Members of Cooper’s Coerver Coaching Academy received words of advice from veteran national player Carlos Edwards at the academy’s 1st Annual Year-End Black Tie Awards, on Saturday, December 16th.
The function, themed “Where Greatness Begins”, was held at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya.
Damian Cooper, the academy’s Head Coach and founder, said the event represented the academy’s vision to continuously motivate and inspire the youngsters as they commence “their Journey to Greatness” and expose them to other life skills, such as socialisation, etiquette, decorum and protocol. These, he insisted, were a critical part of their overall development and as important as their ability to play football.
The event was a gala affair, fashioned after the world renowned FIFA Ballon D’Or, with each player and his parents dressed in suits and formal wear. Every youngster received a “Where Greatness Begins” certificate as acknowledgement for participation in the academy in 2016 and prizes were also awarded in other categories, such as Most Improved Player,
Most Disciplined Player, the Top Five Players of the Academy, the Most Valuable Player and The Spirit of the Academy.
Delivering the feature address. Edwards, a member of Trinidad and Tobago’s team that played at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany, spoke about “his journey to greatness” and the need for discipline and hard work to achieve one’s goal.
Edwards distributed the prizes for the Top Five Players, the MVP and what is considered the most prestigious award -- The Spirit of the Academy Award -- which takes into account not only a youngster’s ability but his all-round development, such as discipline, respect, teamwork, leadership and some of the Academy’s other core values.
Speaking at the event, coach Cooper said, “we have only just begun”.
Main Prizes:
The Spirit of the Academy Award – Mikhail Mahabir
Most Valuable Player – Dante Cooper
Top 5 Players of the Academy – Amiri Prescod; Jordan Roberts; Dante Cooper; Joshua Spencer and Caleb Boyce