Recently appointed National Olympic team assistant coach Michael McComie was adjudged the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s “Coach of the Year” for 2006 and vibrant National Under 17 midfielder Leston Paul was named the Young “Player of the Year” at the Federation’s annual awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza on Sunday.
McComie, who led Joe Public to the 2006 T&T Pro League title also collected the “Team of the Year” award on behalf of the “Eastern Lions” as several of the top performers were recognized by the TTFF. Sunderland and former T&T captain Dwight Yorke, named the 2006 “Player of the Year” had his brother Brent receive the award on his behalf.
One of the notable honours made on the day was the one to veteran administrator and coach Vernon Bain who the TTFF paid tribute to for 51 years of service as a General Council member. The TTFF and special adviser Jack Warner, who noted that Bain was responsible for influencing him to become an official with the TTFF, presented the long standing server with a cheque valued at $25,000.
In his address, President Oliver Camps offered congratulations and warm appreciation for those who contributed to the year’s successful completion and undoubtedly most successful on the international stage with the representation made by the “Soca Warriors” at the 2006 World Cup.
“The pursuit of excellence by all those who have made contributions and the superior performances of the awardees are both vital ingredients in inspiring the generations of younger players to persevere in the continuous improvement of their football,” Camps said. “As a platform for producing a continuous supply of such excellence on the field, the Federation has now introduced a new Development programme. Its main objective is to have the coaches at all levels of the game in the country, from our Primary Schools and other existing junior coaching programmes to the Professional League, adequately equipped and properly qualified,” added the former National Team manager of 1973 and 1989.
As Terry Joseph, member of the local organizing committee for Germany 2006 gave a colourful and detailed “Reflection” of the highlights of the TTFF for 2006, Rhonda Lee Yhapp, acting manager of events and sponsorship for main sponsors TSTT, said that her company was committed to supporting the Federation and its Super League.
“TSTT’s three year sponsorship should remove any doubt that we are committed to the players and the sport,” Lee Yhapp said, adding that TSTT’s support of the Super League should be used by players to improve their all round skills, allowing her company to also connect with the people and clubs from diverse communities.
“The Soca Warriors have carved the road map. It is up to the Super Leagues to use this moment to keep the dream alive for 2010. In 2006 we at TSTT understood the value of the sport when we placed over three million dollars towards the World Cup campaign. We are pleased to announce that we have extended the contract of the TTFF through to November 2008,” said Lee Yhapp, adding that the contract includes support for products… the Soca Warriors and the football administrators.
Police FC and WASA FC also received their silverware and prize money for taking the 2006 Super League and FA Trophy titles while Angostura 1976 Phoenix FC took the Super League knockout prize. Other notable awardees were “Male Referee of the Year” Neil Brizan and Shane De Silva as “Female Referee of the Year”, assistant referees of the year – Joseph Taylor (male) and Cindy Mohammed (female), Administrator of the Year – Roland Forde, president of the Northern FA, Regional Association of the Year – Eastern FA as well as Female Player of the Year for both senior and junior Ayana Russell. The Super League MVP and topscorer awards went to Dominic Kerr while Darin Lewis was named the FA Trophy “MVP” and Kendall Jagdeosingh got the topscorer award.