Providence United is the newest name on the DIRECTV North East Stars Champion of Champions Invitational Football Tournament. The Sangre Grande based team eased past Express United in the New Years Day final at Ojoe Rd Recreational Ground.
Cheered on by massive local support, the boys in green, inspired by T&T National player, Anton Wolfe of North East Stars, took the lead and never looked back. John Stewart added a second, before the third goal allowed Providence to snatch the $30,000 first prize from the Arima team to huge applause. The final was the culmination of the five week annual tournament designed to give profile to the North East Regions amateur clubs and provide a professional format.
Tournament organiser and main sponsor, Darryl Mahabir. owner of Japs Fried Chicken said "This was a great tournament. Providence had such a poor start, losing one and drawing two of their first 3 games. They only reached the Semi Final after a play off against Biche United.
They then managed to overcome Guayaguayare United, the fancied favourites, by 3-1. But they came through in the end and I'm delighted for them" Aside from the $30,000 first prize, they were several individual awards handed out including the Most Goals trophy to Gorean Highley of Express United who scored 7 goals in the first 4 matches, and Best Goalkeeper awarded to the Guayaguayare United custodian.
The Providence players delighted in the cash reward and promptly set about celebrating at the bar and partying to 104 Boom Champions DJs before the beginning of the 2012 Soccer Fete.
Over 2,000 people attended the Soccer Fete event which ran from 9pm until 3am. With superb performances from Bunji Garlin & Faye-Ann Lyons, as well as an electrifying set from Shurwayne Winchester, the crowd really got into the carnival mood.
Performances from Denise Belfon, Nubula 868, Shal Marshall & T.C.and 3 Suns all paved the way for the appearance of Jamaican Queen of Dancehall, Lady Saw. The fete ended with Iwer George and his now traditional water soaking of the audience supported by DJ Sonny Bling, who hosted the event superbly with co host Whitney Husbands.
Mahabir said "Its been a long day, but a fantastic one. Great football, great music and not a sign of trouble. The perfect way to start the New Year. I'm already planning next years Soccer Fete! As usual, a big thank you must go out to our sponsors, DIRECTV, without who's support this would not be possible"