“We will be competing in the Pro League this season” That’s the message from Central F.C. Managing Director, Brent Sancho concerning the club’s application to join T&T’s professional football league.
“We’ve had lots of discussions with Dexter Skeene and members of the board and I believe it’s now just a formality”
Sancho explained that the Pro League are now very cautious about admitting new teams as there have been instances of teams running out of funding before the season has ended. “Obviously, the financial stability of league clubs is just as important to Central F.C. as it is to the existing Pro League clubs.
These clubs have invested an awful lot of money into the league over the years and, understandably, they are very protective of the brand. One of the positive elements of new teams like Central F.C. joining the league is that we can bring fresh management concepts to support the leagues longevity.”
Meanwhile, The Sharks new Head Coach, former Arsenal captain, Graham Rix, took a trip to Larry Gomes stadium on Sunday as part of Central F.C.s community programme.
The stadium was the venue for the Haywood Cup 7 a side tournament that saw teams from across the country competing in a stadium tournament. Rix, who spotted England defender John Terry as a 13 year old at a youth tournament in London while Chelsea youth team coach, wanted to take this opportunity to check out the local talent.
“Of course, professional football is all about results” said Rix “But my real passion is in developing potential. I have already seen that there are some footballers in T&T with great ability. But if they want to play at a higher level outside of the Caribbean, there is still much to learn.”
Rix, who was assistant to Chelsea Managers, Ruud Gulitt and Gianluca Vialli said that people shouldn’t expect to see fireworks at Central F.C. “The players we have at Central are very accomplished and many have played in the Pro League and internationally. They don’t need big changes made in their game.
I suppose that what I can offer them is the subtle, yet important little things that can take their game to the next level. They’re a great bunch of lads and I’m really enjoying the training sessions”
Rix made a short speech before the winners of the Haywood Cup received their trophies, encouraging young people to spend more time involved with sport.
“It’s a theme that we will continue throughout the year” said Operations Director, Kevin Harrison. “Tournaments such as the Haywood Cup need more support. There are teams here from all over the country and it gives people the chance to socialise and have fun with people they would not usually meet.”
Harrison said that one of the reasons that The Sharks wanted to support this event was because teams were playing against other regions for the first time.
“With the zonal leagues etc, players don’t always get to play against footballers from other areas. Today we saw teams from all over Trinidad with San Fernando finally beating La Horquetta in the final. All credit goes to the organisers and the teams taking part”
Harrison said that Central F.C. will be aiming to devise many community projects in the Central Region over the coming months.
“We want to support the Central community, and we will ensure that we make ourselves visible. We are keen to partner with local businesses to develop a big programme of community projects. We hope that everyone from the Region will get behind us and support the club this season” said Harrison
Anyone wishing to contact the club can email them at info.centralfc@gmail.com