THE Gros Islet Football League (GIFL) U-13 team is now in Barbados participating in the Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic, which began yesterday and scheduled to end Sunday, August 27th, 2023.
This highly anticipated event brings together young talent from across the Caribbean region, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and friendly competition.
The Gros Islet Football League U 13 team, fuelled by their dedication and passion for the sport, noted that they are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage. The team’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field has earned them a place among the esteemed participants of this prestigious tournament.
According to the League this incredible journey would not be possible without the unwavering support of sponsors with the National Lotteries Authority who generously stepped forward as the title sponsor, demonstrating their commitment to fostering youth development and sports excellence. Other key sponsors include:
Parliamentary Representative for Gros Islet and Minister for Youth Development & Sports, Hon. Kenson Casimir, 1st National Bank, Sugar Beach – A Viceroy Resort, Sandals Grande Saint Lucian, Bay Gardens Resorts, Mrs. Natalie E. Glitz Hirn-Augustine, Mr. Thaddeus Antoine, Big Chef Steakhouse, Courts, Digicel, Exel Sign, Cox & Co., NIKKIBIEDES, Mr. Damon Walters, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), Mayers Printing and sponsors who prefer to remain anonymous.
“Their invaluable support has empowered our young athletes to dream big and pursue their passion for football, instilling in them a sense of pride and determination that will undoubtedly be evident in their performances during the tournament,” noted the League.
The National Lotteries Authority (NLA) stated that it was “ecstatic to be a sponsor of the GIFL U13 team’s participation in the Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic to be held in Barbados from August 18 to August 27, 2023. The Authority sees this trip as a great opportunity to get the young U-13 men of Gros Islet to participate in a meaningful programme for self-development. The hope is that this exposure would get the participants to see greater opportunities in the sport. The NLA Board of Directors and Management would like to wish the young men a successful programme.”
1st National Bank noted how “grateful it was for the opportunity to lend our support to the Gros Islet Football League. The Bank’s support was geared towards securing the team’s participation at the Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic. As an indigenous institution, we understand the importance of sports in the lives of our youths. We have seen its benefits in the many sporting groups, individuals, and initiatives which we have supported throughout our 85 years of serving the people and communities in St. Lucia. We wish to encourage the league to continue to instil discipline and community spirit in its members as has been done over the past 10years. 1st National Bank takes this opportunity to wish the Gros Islet Football League a successful competition and to remind its members that 1st National Bank is here for YOU!”