The Jason Roberts Foundation National Youth Cup Finals finally kicks off to a great success

Thankfully the weather was very hot and sunny as the Youth Cup Finals were supposed to take place before the Liverpool Legends game back in June but unfortunately heavy rain on the morning of the match meant the Youth games were postponed.

The competition began in May with parish tournaments being organised by local co-ordinators all over the Island. A total of 45 teams entered the tournament, which was the first youth competition staged on the Island outside of the Schools Rightstart Cup for about 8 years, at the Under 10, Under 13 and Under 16 age groups. The semi final stage was held on the 6th June as an east and west regional format and the winners of this stage progressed to Saturday’s finals.

“Sol Mutuel” Under 10s Cup Final

Queens Park Rangers (St George) v Hard Rock (St Patrick)

Both teams entered the stadium with the FIFA banner ahead of them, and were led out by their respective coaches. The Under 10s category was 5-a-side so both teams had squads of 12 players waking out onto a beautiful surface at the Cricket Stadium. The teams were met by sponsors Sol Mutuel representative Kathleen Hadhab, and Jason Roberts Foundation Development Manager Gary Mulcahey. Queens Park Rangers had recently arrived back from a tour of Trinidad and had experienced a game with a local side on the Island. Hard Rock’s preparations had involved thorough practise sessions delivered by coach, Clarke John. Hard Rock dominated the early exchanges and went ahead through a goal by Brady Charles. It took a while for Queens Park Rangers to react but they caught Hard Rock on the break on a couple of occasions but brave goalkeeping by the Hard Rock goalkeeper kept them in front.

In the second half Queens Park Rangers equalised with a goal by Trevin Calliste. As the game went on Queens Park began to settle down and create chances. The game was very even and with the goalkeepers on top form there was to be no winner in normal time. After a quick chat from the coaches 4 minutes of extra time was played and with players getting tired from both teams it was inevitable that penalties would be required to find a winner! Penalties arrived and the teams were level after 3 spot kick s each but now it was sudden death. Queens Park Rangers had their next kick saved and therefore it left Sheldon Pato to convert the next penalty to make Hard Rock FC the first Sol Mutuel Under 10 cup winners. Amazingly there were no tears from the runners up as they conducted themselves impeccably at such a young age. 

Hard Rock and Queens Park Rangers Under 10s line up for the National Anthem

Kadeem of Hard Rock dribbles past a defender

“St. Augustines Medical Services” Under 13 Cup Final

Fontenoy (St George) v Hurricane (St Mark)

Teams were led out by two ex-National team players in Andrew Monroe and Kennedy Phillips, and the young players were proud of their roots as they represented their respective villages for the first time in a major competition. After the greeting of the players by Dr Joe Amechie of St Augustines Medicals Services, it was straight into the action. What a start for Hurricane, as they quickly found their feet in this new 7-a-side format, Mario Ganness received the ball 12 yards out and drilled a left shot straight into the bottom corner of the Fontenoy net.1-0. Coach Kennedy Philips tried to rally his troops but they were under constant pressure from a very exciting young Hurricane side. They passed the ball beautifully around the lavish playing surface and soon went 2-0 up again from Ganness with another powerful shot.

Half time could not come quick enough for Fontenoy. Some positive comments from Kennedy Phillips and Fontenoy Under 13s were a different team! They took the game to Hurricane and made a game of it in the second half. Hurricane still played their possession game but Fontenoy improved their work rate and managed to win back possession more often. But they could not turn the possession into goals. Hurricane managed to hold out, though, and was comfortable winners in the end.

“St Georges University” Under 16 Cup Final

Marlon Glean Soccer School (St John) v ASOMS Paradise (St Andrew)

This was the final everyone wanted to see, with a small crowd now gathered in the stands of nearly 400, both teams had been training hard over the summer holidays in order to taste victory. Marlon Glean Soccer School had overcome a tough semi-final against cup favourites, Hurricane Under 16s, and were relishing the chance to perform in the final at the Cricket Stadium. Former National Team Coach, George McGuire, met the players before hand and wished them all well. The Under 16 Final format was 9-a-side so squads of 16 were formed, for the larger pitch with full size goals at each end.

The game began very evenly with both sides creating chances. FIFA referee, Valdam Bidoo, who has two sons by the name of McManaman and Klinsmann, did well to keep up with the pace of the game. It was Marlon Gleans team that broke the deadlock through outstanding forward, Kimo Sampson. The boys from Gouyave began to dominate and were unlucky not to increase their lead going into the break only 1-0 up.

ASOMS Paradise defence holds firm against Marlon Glean U16s

The second half saw a much improved ASOMS Paradise with Andel Chest and Ken Campbell changing things slightly during the half time break. Local player and national team member Shane Rennie was in the crowd cheering on his young players from the parish of St Andrew. Although ASOMS created chances there was no way past Marlon Gleans goalkeeper and in fact Marlon Gleans team doubled their lead, a goal by Stephen Francis. With minutes remaining O’Neil had a late chance for ASOMS but in the end Marlon Gleans boys deserved their victory.

The winning Marlon Glean Soccer School Squad with Coach Marlon Glean

The day belonged to all the players with prizes for every participant who took part from sponsors Digicel, including a back to school pack and a mobile phone handset for each Most Valuable Player Award in every age group. The winning team in each category also walked off with a new set of shirts donated by Charlton FC and the Football Association back in the United Kingdom.

The Finals were a complete success thanks to all our sponsors, supporters and willing staff:

Stadium scoreboard was used to show sponsors for the event