The annual ECFH /LUCELEC/BOSL Castries Youth League tournament commenced last Saturday, at the SAAB playing field, with exciting action involving the respective age group categories.
The young footballers were enthused and tried to grasp the opportunity to showcase their talent and enjoy the lovely game of football, with plenty of support from parents, supporters, and football related personnel.
Greg Mathurin, President of the Castries Football Council (CFC) spoke to reporters about the ongoing tournament, with the introduction of a “female component” to the competition.
“We are very proud to be able to organize a youth tournament featuring both male and female players,” said Mathurin.
Noting that the female category will be open to players of all ages, he explained that, “Because the clubs do not have separate female teams …there is really no age limit, since we encourage all the girls who want to play to give them a chance.”
Mathurin said there will be four (4) Girls’ teams competing in a “round-robin format” of the competition.
He acknowledged the significance and input of the sponsors for helping drive the youth football tournament into its 13th edition stating that : “This is very important for the development of football on a national level … as several players have progressed from that league including and made up the nucleus of the National U-20 Men’s team , with the likes of Keegan Caul , Danio Caroo, Jerod Desir and several of them have also gone on to play senior football.”
He said this augurs well for “the development of youth football nationally.”
Meanwhile, matches continued this week; In the U12 division, NYAH FC raced to a resounding 7-0 victory over FLOW Lancers FC, to begin the tournament with a huge statement spurred on by a brilliant attack-minded young team.
In the U16 division, FLOW Lancers FC overcame FC Pioneers by 2-0. A solid display from the well drilled Lancers team who cemented their authority on the game from the very beginning.
A CFC spokesperson stated that more thrilling challenges are anticipated from this team as their solid start to the campaign has many supporters optimistic that the title will be theirs.
In the final game in the U16 division, VSADC smashed Valley Soccer Club by a score-line of 5-1. Despite the Valley Soccer youths putting on a determined defense, they were unable to cope with the relentless attacks. The VSADC team showed intentions of being the team that can win it all, with such a business-like display.
On Sunday, the action continued in the U14 division with FLOW Lancers FC up against Valley Soccer Club in a cagey affair that ended in a 1-all draw.
Also, in the U14 division; Monchy United claimed three points by default after the FC Pioneers team failed to make an appearance.
In the U18 division, New Generation battled from 2 goals down in the dying minutes in an exciting 2-2 draw against GMC United. GMC dominated the majority of the game, and appeared destined for the three points, but a lack of composure allowed New Generation to get back into the game with a spirited fight back.
In the second U18 game, Northern United overcame FC Pioneers 1-0 in a game where constant breaks in play occurred, due to a very physical contest in the middle of the park by both teams. Neither team offered too much in attack, but Northern United converted a well taken corner kick in the second half to take the lead, and did enough to maintain their lead until the final whistle.
The fixture for the weekend matches is as follows:
Saturday 11th February – U-12 Division
Nyah vs. VSADC – 9.30 a.m.
FLOW Lancers FC vs. FC Pioneers – 11.30a.m.
U16 Division
GMC Utd vs. Valley Soccer Club 1:00pm
VSADC vs. FLOW Lancers FC
Girls Div. 10:30am –
FLOW Lancers FC A vs. All Stars FC
Pioneers vs. FLOW Lancers FC B
Sunday 12th February –
U14 Division – 9:30am
Nyah FC vs. Monchy Utd FC
Pioneers vs. FLOW Lancers FC
U18 Division 12:00pm –
FC Pioneers vs. Monchy Utd – 12.p.m,
Valley Soccer- 1.30p.m.
[R.A]