[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Gros Islet Football League (GFL) held its Annual Football Awards Ceremony under the theme “Celebrating Excellence: Tapping into the limitless potential of our footballers”.
The second Annual Gros Islet Football League Awards Ceremony took place Saturday at the Gros Islet Secondary School Auditorium at 7:00 pm.
During 2016/2017, the district of Gros Islet secured various championship titles in National competitions namely; Under 15 boys Champions 2017, econd Place U16 girls 2016 and third place U17 girls 2017, Under 22 third place 2017, third place in back to back Blackheart Tournaments 2016/2017, and Champions of Champions Trophy 2016.
Numerous 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 effort 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 was chaired by the League’s General Secretary Lavorne Verdant-Desir with help 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 Minister Lenard “Spider” Montoute. The Guest Speaker was Danil “Boots” Denis.
Minister Montoute while congratulating the GFL, expressed his disappointment at the destruction and vandalism of changing rooms located at the Gros Islet, Corinth and Grand Riviere playing fields.
He said: “And to think that this being done by you, I want you to understand and appreciate that when those facilities are established it is not government’s facilities, it is your facilities. First and foremost it is your resources that is utilized to establish them. I do not know of many government officials who participate in sports anyway. And to think when I went in there the condition which I saw the toilets, the lockers, the partition and so on was appalling.”
Instead of continuously doing repairs to facilities, Montoute went on to say those limited resources that we have could have been utilized to do something different, something additional.
The guest speaker who is accustom to speaking from the pulpit, lit up the awards with his words of wisdom and gave the young people hope for their future using a number of scriptures from the Holy Bible.
Individual Awards Male Under 16. Best Striker: Jeremiah Justin; Best Midfielder: Simeon Francis; Best Defender: Liam Bonaire; Best Goal Keeper: Daren Donaie.
Individual Awards Under 20. Best Striker: Gabriel Biscette; Best Midfielder: Kimani Jeremie; Best Defender: Sebastien Ribot; Best Goal Keeper: Stavone Gabriel.
Individual Awards Under 23. Best Striker: Selwyn Boyce; Best Midfielder: Tev Lawrence; Best Defender: Ed Williams; Best Goal Keeper: Christopher Albert.
Senior Individual Awards. 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: Vangel Rosemain.
Special Award. Commonwealth Beach Soccer Gold Medallists Recognition: Linus Clovis, Dylan Elliot and Sebastien Ribot.
Coaches Awards: 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: Shervad Hippoyte, Aaron Richards, Kadeem Ellis, Jasper Williams, Kay-Liegh Michaud, Mario Hannah and Sebastien Ribot.
Officials and Support Staff who have served the league for the past two years were recognized where each got a certificate of Appreciation.
Media officials from across the media spectrum were also recognized for their contribution over the years to the league. Each media personnel received a framed certificate of Appreciation.
All sponsors of the awards received a plaque for their generous contributions.
President’s Award. Youth Player of the Year: Gabriel Biscette; Senior Player of the Year: Melvin Doxilly; Female Player of the Year: Thai Fowell; Ballon D’or Award: Troy Greenidge; Longevity Award: Jenifer Gaston; Executive Member of the Year: Shayne Paul and Charde Desir.
Special Awards: Premier Support Pair: Michel Ribot and Mr and Mrs Scott; Epic Soccer Moment: Caster James; Team Player Award: Joshua Prospere; Soccer Mom Award: Donna Stephen; Soccer Dad Award: Anthony Gilbert.
The Gros Islet Football League express their profound appreciation to sponsors for their assistance in ensuring that plans for the events were well executed.
Some of the sponsors for the night’s proceedings include the Digicel St Lucia, St Lucia Football Association, Honorable Lenard Montoute, Scott Sports and Awards, Nagico St Lucia Limited, LUCELEC, KP Marine St Lucia Limited, Peter and Company Distribution, Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Massy Stores Coal Pot Restaurant, Rainforest Adventures St. Lucia and the Gros Islet Youth Development Council.
