THE Gros Islet Football League held its Annual Football Awards Ceremony under the Theme “Celebrating Excellence: Tapping into the limitless potential of our footballers”. The 2nd Annual Gros Islet Football League Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday 21st April at the Gros Islet Secondary School Auditorium at 7pm.
During 2016/2017, the district of Gros Islet secured various championship titles in National competitions namely; Under 15 boys Champions 2017, 2nd Place U16 girls 2016 and 3rd place U17 girls 2017, 3rd place Under- 22 men 2017, 3rd Place back to back Blackheart Tournaments 2016/2017, and Champions of Champions Trophy 2016.
A number of executive members also secured spots on national delegations within the national football structure. At the just concluded National Independence Sports Awards, hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, the Gros Islet Football League was crowned Organization of the Year 2017. All of these successes were as a result of the joint efforts of the league’s executive; the establishment and functional operation of the league’s various clubs and teams; and most importantly the talent and perseverance of the players within the district.
The proceedings were chaired by the League’s General Secretary Lavorne Verdant-Desir assisted by from three orators; Charde Desir, Vice President of the League, Francillia Austin, PRO of the Gros Islet Youth Development Council and Sheris Paul. Various brief remarks were shared at the start of the ceremony most notably being the President’s address by Shayne Paul and the Hon. Lenard Spider Montoute. The Guest Speaker was Danil Denis. Denis lit up the awards with his words of wisdom and gave the young people hope for their future using a number of scriptures reading.
Every nominee received a Certificate of Recognition.
Category: Individual Awards (Male) Under -16 Best Striker went to Jeremiah Justin, Best Midfielder: Simeon Francis, Best Defender: Liam Bonaire while Best Goal Keeper went to Daren Donaie.
In the U20 category male, the Best Striker: Gabriel Biscette, Best Midfielder: Kimani Jeremie, Best Defender: Sebastien Ribot and Best Goal Keeper: Stavone Gabriel.
Under 23 – Best Striker: Selwyn Boyce, Best Midfielder: Tev Lawrence, Best Defender: Ed Williams, Best Goal Keeper: Christopher Albert.
In the Senior category – Best Striker: Troy Greenidge, Best Midfielder: Melvin Doxilly, Best Defender: Charlery Mathurin, Best Goal Keeper: Caster James
Individual Awards (Female)
Junior Category – Best Striker: Vionce’ Weekes, Best Midfielder: Melanie Richards, Best Defender: Thai Fowell, Best Goal Keeper: Kennisha Joseph.
Senior Category: Best Striker: Kazia Eugene, Best Midfielder: Mellisa Price, Best Defender: Marva Herman, Best Goal Keeper: VangelRosemain.
Special Award: Commonwealth Beach Soccer Gold Medallists Recognition: Linus Clovis, Dylan Elliot and Sebastien Ribot.
Community Achievement Award: Walter Joseph and Anthony Evans
Coach of the Year: Chris Monrose
Lifetime Achievement Award: Francis Mc Donald
Club Awards – Most Disciplined Club: GMC United, Most Improved Club: GMC United, Club of the Year: Northern United
Academic Awards: ShervadHippoyte, Aaron Richards, Kadeem Ellis, Jasper Williams, Kay-Liegh Michaud, Mario Hannah, Sebastien Ribot
Officials and Support Staff who have served the league for the past two years were recognized and was handed certificates of Appreciation.
Media officials were also recognized for their contributions over the years. Each media personnel received a certificate of Appreciation. All sponsors of the awards received a plaque for their generous contributions.
For the President’s Award – Youth Player of the Year: Gabriel Biscette, Senior Player of the Year: Melvin Doxilly, Female Player of the Year: Thai Fowell, BallonD’or Award went to Troy Greenidge.
The Longevity Award went to Jenifer Gaston for her sterling contribution; while Shane Paul and Charde Desir copped the Executive Members of the Year award.
Special Award: Premier Support Pair: Mitchel Ribot and Mr. and Mrs. Larry Scott
Epic Soccer Moment: Caster James, Team Player Award: JhoshwaProspere, Soccer Mom Award: Donna Stephen. Soccer Dad Award: Anthony Gilbert.
