Despite the tremendous economic?challenges facing the island, the cancellation of the David Thompson Memorial Constituency Council Football Classic was never an option.
So says Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development Steven Blackett as he spoke during the launch at the Warrens Office Complex yesterday.
Speaking to SATURDAY SPORT, Blackett said the number of positive spin-offs derived from hosting the competition indicated it was a huge success.
“All the goals that we set as a ministry with this particular tournament have been realized and, therefore, we will continue to pursue this tournament,” the minister said.
“It has actually brought communities together, ignited new community spirit and it is certainly the kind of tournament that speaks strongly to the memory of the late Prime Minister David Thompson.”
Additionally, he said the tournament helped to give exposure to young footballers who would not normally be seen on a national stage.
In an effort to help reduce the overall expenses of this year’s competition, Blackett revealed they had partnered with the National HIV/AIDS Commission.
He said they would be sponsoring the players’ uniforms, which comprised shirts, pants and socks, at a cost of between $30 000 and $40 000.
Despite the much needed assistance, the minister acknowledged the tournament needed a major sponsor. However, he said plans to attract a potential sponsor had not gone as smoothly as expected.
“We employed the services of a marketing consultant to actually approach some of the major business houses [that] would have an interest in this kind of tournament.
“I must admit that, at this stage, that particular thrust has not been so successful but we are still pursuing that particular area,” Blackett admitted.
“We are hoping that the marketing consultant can attract, even at this stage of the organizing of the tournament, some kind of sponsorship that will help to defray some of the costs that we incur for the tournament.”
The competition will run from September 22 until December 15, with the finals once again being held at Kensington Oval.
The winners will once again take home $30 000, the runners-up $20 000, the third-placed team $15 000, while the fourth-placed finishers will receive $10 000.
City of Bridgetown will be out to defend their title after having won the two previous competitions in 2011 and 2012. They will start their defence against Christ Church South at the Gall Hill Playing Field in St John on September 22, which will also see St John coming up against Christ Church East after the opening ceremony.
Zone 1 – Christ Church West Central, St Michael North West, St Michael West Central, St Philip West, St George North.
Zone 2 – St Joseph, Christ Church East Central, St Peter, St James Central, St James North.
Zone 3 – City of Bridgetown, Christ Church South, St James South, Christ Church West, St Michael South East.
Zone 4 – St Thomas, St Michael South Central, St Lucy, St Michael North East, St Philip North.
Zone 5 – St Michael North, St Michael Central, St John, Christ Church East, St George South.
Zone 6 – St Andrew, St Michael West, St Michael East, St Michael South, St Philip South.
