Stars in the stands

During the pre season, the Sangre Grande based club mobilised a passionate group of supporters and created The Patriotic Estrellas, the North East Stars independent supporters club. Already seen in action at the Hasely Crawford and Marvin Lee Stadiums, The Estrellas have certainly made an impact and are set to take the Pro League by storm.

"We were approached by Vicky Popo and her son, Kareem, who were ardent North East fans and attended most games." said North East's Operations Director, Kevin Harrison. " When I first watched Pro League football, I couldn't believe how quiet everyone was.

It was like sitting in a cinema where you were supposed to sit quietly and watch the action. As an Englishman growing up in the noise and excitement of English football grounds, this experience was completely alien. There was absolutely no atmosphere.

I had been determined to bring some of the passion I experienced at football grounds in England to the Pro League. So when Vicky and Kareem told me they wanted to form a supporters club, I jumped at the chance."

Vicky, a Sangre Grande businesswoman has been a devoted North East supporter for years. "We have very few opportunities to bring the Sangre Grande community together and just about our only source of pride is North East Stars F.C. I wanted to find a way of bringing the town together and getting behind our football club seemed the logical choice."

Vicky said that the many community projects carried out by the club set a great example to other organisations. "I just felt that the players and staff have committed themselves so much to the people of this region that it was time for us locals to return the support."

Vicky's son, Kareem has an event promotion business called Blu Pitts Promotions. "Many people mentioned that they wanted to support North East Stars, but with games taking place in Macoya, Hasely Crawford and down south as far at Ato Boldon, the supporters couldn't easily travel by bus or maxi.

Using the network I have built up through Blu Pitts, we felt we could organise the supporters to travel together." Kareem, a fireman based in Arima, and Harrison, devised an all inclusive supporters package to encourage supporters. "North East gave us some free passes to games. This, together with the special Pro League promotions allowed us to build an affordable package for the supporters. Initially, we could give match entry, transport to and from the game and a supporters T shirt for $100" said Kareem.

Once the initial group were together, they had to decide upon a name. "With our town having a Spanish name, it seemed obvious that so should our group. Estrellas is Spanish for stars, and of course, we are patriotic, so Patriotic Estrellas was the name we chose" said Kareem. "We're a crazy bunch who love to have a good time while supporting the team." Key members of the Estrellas include Zoltan, Dorti, Buckeroo, Sexy Spartan, Jiggle It and Miss Mac.

Harrison said that the Estrellas rehearsed some chants and rhythms and are becoming an effective motivational force for the team. "I showed the group internet footage of European supporters chanting and singing, and helped with some popular English chants." He said he was delighted to hear the actual chants at the games.

"The group are evolving and developing their own chants. However, I had to laugh when I heard one chant straight from the English game. An opposition player fell to the ground after a soft challenge from a North East player. The Estrellas immediately shouted "She fell over" at the player on the ground. I laughed out loud. This is the sort of humour I like to see at matches. It intimidates the opposition."

Vicky said "We already have around 100 supporters, but we want to attract more. Any North East supporters at games are welcome to come over and join in. Also, people in Grande, Valencia and Arima can contact us for information and travel with us to matches."

Harrison said "Our aim now is to get a main sponsor for the Estrellas. Every match is covered by Wi Sports TV and they always get lots of shots of the Estrellas. We also hope that local businesses in the North East will help out.

This is primarily a community project and it unites the local people. We would love local businesses to come on board and help with the cost of hiring maxis, supplying flags etc and maybe even supplying some liquid refreshment for the fans! Of course, in return, businesses will receive some promotional opportunities, and its a way of promoting Sangre Grande across T&T, and, who knows, maybe across the Caribbean!." 

North East had a disappointing start to their season, losing their first 3 matches, however Harrison says this actually became a positive force. "Its easy to support a winning team, but it takes real dedication to travel for an over an hour to see a team that's lost its first 3 games. However, the experience united the players, staff and supporters and had a galvanising effect on the team.

There was no way the players were going to lose a fourth game for their fans and they fought for every ball." Harrison said the players were motivated by hearing their supporters chants. "The players were encouraged by the support and at the end of the match the team turned and saluted The Estrellas."

Harrison said he hoped other teams can generate their own supporters groups. "Although we want to steer well clear of the hooliganism that British and European fans became involved with, it would be good for football to get two sets of supporters trying to out shout each other at matches. Although we want to develop the passion, we want an atmosphere of fun, not aggression"

Anyone interested in joining the group or helping out with sponsorship should contact Kareem on 713 5272.