The 2018 edition of the Primary Schools Football tournament, on Nevis, got on the way on the afternoon of Friday 12th October, at the ET Willet Park.
Sadly, it was yet another year that the tournament is being run without a sponsor.
However, the eight participating teams showed up resplendently attired in their brand new outfits.
A brief but impressive opening ceremony was the first order of business and this was ably chaired by Sports Officer, Mr. Kelvin Bramble.
It commenced with the invocation by Mr. Lucien York and the playing of the national anthem by the DJ on hand.
History was made, due to the fact that for the first time ever, a patron was named for the tournament, in the person of Curtis Morton Jr who previously played with distinction for the Joycelyn Liburd Primary and Gingerland Secondary Schools; Bath United and now the Hardtimes Football team.
He was formerly introduced by Headmistress at the Joycelyn Liburd Primary, Miss Barbara Hendrickson.
Among those addressing the gathering was Minister of Sports, Hon. Eric Evelyn, who warmly congratulated the patron for being so honoured and thanked the Ministries of Education and Youth and Sports, for coordinating the event.
He admonished the young footballers to take the game seriously, as there are lots of opportunities available through Football and lots of money to be made as well.
He asked them to play hard; play fair and respect the officials.
Newly acclaimed Patron, Curtis Morton Jr, thanked the Headmistress and staff of the Joycelyn Liburd Primary School for his nomination to the signal honour and noted that he was humbled and honoured.
He stated that it was at that school that he was able to hone his Football skills. He indicated that as a Sports officer, he is now able to assist in helping to give the children across the island the opportunity to acquire a solid foundation in the game.
Director of the Sports department, Jamir Claxton and his Deputy, Brian Dowe, then presented each school with a set of Footballs.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Kevin Barrett, then addressed the gathering.
He stated that he saw ‘a lot of hope before him as he was seeing children with the potential to take the sport of Football to the professional level.
He indicated that he was expecting a very competitive tournament and asked the footballers to play hard.
He stressed on a quotation he had received from the patron in an earlier conversation:
‘Manners and discipline will take our athletes far. It is not just about skill and ability.’
He asked the athletes to be disciplined and to have respect.
The vote of thanks was done by Mr. Bramble and then the on field action got on the way.
Three games were played that afternoon.
In game one, Charlestown Primary defeated Elizabeth Pemberton Primary by a margin of 2 goals to nil. The goal scorers for CPS were Andrew Hanley and Jaden Gordon. MVP for EPPS was Kamal Brandy and the MVP for CPS was Niza’iah Skeete.
In game two, defending champions St. Thomas’ Primary, made a clear statement in defeating the Violet O J Nicholls Primary school, by a margin of 6 goals to nil.
For the STPS Adrian Williams scored 5 goals and Aljalon Chapman 1.
The MVP for STPS was Adrian Williams and the MVP for VOJN was Adonijah Hendrickson.
In the third and final game for the day, Ivor Walters Primary , came out victors over the Joycelyn Liburd Primary School, as the JLPS team scored an own goal. from the boot of Ashley Parris Jr.
The tournament will continue tomorrow Tuesday 16th October, as Maude Cross Preparatory will engage the Nevis Academy in what promises to be another exciting contest.
Another round of matches will be played this coming Thursday-18th October, as no matches have been scheduled for Friday 19th as that is the day when the Joycelyn Liburd Primary will host its annual Kids Athletics program, which will involve the other Primary schools as well.