Malta Carib gives ‘Green Machine’ a boost

Both the male and female senior teams have won no less than ten titles between them in the last ten years with the boys capturing seven League titles since 2002.

With an alumni that boasts of national and international players, coaches and administrators including Jamal Shabazz, Gath Pollonais, Adeae Rique, Desiree Sergeant and Elton John, the school has demonstrated its intention to create not just good players, but balanced young men and women.

Study programmes have also been instituted, the benefits of which are seen in the number of Athletic scholarships awarded to students of the school each year. Ironically one of Trinidad and Tobago legends, Dwight Yorke, attended St Augustine just prior to joining the National team and while he did not play for the school he was able to take full advantage of the academia offered there.

It is this commitment to excellence and the youth that has captured the attention of Malta Carib, the team’s major sponsor.

“We have supported the St Augustine Girls and Boys Senior Football teams for over five years and continue to be impressed by the level of dedication displayed by the players and the management of the team,” said Cindy Lutchman, Marketing Manager, Soft Drinks Division.

“Sport is more than just winning, it is about endurance, education and overall development and we are heartened that as the teams change, they continue to achieve success on and off the field. Malta Carib is of course about high performance and vitality and we see this demonstrated by this team every year.”

Malta Carib’s sponsorship of the team also supports a holistic approach to the school’s development and includes support for uniforms for the Girls and Boys Championship teams, equipment and transportation fees. It also extends to subsistence fees for needy players, ground maintenance and a training camp in Tobago. It is a partnership that has provided some certainties in the usually frenetic season.

“With Malta Carib on board we can approach each season with some ‘definites’ says former Principal Andre Moses. “This sponsorship not only assists us with the traditional expenses associated with the team but also allows us to do more for our students. We try to manage our team like a professional football club and Malta Carib is a well appreciated helping hand in that process.”

According to St Augustine coach Michael Grayson: “Last year’s Boys Championship Team was three years in the making, a testament to how we at St Augustine nurture and develop our players. This year’s team is therefore a transitional one, since with the exception of two players; it is an entirely new team. We therefore expect them to continue to grow and succeed and in fact look forward to them putting their best foot forward in the Intercol tournament.”