By Samuel Peters
The Ministry of Sports in collaboration with Cool & Smooth and Joma, launched this year’s male school football tournament, emphasising discipline, academic excellence, and the importance of sponsorship in youth sports.
The event held on Friday at the Sir Vivian Richard Cricket Stadium was, chaired by Rowan ‘Porridge’ Benjamin, the coordinator of school football within the Ministry of Sports, brought together key figures in local sports administration, including the Minister of Sports Honourable Daryl Matthew, Heather Daley, Director of Sports, and representatives from the main sponsor, Cool & Smooth and Joma.
Daley, in her opening remarks, stressed the importance of discipline in this year’s tournament. “We expect to see a very disciplined run league,” Daley stated, adding that referees have strict instructions to maintain control of the games. She also highlighted the potential for university scouts to be watching, emphasising the need for players to showcase not only their athletic abilities but also their sportsmanship.
John Whyte, son of the late Patrick C. Whyte, a renowned sports administrator, announced the creation of the Patrick C. White Student-Athlete Prize. This award, aimed at encouraging discipline and academic excellence, will provide $2,000 to the most disciplined student-athlete in the Under 20 League. Cool & Smooth doubled the prize, offering an additional $2,000 in sports gear.
“It’s not just your athletics, it’s your academics and your discipline,” Whyte emphasized, sharing his personal journey from school football to college on a sports scholarship.
Dario Barthley, representing Cool & Smooth and Joma, reaffirmed their commitment to school sports. “Cool and Smooth is fully committed and will remain fully committed to schools’ football,” Barthley stated. He highlighted the importance of sports in providing opportunities beyond professional athleticism, mentioning plans to expand support to other sports like basketball, cricket, netball, tennis, and volleyball in the coming year.
The organizers addressed previous issues with crowd control by announcing increased police presence at matches. “From the start of the match, the police will be there in presence, and also they will be there at the end,” Benjamin assured.
The Under 20 Tournament has been renamed to the Patrick C. Whyte Tournament and will see some changes in its structure, with organizers promising more excitement in the games. Last season there were two groups in the competition but this year it will be a Round Robin method with the top four progressing to the semifinals.
As the new school football season kicks off on Tuesday 7th October and all eyes will be on the young talents of Antigua and Barbuda, with hopes high for a tournament that showcases not just athletic skill, but also academic excellence and exemplary behavior both on and off the field.
