadership also recognized the importance of creating an even more structured system that supports player development at every stage.

The result is a pathway that places equal emphasis on technical excellence, education, character development, leadership, and opportunity.

"Our primary focus is ensuring that every young player who comes through our doors has a genuine opportunity to fulfil their football dreams," said Bombers FC President Jerry Williams.

"We don't want to lose talented young people simply because there is no clear pathway. Football should provide direction, discipline, and opportunity. Success doesn't happen overnight, but if our players are willing to commit to the journey, Bombers FC will remain committed to helping them achieve their goals."

Ellington Sabin to Lead the Critical Transition Stage

The appointment of Ellington Sabin represents one of the most important additions to the club's development programme.

As former Head Coach of the Dominica Senior National Team, Sabin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Under-20 programme—the stage where young players make the transition from youth football into senior competition.

His role extends far beyond coaching matches. He will mentor players, instill professional standards, and prepare them for the physical, tactical, and mental demands of Premier Division football while positioning them for national team selection, overseas scholarships, and professional opportunities.

For Bombers FC, the Under-20 programme is more than another team—it is the bridge between youth football and elite competition.

One Club. One Coaching Philosophy.

The strength of the Bombers FC pathway lies in its coordinated coaching structure, where every age group is connected through a shared vision and football philosophy.

The journey begins with the Portsmouth Football Academy, led by Andy Burkard and Chris Roserens, whose partnership with Bombers FC has established a seamless foundation for player development. Together, they introduce young footballers to the game while developing technical skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for football.

The Under-15 Boys Team is coached by Andy Burkard and Jude Hilton, focusing on technical development, tactical awareness, and preparing players for the next stage of competitive football.

The Under-16 Girls Team, under Chris Roserens and Lamon Irish, provides a structured environment where young female footballers can continue their development while preparing for opportunities with the Premier Women's team and the Dominica Women's National Team.

Leading the newly strengthened Under-20 Development Team is Ellington Sabin, whose extensive coaching experience provides young players with invaluable guidance as they prepare to enter senior football.

The club's successful Premier Division Women programme continues under Heinrich Anselm, who has built a culture of excellence while preparing players for national team selection, college opportunities, and professional football.

The Premier Division Men remain under the leadership of Oris Mills, who continues to guide the club's senior team while also serving as Head Coach of the Dominica National Under-14 Boys Team. His national appointment reflects his growing reputation as one of Dominica's leading young coaches and further strengthens Bombers FC's technical leadership. Supporting Mills is Kwame Carbon, with the pair committed to competing for championships while ensuring talented players from the Under-20 programme successfully transition into senior football.

Together, this experienced coaching team ensures consistency throughout every stage of a player's journey, creating a unified football identity from the youngest age groups through to the Premier Division.

Creating International Opportunities

Bombers FC's vision extends well beyond domestic football.

A major component of the Player Development Pathway is the club's partnership with Chris Saul, who leads Bombers FC's International Player Pathways and Recruitment Programme.

Working closely with the club, Saul is responsible for connecting players with:

• Overseas club trials

• International scouting opportunities

• College and university scholarships

• Professional football pathways

• International club partnerships

• Player recruitment and representation

These relationships provide Bombers FC players with opportunities that few clubs in the region are able to offer, helping transform local talent into global opportunities.

Developing People Before Players

While football excellence remains the objective, Bombers FC believes true success is measured by the quality of the people it develops.

Throughout every level of the pathway, emphasis is placed on:

• Technical and tactical development

• Physical preparation

• Mental resilience

• Leadership

• Academic achievement

• Discipline and respect

• Community involvement

• Personal growth

The goal is to produce young men and women who are prepared for success both on and off the football field.

A Pathway That Connects Every Dream

The Bombers FC Player Development Pathway provides a clear route from grassroots football through every stage of development.

Young players can now progress from the Portsmouth Football Academy into the Under-15 programme, continue into the Under-20 Development Team, and advance into the Premier Division while pursuing opportunities with the Dominica National Teams, overseas colleges, and professional clubs.

For female players, the pathway progresses from the Portsmouth Football Academy to the Under-16 Girls programme, then into the Premier Division Women's team before advancing to national team and international opportunities.

This structured progression ensures that every talented player knows exactly where the next opportunity lies.

Building the Future Together

Bombers FC recognizes that developing footballers is a shared responsibility involving coaches, parents, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and the wider Portsmouth community.

The club has created the pathway.

Its coaches provide the knowledge and leadership.

Its partners create opportunities.

The community provides encouragement.

The players provide the commitment.

With the appointment of Ellington Sabin to lead the Under-20 programme and an experienced coaching staff guiding every stage of development, Bombers FC has positioned itself as one of the leading models for youth football development in Dominica.

The club is no longer simply building competitive teams.

It is building future national players.

Future university graduates.

Future professionals.

And future leaders.

Bombers FC — Building Champions On and Off the Pitch.