In a challenging six-match trail to the finals of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs T&T Cup, San Juan Jabloteh, with their two-age group teams, made hash of their opponents to win both major trophies and prize monies.
But hitting the post and near misses took the game through extra-time and penalties, Jabloteh showed the resilience of a winning side and overcame the tenseness which penalties often bring to the table. In the U-17 final, Jabloteh was again made to contest aggressively right through to the end of extra-time, where they eventually got their winning goal in the 97th minute. Third place in the age groups were the Eastern Lions Joe Public football club. With the use of 15 playing fields, 153 teams from various communities participated.
Tunapuna, Frederick settlement, Las Lomas, Crown trace, Chaguanas, St Mary’s Junction, Gasparillo, Marabella, St Madeleine, Princes Town, Palo Seco, Fyzabad, San Fernando, St Ann’s, plus Tranquillity Government, Woodbrook Secondary and Presentation College, it was a wonderful Easter week for over 2,500 young footballers. The Honourable Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs—Gary Hunt is expected to present trophies and prize money to the winning teams at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, from 2 pm tomorrow.
The patron and vice president of the tournament, Member of Parliament Jack Warner, TTFF president Oliver Camps, General Secretary Richard Groden, Executive Director of the Sports Company of T&T, Darren Millien, and CEO of the Pro League Dexter Skeene, have been invited to join with the presidents and secretaries of the successful teams and their players in attendance.
The management committee of the tournament and the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs have extended sincere thanks to the area managers, the coaches and players from teams across the country and those who have worked feverishly to make the event an absolute success.