Crown Trace Football Club was in fine style at the ESPN Wide World of Sport in Orlando, Florida at the Disney International Cup, last week.
The team, from Central Trinidad, finished among the top three in the Gold group by virtue of finishing second in their group, the Under-17 Division, which was considered the most competitive category. This runner-up position came after the T&T boys were beaten by Spain, their only loss of the tournament.
Eighteen teams from Peru, Brazil, Spain, Puerto Rico, Colombia and host United States among many others, took part in the competition, but the unknown Crown Trace came in for commendation for their aggression, speed and exciting brand of play that left their name on the lips of many after the tournament.
The club’s technical director Nicholas Griffith said; “Most of the teams reported we were the best they played against in the tournament, which is something to be extremely proud about.”
Griffith noted; “We understand that our community has been plagued with social issues and in recent time, gang rivalry, but these youths believe in themselves. They know they have the power to make a significant difference in their community if they make the right choices and they are trying too.”
He added “Our community’s image has continued to be tarnished by murders and gang activities that have been highlighted on the front pages of the newspapers. Now why can’t we get a front page story for our achievement in the United States, which we deserve.”
He called on the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs to get serious with the grassroots football programmes such as theirs, by supporting them. “This is where development takes place and support for our programme can help save lives, as it is a vehicle to create positive change. Knowing that we live in an at-risk community, I think they should be more encouraged to support our programmes” Griffith added.
He told the Guardian that too many time, they have to beg for support, which they hardly get. “Nevertheless, we will continue to impact and initiate change and would make it a yearly outing to different countries with different age group teams. Hopefully as we continue to succeed, appropriate government bodies would recognise our successes and see the effect it has on crime.”
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Joseph stands out at Disney Cup
By Shaun Fuentes (T&T Guardian)
Former National Under 17 midfielder Jesse Joseph was the standout player for Crown Trace FC at the recent Disney International Cup at the ESPN Wide of Sport in Orlando.
Joseph was the team’s topscorer with four goals which led Crown Trace to third out of 18 teams in the Under 17 category. Crown Trace competed against teams from Peru, Spain, Puerto Rico, Colombia and the United States. They lost their final match against the Spain Soccer Factory Eurostars of Madrid 6-1 with Joseph being the lone goalscorer. They defeated Noreaster SC of Boston 1-0,drew 2-2 with Peru’s Markham and hammered ACYS Spirit United of Florida 7-2.
Crown Trace prepared for four months ahead of the tournament and will return next year, this time to compete in the Under 19 level. Their achievement is a bright note for Crown Trace. Wouldn’t be a bad idea of putting up a signboard highlight the team and its achievement in the community.