On Tuesday, November 12th, a significant press conference was held at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park. The Ministries of Education and Sports conducted a briefing to review the recently concluded National Bank-sponsored Primary Schools’ Football Tournament.
At the head table were several key figures, including the Director of Sports, Jamir Claxton, who chaired the proceedings, and the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Troy Liburd. The Minister praised his coordinating team, the main sponsor (the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank), the participating schools, young footballers, coaches, teachers, parents, and the large crowds that gathered to witness the matches.
Ms Zahnela Claxton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, explained the rationale behind the scheduling of the matches. She emphasised that priority was given to ensure students and their respective schools could participate without interfering with their other regular activities. The participation of spectators was also taken into serious consideration.
Ms. Claxton also announced that the gate receipts from the semifinals and finals matches would be equally divided, with each school receiving $800.00.
The representative from the National Bank, Marketing Officer Ms. Shirna Pemberton, expressed her institution’s happiness in sponsoring such significant events and affirmed the Bank’s commitment to continue support in the future.
Two of the tournament’s key coordinators, Ms. Nichola Fraser and Aljay Newton, also reviewed the tournament, noting that several players impressed the large crowds with skills that surpassed their age.
Towards the end of the press conference, some officials joined Ms. Pemberton to present checks to the deserving schools, which were enthusiastically received by school representatives, primarily their principals.
An update was also provided on upcoming events for the footballers, which include:
– Saturday, November 23rd: An all-star match will be held at ET Willet Park, featuring 36 of the top players from the tournament, currently being coached by select coaches from the schools.
– Friday, November 29th: The Ivor Walters Primary School will host a Football Festival, which will include specially invited schools.
– From Sunday, December 8th to Thursday, December 12th, 25 to 30 of the top footballers will be taken to St. Kitts, where scouts from Minnesota, USA, will evaluate them.
Overall, the tournament was regarded as a major success.