EVEN though Siparia East Secondary bowed out of the BGTT/ First Citizens Girls Intercol quarter-finals earlier this month, the south school was still in high praise of their players and managerial staff for finally sealing the school’s debut in the decorated Intercol tournament.
Although their stay in this year’s national competition was short-lived, the school has continued to overcome several competitive obstacles in both the boys and girls divisions. In this year’s Girls Intercol clashes, Siparia East defeated San Fernando East Secondary 6-0, Fyzabad Anglican 6-2, and drubbed San Fernando Central 19-0. After topping their group, the budding school then played their first-ever Intercol quarter-final in the school’s history, but were eliminated 3-0 by a persistent Point Fortin East team.
Coach of the team, Iverne Yearwood expressed elation with the squad’s promotion and looked forward to next competitive year.
“Next year we’ll be competing in the League and Intercol, so this will be another historic achievement for the school. This would be our second time we’ll be having a girls team in the Intercol and a first for us, having them compete in the Championship (League) as well,” he stated.
Yearwood was especially pleased with the team’s elevation into the Intercol and hoped that the team continue to do well under his tutelage.
“It’s a very proud moment for us as a team, and its an even bigger achievement for the school. The girls have worked hard and I hope that they feel inspired by our good string of performances recently. We’re getting better,” he added.
The head coach was well aware that schools such as Debe High and Providence Girls were stalwart teams in the competition. However, he was highly optimistic about his team’s chances to progress further into the national tournaments.
“We know our journey has just started and we have some tough days ahead pertaining to facing the bigger teams. We’re improving in every game and I know we will make it. Our boys made their Intercol debut in 2007 and stayed for three years.
The girls are following in their footsteps and they’re showing a lot of growth,” he concluded.
Yearwood also indicated that the school’s team is presently searching for sponsors to help offset minor financial costs. He called on corporate Trinidad and Tobago and the public at large to peer in to the football futures of Siparia East and lend a hand to the now emerging team.