The fifth edition of 2013 ECFH-LUCELEC Youth Football League officially got underway last Saturday at the Sab Sporting Facility. Prior to kickoff there was a brief opening ceremony.
Invited guests included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Fortuna Belrose; LUCELEC official, Carmy Joseph; Corporate Communications Manager at ECFH, Omarie Fredrick.
After welcoming everyone, Chairman of the Castries Football Council (CFC), Francis Daniel paid tribute to ECFH and LUCELEC and mentioned how they partnered with the council in a quest to change for the better the lives of youth football players.
“The continuation of this journey is testimony that we are moving in the right direction,” said Francis.
The CFC President pointed out that in the past few years there has been an increase in programs for youth football players tailored to match their physical, mental and psychological capabilities.
No doubt about it this competition has a huge following. Daniels said “this tournament is now synonymous with football in the Castries basin is highly anticipated by stake holders and spectators alike.”
The tournament takes on a new look this year with the addition by invitation of two non affiliates – Roseau and Marchand. Daniel explained that the success of this initiative will be reviewed but in future hope to alternate two invited teams every year in order to keep the tournament fresh yet relevant.
Belrose said on behalf of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports we really want to commend the Castries Football Council and the affiliates for putting on this initiative for the last five years. I think we have seen football take off in Castries we know what the state was five years ago, but with the effort we see
being made by you the volunteers within the Castries area we are tremendously proud.”
On the field of play Valley Soccer Academy made light work of Lancers, courtesy of a quadruple by last year’s top scorer Turjard Stava, a brace by Oneil Hippolyte and Dylan Elliott, a goal from Jaden Peterkin and Darlan Cenac and an own goal.
Daneo Caroo was the lone goal scorer for Lancers.
On field two a resilient effort from VSDAC Academy saw them get the better of Roseau Youth Academy 2-0. The goal scorers were Kegan Caul and Naveed Joseph.
The tournament continues this week in the Under-13 and Under-17 age categories.
