National Sports Council programme coordinator Adrian Donovan says the standard of this year’s BICO Primary Schools Football Competition has improved but has room for further development.
Speaking to SUNSPORT, Donovan said he and his staff were satisfied with what they had witnessed over the two-month period and expected a similar display next year.
“The overall standard was of a reasonable standard and, of course, there are some areas for improvement but all of us involved are satisfied with what we saw over the last couple of months,” Donovan said.
Donovan said this year presented a “beautiful challenge” to host the finals at the Maple ground, Trents, St James.
“It presents a beautiful challenge next year as in where we are going to go. We have received for the first time in the competition clubs requesting to have the finals at their grounds nd, with the help of BICO, I know that 2014 will be a year to look forward to,” he said.
With this year’s’ competition coming to a close, the talents of Most Valuable Player Donte Greenidge and Thierry Gale will not be overlooked and a select few will receive specialized training – not only in football but other areas – at a six-week camp.
Donovan added that there was a possibility of a tour by an Under-13 team to Trinidad and Tobago that would provide the players with meaningful competition.
“This would ensure at the best young players islandwide improve their game, which ultimately would help them progress to another level,” he added.
Donovan also said the those in the schools who played a role in the tournament should be commended for the work they put in with the players.
“Those physical education teachers, not only physical education teachers, but teachers in general, who give up their time to take the boys and girls out after school and on weekends and to give them that additional work should be thanked and be recognized for their outstanding work,” he said.
He added that the final – in which Wilkie Cumberbatch defeated West Terrace 3-0 last Thursday – was not only about football.
“It was about a family getting behind their own, especially in the case of the winners Wilkie Cumberbatch,” Donovan said.
“The competition has [raised] their morale by a 100 per cent and knowing that they are champions in the entire country really brought a special feeling.”