Kickoff to Philip J. Pierre Cup!

The Honorable Philip J. Pierre Cup football tournament organized by the Marchand Football League (MFL), kicked off with four games on Monday, October 5 at the Marchand Playing Field.

The tournament consists of eight teams and was officially launched on Thursday, October 1 at the Marchand Community Centre. In attendance were the Castries East Parliamentary Representative and Opposition Leader, Philip J. Pierre; MFL President, Christopher Clarke; MFL Vice President, Kelvin Antoine; MFL Secretary, Christopher Duncan; Public Relations Officer for the MFL, Jordan Alleyne and representatives of the eight clubs.

After welcoming everyone, Pierre proceeded to give brief history of the tournament. It began in 1998, when he became the Parliamentary Representative with Virgin Atlantic being the original sponsor.

He said: “We hoped at some time we would to get back with Virgin, but I guess that is impossible now. But we have persevered and continue to launch this tournament in 2020 in times of COVID-19. I feel very, very happy that we are able to do so.”

Keeping in mind that Marchand has produced several outstanding sportsmen and women, he said: “I want to urge you that football can be a means of livelihood for people. If you listen to most of the football stars they came from areas like ours. Many of them were not born with a golden spoon, they were not born in rich neighborhoods. They came from neighborhoods where people normally breakdown. What they survived with was their discipline, patience and their principles. I want to urge all the players taking part in the tournament to be disciplined, patient and be committed to the cause of football.”

Pierre congratulated the MFL, “For ensuring that football remains alive and kicking in Marchand. With its ups and downs it has remained.”

In closing he told the gathering: “I hope that the next time we have a tournament of that nature, the Marchand Grounds will be further improved. We spent some money on the Marchand Grounds but there is still work to be done and I really hope that the opportunity will come here. We plan to improve the Marchand Grounds, particularly the stands and the changing rooms which were repaired but got damaged.”

Eight teams will be participating in two groups in a single round robin format. At the conclusion of the preliminary round, the top two teams will advance to the second round where they will battle it out in another round robin competition. At the end of the second round the top team advances straight to the finals while the second and third place teams will battle it out for a place in the finals.

The Groupings are as follows: Group A: B1 FC, Flames Veterans, Marchand Veterans, and B1 FC Youth. Group B: Big Players FC, Pavee United, Flames United Youth, Big Players Youth.

The first place team receives $3,000 along with a trophy and medals; second place $1,500; third place $1,000 and fourth place $500. There will also be individual prizes for outstanding players.

Following are the results from the opening round matches on Monday: Big Players Youth 3 Flames United Youth 1, Marchand Veterans 1 B1FC Youth 0, B1FC Senior 6 Flames Veterans 0, Big Players 2 Pavee United 1.