1
Football / TTFF New Logo - No more TTFF, now TTFA.
« on: May 23, 2013, 04:00:24 AM »
May 25, 2013, 07:39:54 PM
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2
Football / Warner: T&T 06 Warriors did the least but got the most.
« on: May 22, 2013, 03:03:23 AM »
Warner queries Warriors funding.
By JOEL BAILEY (Newsday).
JACK WARNER, former special adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF), has queried the timing of the settlement between the local governing body and 13 members of the 2006 national football team — “the Soca Warriors”.
On Monday, in a media conference at the VIP Lounge, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, both the Federation, through its new president Raymond Tim Kee and the Warriors, led by players’ representative Brent Sancho, announced a settlement was made regarding players’ bonuses allegedly promised to them by Warner during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Warner, speaking at the Mandela Hall, Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya yesterday, was asked about the resolution made by the two parties.
It was reported last week that the funding for the 13 players arose after a CONCACAF audit which discovered unclaimed commercial and broadcast revenues that were due to the TTFF for the 2014 World Cup cycle.
“You don’t find its timely that they’ll accept CONCACAF money,” said the former Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and CONCACAF boss. “As soon as Jack Warner is supposed to have gone that they’ll take CONCACAF money and so on. “The footballers, I’m happy for them,” Warner continued. “They are the footballers who did the least in any World Cup ever, and got the most money. Never in the history of the World Cup, has a team not scored a goal, not won a match, and has got as much money as them. “I am happy for them, good luck. I hope, of course, two-three years from now they’ll have the money. The timing of the payment is not by accident.”
Questioned further on the TTFF inability to identify the exact source of the funds, Warner replied, “I said this before and I’ll say it again. There is a time to talk and a time to stay quiet. I’ll stay quiet for the time being. But the battle with FIFA and CONCACAF for me is far from over.”
Warner resigned his posts from FIFA (vice-president), CONCACAF, CFU and TTFF following bribery allegations in 2011.
But he emphasised, “I don’t miss football, and worse yet, the football today in Trinidad and Tobago does not encourage me to look at it, and the Caribbean, just as well.
“In the Caribbean (football), what we have done is sold our birthright. In the Caribbean (Football Union) and the CONCACAF, it’s just a shell of what it was before.”
Sancho refused to state the amount of monies given to the players, citing security fears, and Warner pointed out, “I would say nothing more on that and least of all, on Sancho.”
Joel Bailey writes for the T&T Newsday and this article is posted on the SWO forum for discusion purposes.
By JOEL BAILEY (Newsday).
JACK WARNER, former special adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF), has queried the timing of the settlement between the local governing body and 13 members of the 2006 national football team — “the Soca Warriors”.
On Monday, in a media conference at the VIP Lounge, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, both the Federation, through its new president Raymond Tim Kee and the Warriors, led by players’ representative Brent Sancho, announced a settlement was made regarding players’ bonuses allegedly promised to them by Warner during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Warner, speaking at the Mandela Hall, Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya yesterday, was asked about the resolution made by the two parties.
It was reported last week that the funding for the 13 players arose after a CONCACAF audit which discovered unclaimed commercial and broadcast revenues that were due to the TTFF for the 2014 World Cup cycle.
“You don’t find its timely that they’ll accept CONCACAF money,” said the former Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and CONCACAF boss. “As soon as Jack Warner is supposed to have gone that they’ll take CONCACAF money and so on. “The footballers, I’m happy for them,” Warner continued. “They are the footballers who did the least in any World Cup ever, and got the most money. Never in the history of the World Cup, has a team not scored a goal, not won a match, and has got as much money as them. “I am happy for them, good luck. I hope, of course, two-three years from now they’ll have the money. The timing of the payment is not by accident.”
Questioned further on the TTFF inability to identify the exact source of the funds, Warner replied, “I said this before and I’ll say it again. There is a time to talk and a time to stay quiet. I’ll stay quiet for the time being. But the battle with FIFA and CONCACAF for me is far from over.”
Warner resigned his posts from FIFA (vice-president), CONCACAF, CFU and TTFF following bribery allegations in 2011.
But he emphasised, “I don’t miss football, and worse yet, the football today in Trinidad and Tobago does not encourage me to look at it, and the Caribbean, just as well.
“In the Caribbean (football), what we have done is sold our birthright. In the Caribbean (Football Union) and the CONCACAF, it’s just a shell of what it was before.”
Sancho refused to state the amount of monies given to the players, citing security fears, and Warner pointed out, “I would say nothing more on that and least of all, on Sancho.”
Joel Bailey writes for the T&T Newsday and this article is posted on the SWO forum for discusion purposes.
3
Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Air Supply brings house down in T&T.
« on: May 20, 2013, 04:24:56 AM »
Air Supply brings house down
By CAROL MATROO Monday, May 20 2013
It was truly “The Greatest Night of Romance” at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya, on Saturday night as Grammy Award winning artistes Christopher Cross, Peter Cetera and Air Supply took centre-stage to deliver their timeless classic hits to hundreds of screaming fans.
The concert was presented by International Concert Events.
Cross started it off just right as he wooed the crowd with his hottest hits. His ever popular “Sailing” and “Think of Laura” hit just the right note as young and not so young fans sang the words of the songs that never seem to grow old.
Cetera made a dashing figure in a white jacket, red shirt and dark pants as he took to the stage. “Stay the Night,” “You’re My Inspiration,” “Next Time I Fall In Love,” Hard Habit To Break,” “Hard To Say I’m Sorry”…all oldies, but goldies, that had couples swaying in the aisles to the romantic lyrics.
Cetera was interrupted during his performance as officials announced that the Fire Services had closed off emergency exits as fans were trying to get into the already capacity-filled hall. Those inside were urged to take their seats and the show continued without a hitch.
But, it was the British/Australian band, Air Supply, who literally brought the house down. Screams echoed throughout the packed hall as the super vocalist duo, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock jumped on to the stage. Eager young ladies left their seats to stand in the aisles, probably thinking that they were too confined to enjoy what one young woman said were the “best songs ever.”
“Even The Night Is Better” could not have been a better choice as the band from “down under” sang their long list of hits. This was followed by “just As I Am”, “On My Own”, “Every Woman In The World”—which had the ladies grabbing on to their men, holding on tightly as they lost themselves in the romantic words.
The dynamic duo surprised the crowd as they leapt off the stage and walked through the aisles while singing “Lost In Love.” Even the band’s beefy security detail struggled to keep fans at bay as they tried to touch the men and take their photographs.
And people do actually swoon, as several women held their hands to their hearts while others clasped their palms to their cheeks while fanning themselves. They had fans singing the words aloud as they made their way back to the stage, but the crowd surged forward, and this time security definitely had their hands full as they crowded in front of the stage. Or maybe they did not want to try too hard giving fans the chance to get their money’s worth.
Which was definitely the case judging from the responses from the patrons. Nerissa Boodoo was pleased as punch as she sang along from her vantage seat. “I am absolutely pleased and I believe I am getting my money’s worth. I go to all of their concerts,” she gushed. Thirty-four-year old Teekaram, who is mentally challenged, sat mesmerised as he lisened to what his sister , Shobha said was his all time favourite.
“He said he wanted to see Air Supply so we brought him with my other sister, mummy and daddy,” she said.
“Just Claudette”—that was the way she gave her name—said she left her home in Florida just to attend the concert.
“I am having an absolutely wonderful time. It was worth the trip,” she said.
It was a much anticipated concert which delivered on its promise to deliver an evening of romance. Traffic on the highway and the back roads leading to the venue was backed-up as patrons slowly made their way, many seeking parking spots along the way.
Young men were making a brisk trade offering “safe parking” for $40 for the night.
The romance continued, many men were seen with roses in their hands for their sweethearts. These were on sale at the concert.
Fire officers ensured the safety of the fans inside the venue, while police officers were alert for those who may have had too much of a good time, what with the flow of liquor in the VIP and VVIP sections. A male and female officer had to call for reinforcements after they tried to detain a young man who was most certainly inebriated.
He tried to resist when the officers took his driver’s permit and keys from him, but they were able to subdue him and he was arrested.
Despite a few minor mishaps, it was a happy crowd that walked out of the Centre of Excellence, the romance of the evening still lingering, the words of love still echoing through the air.
By CAROL MATROO Monday, May 20 2013
It was truly “The Greatest Night of Romance” at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya, on Saturday night as Grammy Award winning artistes Christopher Cross, Peter Cetera and Air Supply took centre-stage to deliver their timeless classic hits to hundreds of screaming fans.
The concert was presented by International Concert Events.
Cross started it off just right as he wooed the crowd with his hottest hits. His ever popular “Sailing” and “Think of Laura” hit just the right note as young and not so young fans sang the words of the songs that never seem to grow old.
Cetera made a dashing figure in a white jacket, red shirt and dark pants as he took to the stage. “Stay the Night,” “You’re My Inspiration,” “Next Time I Fall In Love,” Hard Habit To Break,” “Hard To Say I’m Sorry”…all oldies, but goldies, that had couples swaying in the aisles to the romantic lyrics.
Cetera was interrupted during his performance as officials announced that the Fire Services had closed off emergency exits as fans were trying to get into the already capacity-filled hall. Those inside were urged to take their seats and the show continued without a hitch.
But, it was the British/Australian band, Air Supply, who literally brought the house down. Screams echoed throughout the packed hall as the super vocalist duo, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock jumped on to the stage. Eager young ladies left their seats to stand in the aisles, probably thinking that they were too confined to enjoy what one young woman said were the “best songs ever.”
“Even The Night Is Better” could not have been a better choice as the band from “down under” sang their long list of hits. This was followed by “just As I Am”, “On My Own”, “Every Woman In The World”—which had the ladies grabbing on to their men, holding on tightly as they lost themselves in the romantic words.
The dynamic duo surprised the crowd as they leapt off the stage and walked through the aisles while singing “Lost In Love.” Even the band’s beefy security detail struggled to keep fans at bay as they tried to touch the men and take their photographs.
And people do actually swoon, as several women held their hands to their hearts while others clasped their palms to their cheeks while fanning themselves. They had fans singing the words aloud as they made their way back to the stage, but the crowd surged forward, and this time security definitely had their hands full as they crowded in front of the stage. Or maybe they did not want to try too hard giving fans the chance to get their money’s worth.
Which was definitely the case judging from the responses from the patrons. Nerissa Boodoo was pleased as punch as she sang along from her vantage seat. “I am absolutely pleased and I believe I am getting my money’s worth. I go to all of their concerts,” she gushed. Thirty-four-year old Teekaram, who is mentally challenged, sat mesmerised as he lisened to what his sister , Shobha said was his all time favourite.
“He said he wanted to see Air Supply so we brought him with my other sister, mummy and daddy,” she said.
“Just Claudette”—that was the way she gave her name—said she left her home in Florida just to attend the concert.
“I am having an absolutely wonderful time. It was worth the trip,” she said.
It was a much anticipated concert which delivered on its promise to deliver an evening of romance. Traffic on the highway and the back roads leading to the venue was backed-up as patrons slowly made their way, many seeking parking spots along the way.
Young men were making a brisk trade offering “safe parking” for $40 for the night.
The romance continued, many men were seen with roses in their hands for their sweethearts. These were on sale at the concert.
Fire officers ensured the safety of the fans inside the venue, while police officers were alert for those who may have had too much of a good time, what with the flow of liquor in the VIP and VVIP sections. A male and female officer had to call for reinforcements after they tried to detain a young man who was most certainly inebriated.
He tried to resist when the officers took his driver’s permit and keys from him, but they were able to subdue him and he was arrested.
Despite a few minor mishaps, it was a happy crowd that walked out of the Centre of Excellence, the romance of the evening still lingering, the words of love still echoing through the air.
4
Football / Skeene has high hopes for Pro League.
« on: May 18, 2013, 03:35:03 AM »
Skeene has high hopes for Pro League.
T&T Newsday Reports.
DEXTER SKEENE, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the TT Pro League, is hopeful that the top local football league can become “one of the best professional leagues in the CONCACAF region.”
Speaking at Wednesday’s launch of the 2013 Digicel Pro Bowl tournament at the Digicel Corporate Box, Queen’s Park Oval, Skeene noted, “the League has not only survived it has thrived.”
He said, “key performance indicators show that our clubs are the best in the Caribbean region by winning the CFU (Caribbean Football Union) Club Championships and as a result, they have qualified for the CONCACAF club championships.
“Another factor is the competitiveness of the Digicel TT Pro League,” he continued. “On the penultimate day of matches, two clubs Defence Force and Caledonia AIA were still in line to win the League competition and on the last day, third place was still up for grabs with Central FC and North East Stars in the running.
“Let me officially congratulate the Defence Force on winning the League and Central FC for a very good performance in their first year.”
Skeene also touched on the marketability of players and performance at the national level.
“We have seen an unprecedented movement of players to foreign clubs during the past year which signifies that the management of our clubs has improved in the business of professional football and are equipping themselves with the necessary skills and personnel to run a successful professional football business,” he said. “The League provides the platform for the next generation of national footballers and coaches.
“Our young coaches are making a name for themselves in the person of people like Ross Russell, Marvin Gordon, Angus Eve, Earl Jean, Richard Hood and Dean Pacheco. The Digicel TT Pro League has afforded these young men the opportunity to work in a professional environment day in day out honing their skills like the Fergusons and Mourinhos of the world.
“In addition, our local players continue to play a major part having been selected for the Trinidad and Tobago teams forming a major part of the nucleus.”
He also touched on the sponsorship factor, stating, “the amount of partners continue to grow, but our current corporate partners can rest assured that the League’s view is one of exclusivity.
“We want to make sure that we build relationships with corporate partners and afford them the brand platform to meet their strategic objectives,” continued the ex-TT striker. “This is to say that our existing partners have treated the league with respect. We will certainly discuss with our current partners the mutually beneficial opportunities.”
T&T Newsday Reports.
DEXTER SKEENE, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the TT Pro League, is hopeful that the top local football league can become “one of the best professional leagues in the CONCACAF region.”
Speaking at Wednesday’s launch of the 2013 Digicel Pro Bowl tournament at the Digicel Corporate Box, Queen’s Park Oval, Skeene noted, “the League has not only survived it has thrived.”
He said, “key performance indicators show that our clubs are the best in the Caribbean region by winning the CFU (Caribbean Football Union) Club Championships and as a result, they have qualified for the CONCACAF club championships.
“Another factor is the competitiveness of the Digicel TT Pro League,” he continued. “On the penultimate day of matches, two clubs Defence Force and Caledonia AIA were still in line to win the League competition and on the last day, third place was still up for grabs with Central FC and North East Stars in the running.
“Let me officially congratulate the Defence Force on winning the League and Central FC for a very good performance in their first year.”
Skeene also touched on the marketability of players and performance at the national level.
“We have seen an unprecedented movement of players to foreign clubs during the past year which signifies that the management of our clubs has improved in the business of professional football and are equipping themselves with the necessary skills and personnel to run a successful professional football business,” he said. “The League provides the platform for the next generation of national footballers and coaches.
“Our young coaches are making a name for themselves in the person of people like Ross Russell, Marvin Gordon, Angus Eve, Earl Jean, Richard Hood and Dean Pacheco. The Digicel TT Pro League has afforded these young men the opportunity to work in a professional environment day in day out honing their skills like the Fergusons and Mourinhos of the world.
“In addition, our local players continue to play a major part having been selected for the Trinidad and Tobago teams forming a major part of the nucleus.”
He also touched on the sponsorship factor, stating, “the amount of partners continue to grow, but our current corporate partners can rest assured that the League’s view is one of exclusivity.
“We want to make sure that we build relationships with corporate partners and afford them the brand platform to meet their strategic objectives,” continued the ex-TT striker. “This is to say that our existing partners have treated the league with respect. We will certainly discuss with our current partners the mutually beneficial opportunities.”
5
Football / 2013 Tobago Football League Thread.
« on: May 18, 2013, 03:31:08 AM »
THA gives $.2m to football league.
T&T Guardian Reports.
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will contribute over $215,000 in prize money to the Tobago Football League for its 2013 competitions, assistant secretary in charge of Youth Affairs and Sport Assemblyman Jomo Pitt disclosed at Wednesday’s post-Executive Council media briefing.
The league will run from June 1 to November 30 on recreation grounds across Tobago. Most of these grounds have already been lit or are in the process of having floodlights installed. Pitt said at the end of the season the grounds will be rested in preparation for the cricket season, which starts in January 2014.
He also told the briefing that laying of the Mondo track at the Dwight York Stadium was on schedule and, weather permitting, will be ready for use in August. However, he said, an assessment of work on the infrastructure at the stadium was still to be done by a consultant, who has not yet been appointed by the Sport Company of T&T.
Jomo said an Assembly committee will, however, be appointed to determine if the stadium’s infrastructure was safe for use in the meantime.
T&T Guardian Reports.
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will contribute over $215,000 in prize money to the Tobago Football League for its 2013 competitions, assistant secretary in charge of Youth Affairs and Sport Assemblyman Jomo Pitt disclosed at Wednesday’s post-Executive Council media briefing.
The league will run from June 1 to November 30 on recreation grounds across Tobago. Most of these grounds have already been lit or are in the process of having floodlights installed. Pitt said at the end of the season the grounds will be rested in preparation for the cricket season, which starts in January 2014.
He also told the briefing that laying of the Mondo track at the Dwight York Stadium was on schedule and, weather permitting, will be ready for use in August. However, he said, an assessment of work on the infrastructure at the stadium was still to be done by a consultant, who has not yet been appointed by the Sport Company of T&T.
Jomo said an Assembly committee will, however, be appointed to determine if the stadium’s infrastructure was safe for use in the meantime.
6
Football / 2013 Pro Bowl Thread.
« on: May 16, 2013, 02:37:50 AM »
‘Army’ begin Pro Bowl defence tomorrow.
By Ian Prescott (Express).
Fresh from capturing the 2012-2013 Digicel Pro League football title, Defence Force have pledged to stoutly defend their Digicel Pro Bowl trophy.
The knockout tournament is being played among Trinidad and Tobago’s eight professional football teams, all vying for the guaranteed pot of $100,000 which will go to the tournament winners. The winners’ prize will also be enhanced by the addition of a percentage of the gates. In last year’s final, Defence Force scored an upset 5-2 victory over Neal & Massy Caledonia, the in-form team at the time, with wins in three major tournaments.
“We are the Pro League champions and we are going to prove it this year,” Army head-coach Ross Russell declared yesterday.
“We are also Pro Bowl Champions and we are going to defend it to the best of our ability.”
Yesterday’s Pro Bowl launch took place in the Digicel corporate box at the Queen’s Park Oval, where Wendy Alleyne, Digicel’s sponsorship and promotions manager announced an additional $2,000 in individual prizes for the tournament’s MVP, top scorer and best coach.
“No doubt, the aim of each team here is to challenge last year’s pro Bowl winners, Defence Force, in a bid to take home this trophy. Of course, the Defence Force will have its eye on the winners-takes-all prize of $100,000 in cash, the Bowl, and bragging rights,” Alleyne said. “This has definitely set the stage for an exciting tournament and one certainly to watch”.
She added: “For those fans who come to view the games, Digicel would be providing special prizes that can be won throughout the game such as ‘loudest fan; ‘most supportive team fan’; ‘most loyal Digicel Pro Bowl supporter’. There will also be a Facebook competition where a fan will win an all-inclusive lime for 20 friends for the final of the Digicel Pro Bowl.”
Meanwhile, Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene boasted of the Pro League being best in the Caribbean and measured its worth against the successes of Trinidad and Tobago teams in the Caribbean Champions Cup, and also the unprecedented export of players to overseas professional leagues in recent seasons.
“We are at the end of the season. This is the last hurrah,” stated Skeene, who urged clubs to give their best effort to win the last major piece of silverware this season.
The 2012-2013 tournament begins on Friday with double-headers in Port of Spain at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, and at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya. Opening quarter-final matches put Defence Force against Pro League bottom finishers T&TEC, who the Army beat 4-0 last Friday. But Defence Force coach Russell is not underestimating the Electricity Boys.
“We won the Pro Bowl last year when we had won nothing before,” Russell said. “T&TEC are just like us last year because they have won nothing this season.”
Other match-ups will see Directv W Connection facing Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA, North East Stars meeting St Ann’s Rangers and Central Football Club tackling Police. Caledonia technical director Jamaal Shabazz said that Caledonia are confident of advancing to the semis despite suffering a humiliating 4-1 Pro League loss to W Connection just about 10 days ago.
Shabazz said the W Connection match is also preparation for two upcoming playoff qualifying matches on May 20 and 22 for entry into the 2013-2014 CONCACAF Champions League.
“It gives us a perfect preparation match-up going into the Caribbean playoffs against Portmore (Jamaica) for entry into the CONCACAF Champions League,” stated the jovial Shabazz, who boasted that Caledonia bought a team bus the last time they won the Digicel Pro Bowl and that after winning this year’s version, they wanted to buy a truck.
Army meets T&TEC in Pro Bowl opener.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Newly-crowned Digicel T&T Pro League champions Defence Force will kick off its quest to join DirecTV W Connection, Joe Public and San Juan Jabloteh as two-time winners of the Digicel Pro Bowl when it faces T&TEC in the first match of a quarterfinal double-header at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, tomorrow from 6 pm.
This was determined when the draw for the competition, now in its fourth straight year of sponsorship from Digicel T&T Ltd, was made at the company’s corporate box, Queen’s Park Oval, Tragarete Road, yesterday.
During the unique draw, which featured eight Blackberry cellphones bearing the positioning of the clubs from one to eight in text message format, W Connection, winners in 2002 and 2004 and a three-time runner-up, was pitted against 2008 champion and last year’s beaten finalist Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA; North East Stars against 2007 beaten finalist St Ann’s Rangers, and newcomers Central FC versus Police.
The winners of tomorrow’s quarterfinal matches will do battle in the semifinals on Friday, May 24 at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya, while the final comes off on Wednesday, May 29 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo—the site of Defence Force’s 5–2 thumping of Caledonia last year—with the winner set to collect $100,000.
Dexter Skeene, chief executive officer of the Pro League, said that even though some may see it as the end of the season competition, it is in fact the beginning of a new and exciting phase of history of professional football here in T&T as they work to bring football to the communities with the development of fields in the various communities represented by the clubs, together with the Ministry of Sports and the Sport Company of T&T (SporTT).
Skeene also expressed his gratitude to Digicel for sharing the dream and for understanding the purpose and mission of the Pro League, not only its football journey but also the far bigger and wider picture. “This is the indisputable fact and message: through football and the Digicel T&T Pro League you can earn an honest living,” Skeene boasted.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s eight-team knockout competition, Wendy Alleyne, Sponsorship and Promotions manager, Digicel T&T Ltd, said her company was proud for the fourth consecutive year to be the title sponsor of the competition which has become one of the important events on the football calendar due to the fact that the participating teams display admirable sportsmanship and incredible talent which keep the fans coming back for more.
She added: “Digicel is happy that the teams have consistently shown a passion for the game and no doubt this commitment to the sport could only lead to opportunities for advancement as a forum where players can be selected to play the national, regional and international levels of the game.”
“Digicel is always mindful of the benefits that sport can bring to the youth and how it can change lives. It is this conviction that has propelled us to partner with organisations such as the T&T Pro League to engage in sport in a meaningful way.”
While stressing that her company strives to remain the biggest sponsor of football, not just nationally, but on the regional level as well, Alleyne acknowledged that the aim of each team will be to challenge last year’s winner Defence Force in a bid to take home the trophy and the winner-take-all US$100,000. Alleyne also showed that her company was not afraid to listen to the ideas of team administrators as she immediately doubled the individual awards for the “Top Scorer,”
“Most Valuable Player” and “Most Outstanding Coach” from $1,000, $1000 and $1,500 to $2,000, $2,000 and $3,000, respectively, when questioned by former club owner Michael Awai on why the rewards differ so much from the team prize.
In closing, Alleyne also urged the fans to come out and support their respective teams as Digicel would also be providing special prizes, that can be won throughout the game, for the “loudest fan,” “most supportive team fan,” “most loyal Digicel Pro Bowl supporter”. Also a Facebook competition for a prize of an all-inclusive lime for 20 friends for the final will be given to a lucky fan.
Fixtures
Friday’s quarterfinals:
Venue: Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva
Central FC vs Police, 6 pm - (D)
W Connection vs Caledonia, 8 pm - (C)
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo
Defence Force vs T&TEC, 6 pm - (B)
North East Stars vs St Ann’s Rangers, 8 pm - (A)
Semifinals: Friday May 24:
Venue: Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya
A vs D = M, 6 pm
B vs C = N, 8 pm
Final: Wednesday May 29
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, 8 pm
Individual awards:
Top score: $2,000
Most Valuable Player: $2,000
Most Outstanding Coach: $3,000
By Ian Prescott (Express).
Fresh from capturing the 2012-2013 Digicel Pro League football title, Defence Force have pledged to stoutly defend their Digicel Pro Bowl trophy.
The knockout tournament is being played among Trinidad and Tobago’s eight professional football teams, all vying for the guaranteed pot of $100,000 which will go to the tournament winners. The winners’ prize will also be enhanced by the addition of a percentage of the gates. In last year’s final, Defence Force scored an upset 5-2 victory over Neal & Massy Caledonia, the in-form team at the time, with wins in three major tournaments.
“We are the Pro League champions and we are going to prove it this year,” Army head-coach Ross Russell declared yesterday.
“We are also Pro Bowl Champions and we are going to defend it to the best of our ability.”
Yesterday’s Pro Bowl launch took place in the Digicel corporate box at the Queen’s Park Oval, where Wendy Alleyne, Digicel’s sponsorship and promotions manager announced an additional $2,000 in individual prizes for the tournament’s MVP, top scorer and best coach.
“No doubt, the aim of each team here is to challenge last year’s pro Bowl winners, Defence Force, in a bid to take home this trophy. Of course, the Defence Force will have its eye on the winners-takes-all prize of $100,000 in cash, the Bowl, and bragging rights,” Alleyne said. “This has definitely set the stage for an exciting tournament and one certainly to watch”.
She added: “For those fans who come to view the games, Digicel would be providing special prizes that can be won throughout the game such as ‘loudest fan; ‘most supportive team fan’; ‘most loyal Digicel Pro Bowl supporter’. There will also be a Facebook competition where a fan will win an all-inclusive lime for 20 friends for the final of the Digicel Pro Bowl.”
Meanwhile, Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene boasted of the Pro League being best in the Caribbean and measured its worth against the successes of Trinidad and Tobago teams in the Caribbean Champions Cup, and also the unprecedented export of players to overseas professional leagues in recent seasons.
“We are at the end of the season. This is the last hurrah,” stated Skeene, who urged clubs to give their best effort to win the last major piece of silverware this season.
The 2012-2013 tournament begins on Friday with double-headers in Port of Spain at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, and at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya. Opening quarter-final matches put Defence Force against Pro League bottom finishers T&TEC, who the Army beat 4-0 last Friday. But Defence Force coach Russell is not underestimating the Electricity Boys.
“We won the Pro Bowl last year when we had won nothing before,” Russell said. “T&TEC are just like us last year because they have won nothing this season.”
Other match-ups will see Directv W Connection facing Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA, North East Stars meeting St Ann’s Rangers and Central Football Club tackling Police. Caledonia technical director Jamaal Shabazz said that Caledonia are confident of advancing to the semis despite suffering a humiliating 4-1 Pro League loss to W Connection just about 10 days ago.
Shabazz said the W Connection match is also preparation for two upcoming playoff qualifying matches on May 20 and 22 for entry into the 2013-2014 CONCACAF Champions League.
“It gives us a perfect preparation match-up going into the Caribbean playoffs against Portmore (Jamaica) for entry into the CONCACAF Champions League,” stated the jovial Shabazz, who boasted that Caledonia bought a team bus the last time they won the Digicel Pro Bowl and that after winning this year’s version, they wanted to buy a truck.
Army meets T&TEC in Pro Bowl opener.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Newly-crowned Digicel T&T Pro League champions Defence Force will kick off its quest to join DirecTV W Connection, Joe Public and San Juan Jabloteh as two-time winners of the Digicel Pro Bowl when it faces T&TEC in the first match of a quarterfinal double-header at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, tomorrow from 6 pm.
This was determined when the draw for the competition, now in its fourth straight year of sponsorship from Digicel T&T Ltd, was made at the company’s corporate box, Queen’s Park Oval, Tragarete Road, yesterday.
During the unique draw, which featured eight Blackberry cellphones bearing the positioning of the clubs from one to eight in text message format, W Connection, winners in 2002 and 2004 and a three-time runner-up, was pitted against 2008 champion and last year’s beaten finalist Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA; North East Stars against 2007 beaten finalist St Ann’s Rangers, and newcomers Central FC versus Police.
The winners of tomorrow’s quarterfinal matches will do battle in the semifinals on Friday, May 24 at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya, while the final comes off on Wednesday, May 29 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo—the site of Defence Force’s 5–2 thumping of Caledonia last year—with the winner set to collect $100,000.
Dexter Skeene, chief executive officer of the Pro League, said that even though some may see it as the end of the season competition, it is in fact the beginning of a new and exciting phase of history of professional football here in T&T as they work to bring football to the communities with the development of fields in the various communities represented by the clubs, together with the Ministry of Sports and the Sport Company of T&T (SporTT).
Skeene also expressed his gratitude to Digicel for sharing the dream and for understanding the purpose and mission of the Pro League, not only its football journey but also the far bigger and wider picture. “This is the indisputable fact and message: through football and the Digicel T&T Pro League you can earn an honest living,” Skeene boasted.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s eight-team knockout competition, Wendy Alleyne, Sponsorship and Promotions manager, Digicel T&T Ltd, said her company was proud for the fourth consecutive year to be the title sponsor of the competition which has become one of the important events on the football calendar due to the fact that the participating teams display admirable sportsmanship and incredible talent which keep the fans coming back for more.
She added: “Digicel is happy that the teams have consistently shown a passion for the game and no doubt this commitment to the sport could only lead to opportunities for advancement as a forum where players can be selected to play the national, regional and international levels of the game.”
“Digicel is always mindful of the benefits that sport can bring to the youth and how it can change lives. It is this conviction that has propelled us to partner with organisations such as the T&T Pro League to engage in sport in a meaningful way.”
While stressing that her company strives to remain the biggest sponsor of football, not just nationally, but on the regional level as well, Alleyne acknowledged that the aim of each team will be to challenge last year’s winner Defence Force in a bid to take home the trophy and the winner-take-all US$100,000. Alleyne also showed that her company was not afraid to listen to the ideas of team administrators as she immediately doubled the individual awards for the “Top Scorer,”
“Most Valuable Player” and “Most Outstanding Coach” from $1,000, $1000 and $1,500 to $2,000, $2,000 and $3,000, respectively, when questioned by former club owner Michael Awai on why the rewards differ so much from the team prize.
In closing, Alleyne also urged the fans to come out and support their respective teams as Digicel would also be providing special prizes, that can be won throughout the game, for the “loudest fan,” “most supportive team fan,” “most loyal Digicel Pro Bowl supporter”. Also a Facebook competition for a prize of an all-inclusive lime for 20 friends for the final will be given to a lucky fan.
Fixtures
Friday’s quarterfinals:
Venue: Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva
Central FC vs Police, 6 pm - (D)
W Connection vs Caledonia, 8 pm - (C)
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo
Defence Force vs T&TEC, 6 pm - (B)
North East Stars vs St Ann’s Rangers, 8 pm - (A)
Semifinals: Friday May 24:
Venue: Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya
A vs D = M, 6 pm
B vs C = N, 8 pm
Final: Wednesday May 29
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, 8 pm
Individual awards:
Top score: $2,000
Most Valuable Player: $2,000
Most Outstanding Coach: $3,000
7
Quizz Time & Facts / FYI - Lara’s school record shattered.
« on: May 12, 2013, 02:48:56 AM »
Lara’s school record shattered.
PORT-OF-SPAIN—A longstanding record set by Brian Lara for the highest individual score in the Secondary School Cricket League (SSCL) has been broken.
Former National under-13 captain Kirstan Kallicharan missed his double century by six runs but surpassed the record set by the former West Indies cricketer during his time in the league.
Kallicharan scored 194 containing 26 fours and six sixes for Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College in their 197-run win over Carapichaima East in the SSCL. Lara’s record was 168. (CMC)
PORT-OF-SPAIN—A longstanding record set by Brian Lara for the highest individual score in the Secondary School Cricket League (SSCL) has been broken.
Former National under-13 captain Kirstan Kallicharan missed his double century by six runs but surpassed the record set by the former West Indies cricketer during his time in the league.
Kallicharan scored 194 containing 26 fours and six sixes for Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College in their 197-run win over Carapichaima East in the SSCL. Lara’s record was 168. (CMC)
8
Football / Sheldon Phillips is TTFF’s New General Secretary.
« on: May 09, 2013, 04:06:52 PM »
Sheldon Phillips is TTFF’s New General Secretary.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF Media).
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation has a new General Secretary.
Sheldon Phillips on Thursday began his tenure, taking over from former General Secretary Richard Groden who vacated office last week after serving since 1998.
TTFF President Raymond Tim Kee expressed his satisfaction with the selection of Phillips which was also passed by the T&T Football Federation Executive Committee at a meeting on Wednesday evening.
There is a strong belief in the Federation that Phillips “has a strong football understanding and is one who can oversee the broad business of the Football Federation”.
Phillips has distinctive managerial expertise in the administrative field. His appointment is regarded as a major step towards restoring faith in the federation. He also had a successful spell in sports management in the United States and other parts of the globe.
His role with the TTFF will include managing key external relationships, particularly with other local and international bodies as well as various stakeholders and partners.
On his appointment, Tim Kee stated: “With my vision for a new beginning for Trinidad and Tobago football and the heights to which I want to see our football reach, I had and continue to look at engaging in the kind of human resource that I believe will assist in taking us there. As a result I believe my selection of Sheldon Phillips is most fitting to the cause and one which we are extremely satisfied and excited over.
“We have been greatly impressed by the work that Sheldon has done in the past in football. We are confident that in appointing him as General Secretary of the TTFF will provide strong leadership and stability.
“I looked at the marketplace and the landscape,” added Tim Kee who had last December said he would consider advertising the position. “But along the way if you have met an individual who has met the profile that suits your vision and organization, then there is no need to advertise anymore.
“I thought also with his legal background and the leverage he enjoys in getting things done on a global stage would be a major asset. You must begin with then end in mind and my end is getting Trinidad and Tobago back to being among the top nations in CONCACAF and to highly respectable position in world football. With those goals and objectives in mind, I believe Sheldon is the ideal person to work along with me and the rest of the Federation in going about achieving all of this,” Tim Kee added.
US Soccer President and recently elected FIFA Vice President Sunil Gulati holds Phillips in high regards having worked with him dating back to 1992.
"I have known Sheldon for over 20 years when we first worked together on US Cup '92. He is resourceful and results driven. As the General Secretary, the TTFF will certainly benefit from his experience in the game,” Gulati said.
Phillips also holds a law degree from Samford University in Birmingham, AL and leveraged his legal training to acquire administrative experience working within charitable organizations, professional sports player associations, and minor league franchises.
Most recently, he collaborated through his agency, Element Agency + Events, with James Grant Sports and the Baltimore Ravens to manage the promotions and sales for the successful Baltimore, Maryland leg of the Liverpool and Tottenham Football Clubs American Tour.
Phillips eager to get the ball rolling
Together with Mr. Tim Kee and the TTFF, I will do everything in my power and ability to help lead this organization with grace and dignity; never forgetting our role and obligation to serve as stewards of a game we cherish; for a nation we love,” the 46-year-old Phillips told TTFF Media.
Our organization will be zealous in our activism and advocacy of all things football-related in Trinidad and Tobago because we are keenly aware of the power of the game and how it shapes lives both on and off the field of play. I am humbled at the opportunity,” added Phillips who was also instrumental in the settlement discussions with the 2006 World Cup players as well as the acquiring of a new kit deal (that will be announced shortly) and the setting up of international matches against Peru, Belize, Romania and Estonia.
A Profile of Sheldon Phillips
With over 25 years in the sports and event management industry, Sheldon Phillips brings a depth of knowledge, experience, and relationships through his work with FIFA, CONCACAF, and U.S. Soccer among others.
In addition to his administrative work in football, Phillips gained federal and local government experience working as a Legislative Assistant and advisor for California Congressman, Howard L. Berman on matters pertaining to: health care, social security, and budget legislation. While working for the District of Columbia Government Public Housing Phillips led a multi million dollar sports program for public housing youth that would become the inspiration for the highly acclaimed America Scores program.
Phillips also holds a law degree from Samford University in Birmingham, AL and leveraged his legal training to acquire administrative experience working within charitable organizations, professional sports player associations, and minor league franchises.
Most recently, he collaborated through his agency, Element Agency + Events, with James Grant Sports and the Baltimore Ravens to manage the promotions and sales for the successful Baltimore, Maryland leg of the Liverpool and Tottenham Football Clubs American Tour.
"I can think of no stronger advocate for Trinidad and Tobago football than Sheldon. Now that he is poised to play a substantive role within the national governing body, T&T is better positioned to become a destination for some of the top clubs in the world." Charlie Stillitano, CEO , RSE Ventures
Brief Overview
External Affairs Director,
Washington DC Venue
1994 FIFA World Cup
Competition Director,
Birmingham, AL Venue
1996 Atlanta Olympic Summer Games
Event Manager and Producer
Los Angeles and Anaheim Venue
1995 CONCACAF Gold Cup
General Manager
Chesapeake Athletic PDL
United Soccer Leagues
Event Manager
TTFF 2005 Winter Combine
Program Manager
1998 CONCACAF Goalkeeping Coaching Workshop
Legal Associate
NFL Players Association
MLS Players Association
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF Media).
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation has a new General Secretary.
Sheldon Phillips on Thursday began his tenure, taking over from former General Secretary Richard Groden who vacated office last week after serving since 1998.
TTFF President Raymond Tim Kee expressed his satisfaction with the selection of Phillips which was also passed by the T&T Football Federation Executive Committee at a meeting on Wednesday evening.
There is a strong belief in the Federation that Phillips “has a strong football understanding and is one who can oversee the broad business of the Football Federation”.
Phillips has distinctive managerial expertise in the administrative field. His appointment is regarded as a major step towards restoring faith in the federation. He also had a successful spell in sports management in the United States and other parts of the globe.
His role with the TTFF will include managing key external relationships, particularly with other local and international bodies as well as various stakeholders and partners.
On his appointment, Tim Kee stated: “With my vision for a new beginning for Trinidad and Tobago football and the heights to which I want to see our football reach, I had and continue to look at engaging in the kind of human resource that I believe will assist in taking us there. As a result I believe my selection of Sheldon Phillips is most fitting to the cause and one which we are extremely satisfied and excited over.
“We have been greatly impressed by the work that Sheldon has done in the past in football. We are confident that in appointing him as General Secretary of the TTFF will provide strong leadership and stability.
“I looked at the marketplace and the landscape,” added Tim Kee who had last December said he would consider advertising the position. “But along the way if you have met an individual who has met the profile that suits your vision and organization, then there is no need to advertise anymore.
“I thought also with his legal background and the leverage he enjoys in getting things done on a global stage would be a major asset. You must begin with then end in mind and my end is getting Trinidad and Tobago back to being among the top nations in CONCACAF and to highly respectable position in world football. With those goals and objectives in mind, I believe Sheldon is the ideal person to work along with me and the rest of the Federation in going about achieving all of this,” Tim Kee added.
US Soccer President and recently elected FIFA Vice President Sunil Gulati holds Phillips in high regards having worked with him dating back to 1992.
"I have known Sheldon for over 20 years when we first worked together on US Cup '92. He is resourceful and results driven. As the General Secretary, the TTFF will certainly benefit from his experience in the game,” Gulati said.
Phillips also holds a law degree from Samford University in Birmingham, AL and leveraged his legal training to acquire administrative experience working within charitable organizations, professional sports player associations, and minor league franchises.
Most recently, he collaborated through his agency, Element Agency + Events, with James Grant Sports and the Baltimore Ravens to manage the promotions and sales for the successful Baltimore, Maryland leg of the Liverpool and Tottenham Football Clubs American Tour.
Phillips eager to get the ball rolling
Together with Mr. Tim Kee and the TTFF, I will do everything in my power and ability to help lead this organization with grace and dignity; never forgetting our role and obligation to serve as stewards of a game we cherish; for a nation we love,” the 46-year-old Phillips told TTFF Media.
Our organization will be zealous in our activism and advocacy of all things football-related in Trinidad and Tobago because we are keenly aware of the power of the game and how it shapes lives both on and off the field of play. I am humbled at the opportunity,” added Phillips who was also instrumental in the settlement discussions with the 2006 World Cup players as well as the acquiring of a new kit deal (that will be announced shortly) and the setting up of international matches against Peru, Belize, Romania and Estonia.
A Profile of Sheldon Phillips
With over 25 years in the sports and event management industry, Sheldon Phillips brings a depth of knowledge, experience, and relationships through his work with FIFA, CONCACAF, and U.S. Soccer among others.
In addition to his administrative work in football, Phillips gained federal and local government experience working as a Legislative Assistant and advisor for California Congressman, Howard L. Berman on matters pertaining to: health care, social security, and budget legislation. While working for the District of Columbia Government Public Housing Phillips led a multi million dollar sports program for public housing youth that would become the inspiration for the highly acclaimed America Scores program.
Phillips also holds a law degree from Samford University in Birmingham, AL and leveraged his legal training to acquire administrative experience working within charitable organizations, professional sports player associations, and minor league franchises.
Most recently, he collaborated through his agency, Element Agency + Events, with James Grant Sports and the Baltimore Ravens to manage the promotions and sales for the successful Baltimore, Maryland leg of the Liverpool and Tottenham Football Clubs American Tour.
"I can think of no stronger advocate for Trinidad and Tobago football than Sheldon. Now that he is poised to play a substantive role within the national governing body, T&T is better positioned to become a destination for some of the top clubs in the world." Charlie Stillitano, CEO , RSE Ventures
Brief Overview
External Affairs Director,
Washington DC Venue
1994 FIFA World Cup
Competition Director,
Birmingham, AL Venue
1996 Atlanta Olympic Summer Games
Event Manager and Producer
Los Angeles and Anaheim Venue
1995 CONCACAF Gold Cup
General Manager
Chesapeake Athletic PDL
United Soccer Leagues
Event Manager
TTFF 2005 Winter Combine
Program Manager
1998 CONCACAF Goalkeeping Coaching Workshop
Legal Associate
NFL Players Association
MLS Players Association
9
Football / Benjamin trick ruins Defence Force’s Digicel Pro League Championship celebration
« on: May 07, 2013, 04:10:08 PM »
Benjamin trick ruins Army’s Pro League Championship celebrations.
ttproleague.com.
Defence Force claimed the 2012-2013 Digicel Pro League Championship on Monday night, but did so in unsatisfactory fashion on the penultimate match day.
Defence Force, 43 points at the top of the table, were hammered 4-0 by last season’s winners DIRECTV W Connection in the first match of a Round Three Match Day Six double header at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Eighteen year old Connection attacker Neil Benjamin registered a superb second half hat-trick and another teenager, substitute Alvin Jones, sealed the surprise win with the fourth item. At which time the Soldiers failed to celebrate the title.
But following the second match of the double header at the Couva venue, second positioned Caledonia AIA (39 points) were also defeated to the luck of Defence Force. The Morvant/Laventille club falling 2-1 against home team Central FC; relinquishing a mathematical chance of lifting the title and also handing Army the crown without a fight on Friday in the final match day.
Central striker Rundell Winchester, returning from a lengthy layoff due to injury, scored on either side of the half on instances of defensive errors by Caledonia in the 28th and 83rd minutes.
While Caledonia failed to make two excellent second half chances count, following an equalizing item by Jamal Gay in the 32nd minute.
Seconds after the interval Gay provided Nathan Lewis with a good look at goal, however the speedy winger struck wide. And after a mix-up in the Central defense in injury time, Caledonia substitute Vurlon Mills wasted wide with the goal at his mercy.
Looking ahead Defence Force will next take on bottom of the table T&TEC FC, and Caledonia against seventh positioned St. Ann’s Rangers, and whatever the results, the top two have already been declared.
Defence Force remaining four points ahead of Caledonia with just three points to play for on Friday.
Read More
ttproleague.com.
Defence Force claimed the 2012-2013 Digicel Pro League Championship on Monday night, but did so in unsatisfactory fashion on the penultimate match day.
Defence Force, 43 points at the top of the table, were hammered 4-0 by last season’s winners DIRECTV W Connection in the first match of a Round Three Match Day Six double header at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Eighteen year old Connection attacker Neil Benjamin registered a superb second half hat-trick and another teenager, substitute Alvin Jones, sealed the surprise win with the fourth item. At which time the Soldiers failed to celebrate the title.
But following the second match of the double header at the Couva venue, second positioned Caledonia AIA (39 points) were also defeated to the luck of Defence Force. The Morvant/Laventille club falling 2-1 against home team Central FC; relinquishing a mathematical chance of lifting the title and also handing Army the crown without a fight on Friday in the final match day.
Central striker Rundell Winchester, returning from a lengthy layoff due to injury, scored on either side of the half on instances of defensive errors by Caledonia in the 28th and 83rd minutes.
While Caledonia failed to make two excellent second half chances count, following an equalizing item by Jamal Gay in the 32nd minute.
Seconds after the interval Gay provided Nathan Lewis with a good look at goal, however the speedy winger struck wide. And after a mix-up in the Central defense in injury time, Caledonia substitute Vurlon Mills wasted wide with the goal at his mercy.
Looking ahead Defence Force will next take on bottom of the table T&TEC FC, and Caledonia against seventh positioned St. Ann’s Rangers, and whatever the results, the top two have already been declared.
Defence Force remaining four points ahead of Caledonia with just three points to play for on Friday.
Read More
10
General Discussion / U.S. think tank says immigrant amnesty would worsen deficits
« on: May 06, 2013, 02:24:50 PM »
U.S. think tank says immigrant amnesty would worsen deficits
By Richard Cowan and Thomas Ferraro | Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Granting legal status to 11 million undocumented foreigners living in the United States would significantly add to government budget deficits, according to a study released on Monday by the conservative Heritage Foundation.
Heritage, a think tank headed by former Senator Jim DeMint, has assumed a leading role in opposition to a bipartisan, comprehensive immigration bill being considered by the U.S. Senate.
It is only the first of what is expected to be a flurry of competing studies attempting to influence the upcoming immigration debate.
The legislation couples the legalization proposal with a new program to admit high-skilled and low-skilled workers to fill jobs that industry and agriculture say are going begging because of a shortage of available U.S. workers. The Heritage study did not look at the impact on the economy of those provisions.
Coming three days before the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to begin the immigration measure, the Heritage Foundation study estimated that legalizing the 11 million would put a severe strain on government programs.
Over the next 50 years, it would cost taxpayers a net $6.3 trillion, according DeMint, a former Republican senator from South Carolina and a favorite of the conservative Tea Party movement. That would work out to $124 billion a year on average.
The study said that over the course of their lives, these undocumented immigrants-turned-citizens would receive $9.4 trillion in government benefits and services and pay only $3.1 trillion in taxes.
The government benefits and services include healthcare, Social Security, public education, aid to low-income families and a range of other programs.
The Heritage Foundation report was blasted by other conservatives, even before it was issued.
Cato Institute, in a website posting over the weekend, said that the Heritage Foundation study was an update of a "fatally flawed" analysis it issued in 2007.
The earlier findings, according to the Cato Institute, failed to take into account the potential economic benefits of integrating 11 million illegal residents into society.
It specifically mentioned the likelihood of growing tax revenues and economic expansion as a result of broadening the legal U.S. workforce and population.
Following the 2012 elections in which around 70 percent of Hispanic-American voters supported the re-election of Democratic President Barack Obama, Republicans began re-examining their opposition to immigration reforms, including providing a "pathway to citizenship" for the 11 million.
Nonetheless, there are deep splits within the Republican Party on exactly how to address immigration problems and whether the main focus instead ought to be on enhanced border security and issuing more visas to lure highly skilled foreigners to work in the United States.
Grover Norquist, a leading anti-tax activist influential in Republican circles, has joined in supporting the Senate's bipartisan immigration bill, testifying in favor of it last month before the Judiciary panel.
Norquist has argued that the measure will boost economic growth, as has Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former aide to Republican President George W. Bush.
(Reporting by Thomas Ferraro; Additional reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Fred Barbash and Cynthia Osterman)
By Richard Cowan and Thomas Ferraro | Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Granting legal status to 11 million undocumented foreigners living in the United States would significantly add to government budget deficits, according to a study released on Monday by the conservative Heritage Foundation.
Heritage, a think tank headed by former Senator Jim DeMint, has assumed a leading role in opposition to a bipartisan, comprehensive immigration bill being considered by the U.S. Senate.
It is only the first of what is expected to be a flurry of competing studies attempting to influence the upcoming immigration debate.
The legislation couples the legalization proposal with a new program to admit high-skilled and low-skilled workers to fill jobs that industry and agriculture say are going begging because of a shortage of available U.S. workers. The Heritage study did not look at the impact on the economy of those provisions.
Coming three days before the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to begin the immigration measure, the Heritage Foundation study estimated that legalizing the 11 million would put a severe strain on government programs.
Over the next 50 years, it would cost taxpayers a net $6.3 trillion, according DeMint, a former Republican senator from South Carolina and a favorite of the conservative Tea Party movement. That would work out to $124 billion a year on average.
The study said that over the course of their lives, these undocumented immigrants-turned-citizens would receive $9.4 trillion in government benefits and services and pay only $3.1 trillion in taxes.
The government benefits and services include healthcare, Social Security, public education, aid to low-income families and a range of other programs.
The Heritage Foundation report was blasted by other conservatives, even before it was issued.
Cato Institute, in a website posting over the weekend, said that the Heritage Foundation study was an update of a "fatally flawed" analysis it issued in 2007.
The earlier findings, according to the Cato Institute, failed to take into account the potential economic benefits of integrating 11 million illegal residents into society.
It specifically mentioned the likelihood of growing tax revenues and economic expansion as a result of broadening the legal U.S. workforce and population.
Following the 2012 elections in which around 70 percent of Hispanic-American voters supported the re-election of Democratic President Barack Obama, Republicans began re-examining their opposition to immigration reforms, including providing a "pathway to citizenship" for the 11 million.
Nonetheless, there are deep splits within the Republican Party on exactly how to address immigration problems and whether the main focus instead ought to be on enhanced border security and issuing more visas to lure highly skilled foreigners to work in the United States.
Grover Norquist, a leading anti-tax activist influential in Republican circles, has joined in supporting the Senate's bipartisan immigration bill, testifying in favor of it last month before the Judiciary panel.
Norquist has argued that the measure will boost economic growth, as has Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former aide to Republican President George W. Bush.
(Reporting by Thomas Ferraro; Additional reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Fred Barbash and Cynthia Osterman)
11
Football / Winchester too cold for comfort but keeping focus.
« on: May 04, 2013, 04:30:15 AM »
Winchester too cold for comfort but keeping focus.
By Inshan Mohammed.
Former Naparima College striker Shahdon Winchester recently interacted with the Soca Warriors Online (SWO), telling us about his new found home and how he is adjusting to life in Finland.
The Princes Town-born footballer signed with Finland Premier League club FF Jaro only weeks after his 21st birthday.
Coming from a country like Trinidad where the temperature on average is 33ºC to one of the coldest places in Europe where the temperature can average 7ºC is a huge challenge; but the striker is eager to make the best of his opportunity.
Winchester made his debut for T&T at age 18 against Antigua & Barbuda and has two senior international caps for his country with the other against Haiti, and now looks forward to getting more caps under his belt.
Winchester meanwhile will be remembered for his goals while playing for the T&T U-23 team against Uruguay at the 2011 Pan American Games in a 1-1 tie and in the 1-1 draw against Panama at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying final round in Los Angeles last year.
At school level Winchester was named one of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) top five Players of the Year in 2009 for his previous year’s accomplishment. He also took home an individual award for best forward that year.
He led Naparima to both the 2007 and 2008 National Big Five League and South Zone leagues respectively. Winchester took it further in 2009 when he single handedly destroyed St Augustine’s Green Machine Coca Cola InterCol title hopes and its bid to make a clean sweep in the Secondary Schools Football League. Naparima defeated the Green Machine 2-0, however Winchester could not have saved his school in the final as the former champs bowed out to El Dorado.
Winchester also left his mark on the T&T Pro League before jetting off to Finland when he scored a hattirck against neighbours Central FC in a 3-0 win which spoilt Terry Fenwick’s debut as head coach of the "Sharks". He also recorded his 7th league goal of the season in the process.
In Finland he scored on his debut for FF Jaro against SJK and has already amassed 4 goals in 10 appearances for the Club. Unfortunately, after his appearance against SJK (the second time around) he had to undergo a sport hernia operation which has so far kept him on the Club’s injury list.
Below are a few questions with the talented center forward.
1. How are you adjusting to life in one of the coldest countries in Europe, Finland? Tell us about your ups and downs?
SW: It’s definitely a culture shock, but I am adjusting quite fine at this moment. However, at first it was a bit difficult because coming from the Caribbean to meet weather like -21ºC (wind chill factor) would be hard for anyone. In my experience here thus far would consider a down to be a more mental one, like for example when there are double sessions. It was a bit difficult at times when after the first training, you come home to eat and sleep then you have to go back out in the cold for the next session. The hot and cold gets to you. The discomfort caused by the weather when playing is really tough. At times you can't feel your fingers and toes. On the upside, signing my first European contract was a thrill. It felt good to get out here, try something new, see where I'm at in terms of football and try to better my game from an overall standpoint. I also thank God, family members, and true friends for the continued support and with that coupled with my ambition I was able to make the necessary adjustment.
2. You recently signed with Finland Premier League club FF Jaro becoming the second Trinidadian to play for the Club, the first was Akil DeFreitas. Since signing you have already scored a few goals averaging a goal every two games. Then you got injured and you’ve been out for a while now. Can you tell us a bit about your game, the League in Finland, your injury and when you are expected to make a return?
SW: My game is more or less the same as when I left Trinidad. The only difference now where my football is concerned is that I'm more focused. When there is need for extra work in my game I put it in, hence my scoring average. The League is not one of the top leagues in Europe like England or Scotland, but it is at a higher level than T&T’s Pro League. The intensity of the game, the skill of every individual and also the mentality of everyone is right up to standard. The injury that I had surgery for is not a new injury, I have been experiencing this for quite some time with a little pain and discomfort, but I just never really thought it to be that big of a problem until I came across here. It became very bothersome and eventually it was diagnosed as a sports hernia, so I had to have an operation. It was a successful operation and by the grace of God recovery is coming along fine. I`ll be back up fully in maybe a week from now, I'm praying.
3. I've seen you play a few times and in my opinion you fit the center forward position more than an all out striker. Again, this is just my opinion and I base it on your skills where you can run at defenders. What position do you prefer on the field and are you a regular starter at the FF Jaro?
SW: To me as a footballer it doesn't matter the position I play once I`m playing I am happy, but the position I prefer is the center forward and yes I`m a regular starter with the Club since I have signed.
4. If you had to compare the T&T League to the Finland Premier League, apart from the crowd support would you say there is a big gap?
SW: Believe it or not there is a big gap. This is just my opinion, but there is a stark difference in the passion for the game, the drive to give 100% every time you are on the field, the willingness to learn, the focus to get a positive result whether it is in training sessions or official games and also the professionalism of the players. There is no question about the talent that exists in the Caribbean as we can compete anywhere in the world, but we need to learn how to take ourselves to the next level. Once these attributes are ingrained in us the rest is history. But first we have to realize our flaws and work hard on remedying them and taking our football to a higher level.
5. Being away for the first time in your career, what do you miss the most about T&T?
SW: Actually I miss a lot of things like the warm weather, the food, the partying (laugh), but most of all though, I miss my family and friends. Out here it’s a totally different world where everything is not what I'm accustomed to. However, it's all about the sacrifice for me to do better in my life. I want to also mention that I see Ataullah Guerra when our teams meet. He lives in a different city so we don't hang-out at all, it would have been nice to meet him more often though.
6. Regarding T&T, obviously you would be disappointed in our Olympic team’s performance in LA last year. Where did you feel we went wrong?
SW: I think we lacked international experience, not individually but as a team. We had players with some experience, but that certainly wasn't enough to get us through as the statistics showed while our players were playing in the Pro League and college football the players from other teams were playing in top flight leagues. Also, we can always look for an excuse and say this and that, but it is up to us the players to do what is necessary to get ourselves on the same level as the other players we are competing against or even higher.
7. Which is your favorite football club and country in the world?
SW: I would have to say my favourite club team is Chelsea and my country where football is concerned is England.
8. Who is your idol?
SW: Didier Drogba is my idol.
9. What is your main aim as far as your career goes?
SW: As far as my career goes my goal is to be remembered as one of the greatest from Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the world for what I have done on the field, and to make my family & friends proud. I know it’s a lot to accomplish, but I hope to put my head down and work hard to accomplish this.
10. You were at trials with many teams including Song Lam Nghe An, FC Dallas, PFC Sevastopol and Scottish giants Celtics FC. Can you tell us a bit more about what happened and why no deal ever materialized?
SW: Actually I had signed with Song Lam Nghe for a year on-loan. What happened was that my international clearance came in after the transfer window and that barred me from being able to play. However, my contract is a valid contract so right now it’s currently in the hands of FIFA so they would have to pay me off for the year. At FC Dallas they didn't want me. They said I have the talent, but I needed a little more time. I know to myself that I didn't perform well during the trial period so I wasn't expecting any different news. At PFC Sevastopol and Celtics FC they both wanted me, but my club president and the teams couldn't come to an agreement.
11. You've played in the T&T Pro League for quite some time and you've also played for T&T at the youth and Olympic level. As a result you've played with many of your countrymen. Who in your opinion can be top players?
SW: Trinidad & Tobago has a lot of good players with a lot of potential, and in my opinion I expect players like Joevin Jones, Daneil Cyrus, young Matthew Woo Ling and even Jomal Williams to become top players. Also, there's a few more I can mention like players from North East Stars, Central FC, Caledonia AIA, but at the end of the day it all comes down to them and how bad they want to make it. It’s a bit difficult for them though because to my knowledge W Connection is the only club that gives players that opportunity. They operate very professional and they want to really help players succeed in their careers.
12. Who would you say is responsible for you being the player you are today?
SW: A lot of people are responsible for me being the player I am today. Firstly, my dad who is deceased, was the one that started me off playing football at age 8 and he even coached me for a bit at youth level at W Connection. Then after that Sean Cooper and Dunstan Williams were mainly responsible for taking me through the ranks of school and youth level football. Then I progressed to the senior team and Stuart Charles-Fevrier took it from there.
13. Who is your favorite player/s in the game both locally and internationally?
SW: My favourite players both locally and internationally are Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, before they retired. But currently I don't really look at anyone that much. However, I'm highly influenced by Didier Drogba.
14. Who are some of the best players you've played with and against?
SW: Thus far in my career I have played with and against a lot of players likeKevin Molino, Joevin Jones, Daneil Cyrus, Jan-Micheal Williams and Clyde Leon just to mention a few. Also some top players played against were on the Mexican and Honduran teams during the Olympic qualifiers in LA.
15. Have you ever visited the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) and if yes, what can we do to help make your visit more frequent? You also have many supporters at SWO, do you have any words for them?
SW: I think the site is very well organised and structured; it’s a home away from home if so to speak. It's always up to date with important information. That's why when people need to know what’s going on in T&T they can always log on to the site and be informed. I visit the site quite often actually. As for all my true supporters, I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting me whether I'm up or down, because that goes a long way in an athlete’s career and I just want you to know that I appreciate it very much - Thank you guys.
Copyrights of the Soca Warriors Online - Any press using the following article written by Inshan Mohammed are welcome to do so, provided that they reveal the source and writer. Furthermore, no portion of this article may be copied without proper credit as well.
By Inshan Mohammed.
Former Naparima College striker Shahdon Winchester recently interacted with the Soca Warriors Online (SWO), telling us about his new found home and how he is adjusting to life in Finland.
The Princes Town-born footballer signed with Finland Premier League club FF Jaro only weeks after his 21st birthday.
Coming from a country like Trinidad where the temperature on average is 33ºC to one of the coldest places in Europe where the temperature can average 7ºC is a huge challenge; but the striker is eager to make the best of his opportunity.
Winchester made his debut for T&T at age 18 against Antigua & Barbuda and has two senior international caps for his country with the other against Haiti, and now looks forward to getting more caps under his belt.
Winchester meanwhile will be remembered for his goals while playing for the T&T U-23 team against Uruguay at the 2011 Pan American Games in a 1-1 tie and in the 1-1 draw against Panama at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying final round in Los Angeles last year.
At school level Winchester was named one of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) top five Players of the Year in 2009 for his previous year’s accomplishment. He also took home an individual award for best forward that year.
He led Naparima to both the 2007 and 2008 National Big Five League and South Zone leagues respectively. Winchester took it further in 2009 when he single handedly destroyed St Augustine’s Green Machine Coca Cola InterCol title hopes and its bid to make a clean sweep in the Secondary Schools Football League. Naparima defeated the Green Machine 2-0, however Winchester could not have saved his school in the final as the former champs bowed out to El Dorado.
Winchester also left his mark on the T&T Pro League before jetting off to Finland when he scored a hattirck against neighbours Central FC in a 3-0 win which spoilt Terry Fenwick’s debut as head coach of the "Sharks". He also recorded his 7th league goal of the season in the process.
In Finland he scored on his debut for FF Jaro against SJK and has already amassed 4 goals in 10 appearances for the Club. Unfortunately, after his appearance against SJK (the second time around) he had to undergo a sport hernia operation which has so far kept him on the Club’s injury list.
Below are a few questions with the talented center forward.
1. How are you adjusting to life in one of the coldest countries in Europe, Finland? Tell us about your ups and downs?
SW: It’s definitely a culture shock, but I am adjusting quite fine at this moment. However, at first it was a bit difficult because coming from the Caribbean to meet weather like -21ºC (wind chill factor) would be hard for anyone. In my experience here thus far would consider a down to be a more mental one, like for example when there are double sessions. It was a bit difficult at times when after the first training, you come home to eat and sleep then you have to go back out in the cold for the next session. The hot and cold gets to you. The discomfort caused by the weather when playing is really tough. At times you can't feel your fingers and toes. On the upside, signing my first European contract was a thrill. It felt good to get out here, try something new, see where I'm at in terms of football and try to better my game from an overall standpoint. I also thank God, family members, and true friends for the continued support and with that coupled with my ambition I was able to make the necessary adjustment.
2. You recently signed with Finland Premier League club FF Jaro becoming the second Trinidadian to play for the Club, the first was Akil DeFreitas. Since signing you have already scored a few goals averaging a goal every two games. Then you got injured and you’ve been out for a while now. Can you tell us a bit about your game, the League in Finland, your injury and when you are expected to make a return?
SW: My game is more or less the same as when I left Trinidad. The only difference now where my football is concerned is that I'm more focused. When there is need for extra work in my game I put it in, hence my scoring average. The League is not one of the top leagues in Europe like England or Scotland, but it is at a higher level than T&T’s Pro League. The intensity of the game, the skill of every individual and also the mentality of everyone is right up to standard. The injury that I had surgery for is not a new injury, I have been experiencing this for quite some time with a little pain and discomfort, but I just never really thought it to be that big of a problem until I came across here. It became very bothersome and eventually it was diagnosed as a sports hernia, so I had to have an operation. It was a successful operation and by the grace of God recovery is coming along fine. I`ll be back up fully in maybe a week from now, I'm praying.
3. I've seen you play a few times and in my opinion you fit the center forward position more than an all out striker. Again, this is just my opinion and I base it on your skills where you can run at defenders. What position do you prefer on the field and are you a regular starter at the FF Jaro?
SW: To me as a footballer it doesn't matter the position I play once I`m playing I am happy, but the position I prefer is the center forward and yes I`m a regular starter with the Club since I have signed.
4. If you had to compare the T&T League to the Finland Premier League, apart from the crowd support would you say there is a big gap?
SW: Believe it or not there is a big gap. This is just my opinion, but there is a stark difference in the passion for the game, the drive to give 100% every time you are on the field, the willingness to learn, the focus to get a positive result whether it is in training sessions or official games and also the professionalism of the players. There is no question about the talent that exists in the Caribbean as we can compete anywhere in the world, but we need to learn how to take ourselves to the next level. Once these attributes are ingrained in us the rest is history. But first we have to realize our flaws and work hard on remedying them and taking our football to a higher level.
5. Being away for the first time in your career, what do you miss the most about T&T?
SW: Actually I miss a lot of things like the warm weather, the food, the partying (laugh), but most of all though, I miss my family and friends. Out here it’s a totally different world where everything is not what I'm accustomed to. However, it's all about the sacrifice for me to do better in my life. I want to also mention that I see Ataullah Guerra when our teams meet. He lives in a different city so we don't hang-out at all, it would have been nice to meet him more often though.
6. Regarding T&T, obviously you would be disappointed in our Olympic team’s performance in LA last year. Where did you feel we went wrong?
SW: I think we lacked international experience, not individually but as a team. We had players with some experience, but that certainly wasn't enough to get us through as the statistics showed while our players were playing in the Pro League and college football the players from other teams were playing in top flight leagues. Also, we can always look for an excuse and say this and that, but it is up to us the players to do what is necessary to get ourselves on the same level as the other players we are competing against or even higher.
7. Which is your favorite football club and country in the world?
SW: I would have to say my favourite club team is Chelsea and my country where football is concerned is England.
8. Who is your idol?
SW: Didier Drogba is my idol.
9. What is your main aim as far as your career goes?
SW: As far as my career goes my goal is to be remembered as one of the greatest from Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the world for what I have done on the field, and to make my family & friends proud. I know it’s a lot to accomplish, but I hope to put my head down and work hard to accomplish this.
10. You were at trials with many teams including Song Lam Nghe An, FC Dallas, PFC Sevastopol and Scottish giants Celtics FC. Can you tell us a bit more about what happened and why no deal ever materialized?
SW: Actually I had signed with Song Lam Nghe for a year on-loan. What happened was that my international clearance came in after the transfer window and that barred me from being able to play. However, my contract is a valid contract so right now it’s currently in the hands of FIFA so they would have to pay me off for the year. At FC Dallas they didn't want me. They said I have the talent, but I needed a little more time. I know to myself that I didn't perform well during the trial period so I wasn't expecting any different news. At PFC Sevastopol and Celtics FC they both wanted me, but my club president and the teams couldn't come to an agreement.
11. You've played in the T&T Pro League for quite some time and you've also played for T&T at the youth and Olympic level. As a result you've played with many of your countrymen. Who in your opinion can be top players?
SW: Trinidad & Tobago has a lot of good players with a lot of potential, and in my opinion I expect players like Joevin Jones, Daneil Cyrus, young Matthew Woo Ling and even Jomal Williams to become top players. Also, there's a few more I can mention like players from North East Stars, Central FC, Caledonia AIA, but at the end of the day it all comes down to them and how bad they want to make it. It’s a bit difficult for them though because to my knowledge W Connection is the only club that gives players that opportunity. They operate very professional and they want to really help players succeed in their careers.
12. Who would you say is responsible for you being the player you are today?
SW: A lot of people are responsible for me being the player I am today. Firstly, my dad who is deceased, was the one that started me off playing football at age 8 and he even coached me for a bit at youth level at W Connection. Then after that Sean Cooper and Dunstan Williams were mainly responsible for taking me through the ranks of school and youth level football. Then I progressed to the senior team and Stuart Charles-Fevrier took it from there.
13. Who is your favorite player/s in the game both locally and internationally?
SW: My favourite players both locally and internationally are Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, before they retired. But currently I don't really look at anyone that much. However, I'm highly influenced by Didier Drogba.
14. Who are some of the best players you've played with and against?
SW: Thus far in my career I have played with and against a lot of players likeKevin Molino, Joevin Jones, Daneil Cyrus, Jan-Micheal Williams and Clyde Leon just to mention a few. Also some top players played against were on the Mexican and Honduran teams during the Olympic qualifiers in LA.
15. Have you ever visited the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) and if yes, what can we do to help make your visit more frequent? You also have many supporters at SWO, do you have any words for them?
SW: I think the site is very well organised and structured; it’s a home away from home if so to speak. It's always up to date with important information. That's why when people need to know what’s going on in T&T they can always log on to the site and be informed. I visit the site quite often actually. As for all my true supporters, I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting me whether I'm up or down, because that goes a long way in an athlete’s career and I just want you to know that I appreciate it very much - Thank you guys.
Copyrights of the Soca Warriors Online - Any press using the following article written by Inshan Mohammed are welcome to do so, provided that they reveal the source and writer. Furthermore, no portion of this article may be copied without proper credit as well.
13
Football / Coach Charles: TTFF settlement will help lift ‘burden’ off players.
« on: May 01, 2013, 04:09:42 AM »
Coach Charles: TTFF settlement will help lift ‘burden’ off players.
By Kern De Freitas (Express).
POSITIVE STEP
Trinidad and Tobago senior football co-head coach Hutson Charles is hopeful that the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s (TTFF) impending settlement with the 2006 “Soca Warriors” will lift a “burden” off of national football.
Charles believes that the Federation’s moves to settle their current debt to the 13 players—who have been locked in legal battles with the TTFF for over six years—will pave the way for the team to “move forward”.
The former national midfielder said the current “Soca Warriors’” technical team had met with TTFF president Raymond Tim Kee, and were assured of the Federation’s plan to settle the matter, which left the Federation previously levied upon by the players, and tied up in court.
Previous president Oliver Camps also escaped contempt of court proceedings over a failure to produce adequate accounts during their legal wrangling with the 2006 players, before he quit in 2011.
Charles described the development as a “good path” for them.
“It would mean that burden will be dealt with and we can move forward from that,” Charles told the Express yesterday. “It was a big issue going forward in terms of getting sponsors on board. Corporate Trinidad wouldn’t want to put their money in the accounts of the Federation if they can be levied upon…
“I am pleased that progress is going forward in getting that burden off. As long as it comes off the shoulders of the Federation, then (we will get more progress).”
Read More
By Kern De Freitas (Express).
POSITIVE STEP
Trinidad and Tobago senior football co-head coach Hutson Charles is hopeful that the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s (TTFF) impending settlement with the 2006 “Soca Warriors” will lift a “burden” off of national football.
Charles believes that the Federation’s moves to settle their current debt to the 13 players—who have been locked in legal battles with the TTFF for over six years—will pave the way for the team to “move forward”.
The former national midfielder said the current “Soca Warriors’” technical team had met with TTFF president Raymond Tim Kee, and were assured of the Federation’s plan to settle the matter, which left the Federation previously levied upon by the players, and tied up in court.
Previous president Oliver Camps also escaped contempt of court proceedings over a failure to produce adequate accounts during their legal wrangling with the 2006 players, before he quit in 2011.
Charles described the development as a “good path” for them.
“It would mean that burden will be dealt with and we can move forward from that,” Charles told the Express yesterday. “It was a big issue going forward in terms of getting sponsors on board. Corporate Trinidad wouldn’t want to put their money in the accounts of the Federation if they can be levied upon…
“I am pleased that progress is going forward in getting that burden off. As long as it comes off the shoulders of the Federation, then (we will get more progress).”
Read More
14
General Discussion / Prices of stuff in T&T.
« on: April 30, 2013, 04:04:09 AM »
Over 5,000 dollars for a phone !!!!!
New Samsung Galaxy S4 sells out in 3 hours
By Carla Bridglal (Express).
The Samsung Galaxy S4 sold out in less than three hours after it was officially made available Saturday to customers on both local mobile networks, bmobile and Digicel.
The world’s newest smartphone hit the T&T market the same day as it launched in other major markets around the world, including the US and the UK.
“Digicel was pleased to partner with Samsung for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 to customers across our flagship stores. The response was overwhelming, with throngs of customers visiting the stores—including Trincity, Gulf City and Westmall—and the device being sold out in a few hours,” the company said in a release yesterday.
Digicel, the release said, had implemented a pre-order system last week for customers both in-store and online through its Facebook page, and is currently in the process of filling those requests.
On launch day, customers benefitted from a $500 discount on the handset that could otherwise set customers back up to $5,799.
Bmobile launched at its Westmall branch only. Speaking at the launch, executive vice president (AG) bmobile services and operations, Ronald Walcott, said the company was very excited about the launch.
“This is the continuation of our 4G development. The world is going smartphones and Trinidad and Tobago is becoming on par with the rest of the world. ”
Walcott said bmobile remains the only local service provider that can boast of partnerships with Blackberry, Apple and Samsung. Sales of the Samsung S4, he said, had already exceeded expectations.
With over 50 bzones throughout the country, Walcott said bmobile is leading the way in innovation and prides itself on giving customers the best plans, innovations and value for money.
According to the latest Telecommunications Authority statistics (December 2012), the mobile phone penetration in Trinidad and Tobago is 142 per cent.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is, however, not cheap.
For bmobile customers, the plans include:
* Prepaid— $5,499
* 2G Postpaid—$5,399
* 4G Postpaid (one year plan)— $4,599
* 4G Postpaid (two year plan) — $4,299
On Digicel:
* Handset only— $5,799
* Prepaid with data— $5,499
* Postpaid with data— $4,499
New Samsung Galaxy S4 sells out in 3 hours
By Carla Bridglal (Express).
The Samsung Galaxy S4 sold out in less than three hours after it was officially made available Saturday to customers on both local mobile networks, bmobile and Digicel.
The world’s newest smartphone hit the T&T market the same day as it launched in other major markets around the world, including the US and the UK.
“Digicel was pleased to partner with Samsung for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 to customers across our flagship stores. The response was overwhelming, with throngs of customers visiting the stores—including Trincity, Gulf City and Westmall—and the device being sold out in a few hours,” the company said in a release yesterday.
Digicel, the release said, had implemented a pre-order system last week for customers both in-store and online through its Facebook page, and is currently in the process of filling those requests.
On launch day, customers benefitted from a $500 discount on the handset that could otherwise set customers back up to $5,799.
Bmobile launched at its Westmall branch only. Speaking at the launch, executive vice president (AG) bmobile services and operations, Ronald Walcott, said the company was very excited about the launch.
“This is the continuation of our 4G development. The world is going smartphones and Trinidad and Tobago is becoming on par with the rest of the world. ”
Walcott said bmobile remains the only local service provider that can boast of partnerships with Blackberry, Apple and Samsung. Sales of the Samsung S4, he said, had already exceeded expectations.
With over 50 bzones throughout the country, Walcott said bmobile is leading the way in innovation and prides itself on giving customers the best plans, innovations and value for money.
According to the latest Telecommunications Authority statistics (December 2012), the mobile phone penetration in Trinidad and Tobago is 142 per cent.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is, however, not cheap.
For bmobile customers, the plans include:
* Prepaid— $5,499
* 2G Postpaid—$5,399
* 4G Postpaid (one year plan)— $4,599
* 4G Postpaid (two year plan) — $4,299
On Digicel:
* Handset only— $5,799
* Prepaid with data— $5,499
* Postpaid with data— $4,499
15
Football / Edwards excited over upcoming Gold Cup.
« on: April 29, 2013, 04:31:24 PM »
Edwards excited over upcoming Gold Cup.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
With his season almost over, Ipswich Town captain Carlos Edwards says his next order of business is trying to help Trinidad and Tobago put on a respectable showing at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Edwards scored a brilliant 6th minute goal in Ipswich’s 3-1 victory over Birmingham City on the weekend to seal the club’s stay in the English Championship Division for next season. It was his second strike in recent weeks that proved crucial to Ipswich’s position on the table with one more game against Burnley remaining before season end on May 4th. The win pushed Ipswich to 60 points in eleventh spot on the League table.
The former Sunderland man is looking forward to a return to the national team for two upcoming friendlies against Romania and Estonia on June 4th and 7th.
“I’m delighted to have scored to help Ipswich stay up. It’s been a long, hard season for us but we came out well and we just want to finish the season and look ahead to next season,” Edwards told TTFF Media on Monday.
“The next order of business for me is putting on the national shirt again. I’m excited about the next few weeks leading into the Gold Cup. This will be my first Gold Cup appearance and I think it’s an excellent opportunity for us to put ourselves back on the football map.
Read More
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
With his season almost over, Ipswich Town captain Carlos Edwards says his next order of business is trying to help Trinidad and Tobago put on a respectable showing at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Edwards scored a brilliant 6th minute goal in Ipswich’s 3-1 victory over Birmingham City on the weekend to seal the club’s stay in the English Championship Division for next season. It was his second strike in recent weeks that proved crucial to Ipswich’s position on the table with one more game against Burnley remaining before season end on May 4th. The win pushed Ipswich to 60 points in eleventh spot on the League table.
The former Sunderland man is looking forward to a return to the national team for two upcoming friendlies against Romania and Estonia on June 4th and 7th.
“I’m delighted to have scored to help Ipswich stay up. It’s been a long, hard season for us but we came out well and we just want to finish the season and look ahead to next season,” Edwards told TTFF Media on Monday.
“The next order of business for me is putting on the national shirt again. I’m excited about the next few weeks leading into the Gold Cup. This will be my first Gold Cup appearance and I think it’s an excellent opportunity for us to put ourselves back on the football map.
Read More
16
General Discussion / Millions in CIA "ghost money" paid to Afghan president's office.
« on: April 29, 2013, 06:40:00 AM »
Millions in CIA "ghost money" paid to Afghan president's office: New York Times
(Reuters) - Tens of millions of U.S. dollars in cash were delivered by the CIA in suitcases, backpacks and plastic shopping bags to the office of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai for more than a decade, according to the New York Times, citing current and former advisers to the Afghan leader.
The so-called "ghost money" was meant to buy influence for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) but instead fuelled corruption and empowered warlords, undermining Washington's exit strategy from Afghanistan, the newspaper quoted U.S. officials as saying.
"The biggest source of corruption in Afghanistan", one American official said, "was the United States."
The CIA declined to comment on the report and the U.S. State Department did not immediately comment. The New York Times did not publish any comment from Karzai or his office.
"We called it ‘ghost money'," Khalil Roman, who served as Karzai's chief of staff from 2002 until 2005, told the New York Times. "It came in secret and it left in secret."
For more than a decade the cash was dropped off every month or so at the Afghan president's office, the newspaper said.
Handing out cash has been standard procedure for the CIA in Afghanistan since the start of the war.
The cash payments to the president's office do not appear to be subject to oversight and restrictions placed on official American aid to the country or the CIA's formal assistance programs, like financing Afghan intelligence agencies, and do not appear to violate U.S. laws, said the New York Times.
There was no evidence that Karzai personally received any of the money, Afghan officials told the newspaper. The cash was handled by his National Security Council, it added.
U.S. and Afghan officials familiar with the payments were quoted as saying that the main goal in providing the cash was to maintain access to Karzai and his inner circle and to guarantee the CIA's influence at the presidential palace, which wields tremendous power in Afghanistan's highly centralized government.
Much of the money went to warlords and politicians, many with ties to the drug trade and in some cases the Taliban, the New York Times said. U.S. and Afghan officials were quoted as saying the CIA supported the same patronage networks that U.S. diplomats and law enforcement agents struggled to dismantle, leaving the government in the grip of organized crime.
In 2010, Karzai said his office received cash in bags from Iran, but that it was a transparent form of aid that helped cover expenses at the presidential palace. He said at the time that the United States made similar payments.
The latest New York Times report said much of the Iranian cash, like the CIA money, went to pay warlords and politicians.
For most of Karzai's 11-year reign, there has been little interest in anti-corruption in the army or police. The country's two most powerful institutions receive billions of dollars from donors annually but struggle just to recruit and maintain a force bled by high rates of desertion.
(Additional reporting by Alistair Bell and Sarah Lynch in Washington; Writing by Michael Perry; Editing by Mark Bendeich)
(Reuters) - Tens of millions of U.S. dollars in cash were delivered by the CIA in suitcases, backpacks and plastic shopping bags to the office of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai for more than a decade, according to the New York Times, citing current and former advisers to the Afghan leader.
The so-called "ghost money" was meant to buy influence for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) but instead fuelled corruption and empowered warlords, undermining Washington's exit strategy from Afghanistan, the newspaper quoted U.S. officials as saying.
"The biggest source of corruption in Afghanistan", one American official said, "was the United States."
The CIA declined to comment on the report and the U.S. State Department did not immediately comment. The New York Times did not publish any comment from Karzai or his office.
"We called it ‘ghost money'," Khalil Roman, who served as Karzai's chief of staff from 2002 until 2005, told the New York Times. "It came in secret and it left in secret."
For more than a decade the cash was dropped off every month or so at the Afghan president's office, the newspaper said.
Handing out cash has been standard procedure for the CIA in Afghanistan since the start of the war.
The cash payments to the president's office do not appear to be subject to oversight and restrictions placed on official American aid to the country or the CIA's formal assistance programs, like financing Afghan intelligence agencies, and do not appear to violate U.S. laws, said the New York Times.
There was no evidence that Karzai personally received any of the money, Afghan officials told the newspaper. The cash was handled by his National Security Council, it added.
U.S. and Afghan officials familiar with the payments were quoted as saying that the main goal in providing the cash was to maintain access to Karzai and his inner circle and to guarantee the CIA's influence at the presidential palace, which wields tremendous power in Afghanistan's highly centralized government.
Much of the money went to warlords and politicians, many with ties to the drug trade and in some cases the Taliban, the New York Times said. U.S. and Afghan officials were quoted as saying the CIA supported the same patronage networks that U.S. diplomats and law enforcement agents struggled to dismantle, leaving the government in the grip of organized crime.
In 2010, Karzai said his office received cash in bags from Iran, but that it was a transparent form of aid that helped cover expenses at the presidential palace. He said at the time that the United States made similar payments.
The latest New York Times report said much of the Iranian cash, like the CIA money, went to pay warlords and politicians.
For most of Karzai's 11-year reign, there has been little interest in anti-corruption in the army or police. The country's two most powerful institutions receive billions of dollars from donors annually but struggle just to recruit and maintain a force bled by high rates of desertion.
(Additional reporting by Alistair Bell and Sarah Lynch in Washington; Writing by Michael Perry; Editing by Mark Bendeich)
17
Football / Concacaf boss says TTFF will get support.
« on: April 24, 2013, 05:44:57 AM »
Concacaf boss says TTFF will get support.
T&T Guardian Reports.
Concacaf director of development Hugo Salcedo believes that the recent developments and the timing could be right for the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation to enter a new pathway where it can embrace change and work towards good governance.
Salcedo was speaking at the conclusion of the 28th Concacaf Congress at the Westin Playa Hotel in Panama on the weekend.
He spoke on various issues, explaining that the TTFF could now work towards recovering from some of the matters that has plagued its growth for maybe a decade and more. He said it was important that all TTFF members and stakeholders work collectively towards a common vision.
“Basically the impact (findings of the Concacaf Integrity Committee) is very strong and very sad for all of us. But we all said it here that we have to put it aside and concentrate more on the future. I think that president Jeff Webb, our general secretary Enrique Sanz and all of us are committed to the game and that’s the most important thing,” Salcedo told TTFF Media.
“We have already started the development programs and we are looking forward to it...I personally have been involved for so many years, and I’m so happy that we have the opportunity to restart the new movement of this new era of Concacaf.”
Salcedo added that he was saddened by the revelations made by the Concacaf Integrity Committee on matters involving former Concacaf bosses and that he had never heard of something so disloyal.
“No, sadly no. I don’t want to compare it with anything of the past. We hope that this will be the end. The only thing we can get out of it is for it to never happen again.”
He went on to add that the TTFF under president Raymond Tim Kee would have the support of the confederation in moving forward, referring to the senior team’s qualification for the 2013 Concacaf Gold Cup and the impressive showing of the Under-17 Men’s team at the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers as promising signs.
“Absolutely. The support will be there for you. Again, the commitment is from all of us and not only from us in Concacaf but if you saw today we have members of UEFA and FIFA and now this movement with Africa. There is tremendous support. We will not only like to give support to Trinidad and Tobago but also all of our forty members associations and they will not walk alone. We are going to be working together hand in hand,” added Salcedo who has over thirty years experience in executive positions with FIFA, Concacaf, US Soccer and Major League Soccer.
The former FIFA Development Officer also touched on the news that the seven-year ongoing saga between the TTFF and the thirteen 2006 World Cup players is nearing closure.
“I hope that it will help the TTFF now. We hope that it can be resolved so not only your players that are involved in this situation but also your young players believe that they can be committed and in return they will get what they deserve and perhaps this is a lesson that will be learned,” added the 67-year-old Mexican-born director who also played for the US team at the 1972 Olympics.
T&T Guardian Reports.
Concacaf director of development Hugo Salcedo believes that the recent developments and the timing could be right for the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation to enter a new pathway where it can embrace change and work towards good governance.
Salcedo was speaking at the conclusion of the 28th Concacaf Congress at the Westin Playa Hotel in Panama on the weekend.
He spoke on various issues, explaining that the TTFF could now work towards recovering from some of the matters that has plagued its growth for maybe a decade and more. He said it was important that all TTFF members and stakeholders work collectively towards a common vision.
“Basically the impact (findings of the Concacaf Integrity Committee) is very strong and very sad for all of us. But we all said it here that we have to put it aside and concentrate more on the future. I think that president Jeff Webb, our general secretary Enrique Sanz and all of us are committed to the game and that’s the most important thing,” Salcedo told TTFF Media.
“We have already started the development programs and we are looking forward to it...I personally have been involved for so many years, and I’m so happy that we have the opportunity to restart the new movement of this new era of Concacaf.”
Salcedo added that he was saddened by the revelations made by the Concacaf Integrity Committee on matters involving former Concacaf bosses and that he had never heard of something so disloyal.
“No, sadly no. I don’t want to compare it with anything of the past. We hope that this will be the end. The only thing we can get out of it is for it to never happen again.”
He went on to add that the TTFF under president Raymond Tim Kee would have the support of the confederation in moving forward, referring to the senior team’s qualification for the 2013 Concacaf Gold Cup and the impressive showing of the Under-17 Men’s team at the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers as promising signs.
“Absolutely. The support will be there for you. Again, the commitment is from all of us and not only from us in Concacaf but if you saw today we have members of UEFA and FIFA and now this movement with Africa. There is tremendous support. We will not only like to give support to Trinidad and Tobago but also all of our forty members associations and they will not walk alone. We are going to be working together hand in hand,” added Salcedo who has over thirty years experience in executive positions with FIFA, Concacaf, US Soccer and Major League Soccer.
The former FIFA Development Officer also touched on the news that the seven-year ongoing saga between the TTFF and the thirteen 2006 World Cup players is nearing closure.
“I hope that it will help the TTFF now. We hope that it can be resolved so not only your players that are involved in this situation but also your young players believe that they can be committed and in return they will get what they deserve and perhaps this is a lesson that will be learned,” added the 67-year-old Mexican-born director who also played for the US team at the 1972 Olympics.
18
Football / 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Thread.
« on: April 19, 2013, 04:38:04 PM »
T&T to participate at CONCACAF beach soccer championship.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
For the first time ever, Trinidad and Tobago will enter a national team in an international beach football competition as it takes part in the 2013 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship in Nassau, Bahamas May 8-12, 2013
The draw for the competition will take place at the Atlantis Paradise Island Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas, on Tuesday, April 23.
CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb will preside over the draw procedure, to be performed by Confederation General Secretary Enrique Sanz and observed by Director of Competitions Horace Reid. President Webb is honored to also join Bahamian Football Association President Anton Sealey and General Secretary Frederick Lunn for the event.
TTFF President Raymond Tim Kee, speaking while at the Westin Playa hotel in Panama for the CONCACAF Ordinary Congress, was pleased to announce that T&T had been accepted by CONCACAF to be part of the campaign.
"This is another first for us and we are very pleased to be able to have a Trinidad and Tobago Beach Soccer team participate in the CONCACAF championships in the Bahamas," Tim Kee told TTFF Media.
Read More
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
For the first time ever, Trinidad and Tobago will enter a national team in an international beach football competition as it takes part in the 2013 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship in Nassau, Bahamas May 8-12, 2013
The draw for the competition will take place at the Atlantis Paradise Island Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas, on Tuesday, April 23.
CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb will preside over the draw procedure, to be performed by Confederation General Secretary Enrique Sanz and observed by Director of Competitions Horace Reid. President Webb is honored to also join Bahamian Football Association President Anton Sealey and General Secretary Frederick Lunn for the event.
TTFF President Raymond Tim Kee, speaking while at the Westin Playa hotel in Panama for the CONCACAF Ordinary Congress, was pleased to announce that T&T had been accepted by CONCACAF to be part of the campaign.
"This is another first for us and we are very pleased to be able to have a Trinidad and Tobago Beach Soccer team participate in the CONCACAF championships in the Bahamas," Tim Kee told TTFF Media.
Read More
19
Football / Tim Kee ‘disappointed’ with U-17s results.
« on: April 16, 2013, 04:06:25 AM »
Tim Kee ‘disappointed’ with U-17s results.
By Kern De Freitas (Express).
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) Raymond Tim Kee yesterday said he was “disappointed” that T&T’s Under-17 footballers were unable to qualify for the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
T&T crashed out of the qualifiers at the quarter-final stage after losing 4-2 to hosts Panama on Saturday night, and coach Shawn Cooper said Panama “wanted it more”. A win and semi-final spot would have give them one of four World Cup berths.
Tim Kee said he thought the players were “a little tired”.
“I’m disappointed in the result,” the TTFF head told the Express. “I thought we did what we we’re supposed to have done in terms of exposing them to the practice games.
“Based on what I have seen coming up before Saturday, I thought that we were really prepared, but I suspect our players were a little tired.”
Tim Kee also stated that the hosts were at an advantage due to the home crowd support, as well as playing on an artificial surface to which they were more accustomed.
Read More
By Kern De Freitas (Express).
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) Raymond Tim Kee yesterday said he was “disappointed” that T&T’s Under-17 footballers were unable to qualify for the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
T&T crashed out of the qualifiers at the quarter-final stage after losing 4-2 to hosts Panama on Saturday night, and coach Shawn Cooper said Panama “wanted it more”. A win and semi-final spot would have give them one of four World Cup berths.
Tim Kee said he thought the players were “a little tired”.
“I’m disappointed in the result,” the TTFF head told the Express. “I thought we did what we we’re supposed to have done in terms of exposing them to the practice games.
“Based on what I have seen coming up before Saturday, I thought that we were really prepared, but I suspect our players were a little tired.”
Tim Kee also stated that the hosts were at an advantage due to the home crowd support, as well as playing on an artificial surface to which they were more accustomed.
Read More
20
Football / Panama beats T&T to secure U-17 WC ticket.
« on: April 14, 2013, 04:56:21 AM »
Panama beats T&T to secure U-17 WC ticket.
CONCACAF.COM.
In a riveting encounter at the Estadio Agustin "Muquita" Sanchez on Saturday, host Panama booked its place at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, posting a 4-2 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship quarterfinal victory over Trinidad & Tobago.
The result ensured that the Canaleros will meet Canada -- winners by the same score over Jamaica earlier in the day -- on Wednesday in the semifinals of the regional event.
It looked to be the Caribbean side's night, when Andre Fortune took advantage of a back-tracking Panamanian defense in the 19th minute to rocket a shot from 25-yards out into the upper right corner of the net.
The goal did nothing to diminish the speed of play, however, as both teams continued to motor up and down the field as if fatigue would not be a factor.
Panama netted a deserved equalizer 10 minutes before the break. Captain Jesus Araya latched on to a loose ball in the Trinidad box, turned a fired a shot that goalkeeper Johan Welch got his fingertips on, but could not prevent from finding the back of the net.
Read More
CONCACAF.COM.
In a riveting encounter at the Estadio Agustin "Muquita" Sanchez on Saturday, host Panama booked its place at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, posting a 4-2 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship quarterfinal victory over Trinidad & Tobago.
The result ensured that the Canaleros will meet Canada -- winners by the same score over Jamaica earlier in the day -- on Wednesday in the semifinals of the regional event.
It looked to be the Caribbean side's night, when Andre Fortune took advantage of a back-tracking Panamanian defense in the 19th minute to rocket a shot from 25-yards out into the upper right corner of the net.
The goal did nothing to diminish the speed of play, however, as both teams continued to motor up and down the field as if fatigue would not be a factor.
Panama netted a deserved equalizer 10 minutes before the break. Captain Jesus Araya latched on to a loose ball in the Trinidad box, turned a fired a shot that goalkeeper Johan Welch got his fingertips on, but could not prevent from finding the back of the net.
Read More
21
Football / Games on TV/Internet for the month of April 2013.
« on: April 12, 2013, 06:32:56 AM »
Saturday 13
United States - Major League Soccer
Live 2:00pm Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, TSN, RDS 2
Live 4:00pm Whitecaps vs Real Salt Lake MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, TSN, RDS 2
Live 4:00pm Seattle Sounders vs New England MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, Univision Depor…
Live 4:00pm Philadelphia Union vs Toronto MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, Sportsne…
Live 7:00pm DC United vs New York RB MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, sportdig…
Live 7:30pm Dallas vs LA Galaxy MLS Live, NBC Sports Network
Live 10:30pm Chivas USA vs Colorado Rapids MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick
England - Premier League
Live 10:00am Arsenal vs Norwich City Fox Soccer Channel, SiriusXM FC, TalkSport…
Live 10:00am Aston Villa vs Fulham Fox Soccer 2Go, TalkSport Radio, Di…
Live 10:00am Everton vs Queens Park Rangers Fox Soccer 2Go, TalkSport Radio, Sp…
Live 10:00am Reading vs Liverpool Fox Soccer 2Go, TalkSport Radio, Sp…
Live 10:00am Southampton vs West Ham United Fox Soccer 2Go, TalkSport Radio, Vi…
Repeat 12:00pm Everton vs Queens Park Rangers Fox Soccer Channel, Foot+, Fox Spor…
Repeat 2:00pm Aston Villa vs Fulham Fox Soccer Channel
Delay 11:59pm Arsenal vs Norwich City Fox Soccer 2Go
England - FA Cup
Live 12:15pm Millwall vs Wigan Athletic Fox Soccer 2Go, SiriusXM FC, Sports…
France - Ligue 1
Live 11:00am Troyes vs PSG Univision Deportes, beIN Sport USA
Live 2:00pm Ajaccio vs Nancy Dolce Sport, Go Sports 4, beIN Spor…
Live 2:00pm Evian TG vs Rennes beIN Sport MAX 5, Al Jazeera Spor…
Live 2:00pm Lorient vs Bastia beIN Sport MAX 6, Al Jazeera Spor…
Live 2:00pm Bordeaux vs Montpellier TV4 Sport, One Sport, TV4 Play Prem…
Live 2:00pm Brest vs Reims beIN Sport MAX 4, Al Jazeera Spor…
Germany - Bundesliga
Repeat 12:00am Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayern München GolTV USA
Repeat 3:00am Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayern München GolTV USA
Live 9:30am Bayern München vs Nürnberg GolTV USA, GolTV Canada, ESPN Carib…
Live 9:30am Greuther Fürth vs Borussia Dortmund Sky Fußball Bundesliga, Foot+, OTE…
Live 9:30am Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim Sky Fußball Bundesliga, Liga Tot…
Live 9:30am Mainz 05 vs Hamburger SV Sky Fußball Bundesliga, Sky Spor…
Live 9:30am Fortuna Düsseldorf vs Werder Bremen Sky Fußball Bundesliga, Liga Tot…
Live 12:30pm Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen GolTV USA, GolTV Canada, ESPN Carib…
Repeat 8:00pm Bayern München vs Nürnberg GolTV USA
Europe - UEFA Europa League
Repeat 3:00am Rubin Kazan' vs Chelsea Fox Soccer Channel
Repeat 3:00pm Rubin Kazan' vs Chelsea ESPN Deportes
Europe - UEFA Champions League
Repeat 7:00am Juventus vs Bayern München Fox Soccer Channel
Repeat 2:30pm Galatasaray vs Real Madrid Fox Sports Florida
Repeat 3:00pm Galatasaray vs Real Madrid MSG Plus
Repeat 4:00pm Galatasaray vs Real Madrid Fox Soccer Channel, TEN Sports In…
Italy - Serie A
Live 12:00pm Pescara vs Siena RAI Internazionale, ESPN 2 Caribb…
Live 2:45pm Atalanta vs Fiorentina beIN Sport USA, RAI Internazionale
Delay 6:00pm Atalanta vs Fiorentina beIN Sport en Español
Spain - La Liga
Live 10:00am Real Valladolid vs Getafe Canal+ Liga / HD, GOL T, SK Prime, NT…
Live 12:00pm Levante vs Deportivo La Coruña beIN Sport en Español, Canal+ Li…
Live 2:00pm Espanyol vs Valencia beIN Sport en Español, ESPN 2 Ca…
Live 4:00pm Málaga vs Osasuna beIN Sport en Español, ESPN 2 Ca…
Delay 5:00pm Espanyol vs Valencia beIN Sport USA
Mexico - Liga MX
Delay 2:30am Morelia vs Querétaro ESPN2
Live 6:00pm Cruz Azul vs Tijuana ESPN Deportes, ESPN2, Azteca America
Live 8:00pm Monterrey vs Pachuca Univision Deportes, Canal de las…
Live 9:05pm León vs América Telemundo, Fox Sports Premium, FOX…
Live 10:00pm San Luis vs Atlas Univision Deportes, Canal de las…
Fell free to add your listing and in your based country - Keep checking back for further updates.
United States - Major League Soccer
Live 2:00pm Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, TSN, RDS 2
Live 4:00pm Whitecaps vs Real Salt Lake MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, TSN, RDS 2
Live 4:00pm Seattle Sounders vs New England MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, Univision Depor…
Live 4:00pm Philadelphia Union vs Toronto MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, Sportsne…
Live 7:00pm DC United vs New York RB MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick, sportdig…
Live 7:30pm Dallas vs LA Galaxy MLS Live, NBC Sports Network
Live 10:30pm Chivas USA vs Colorado Rapids MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick
England - Premier League
Live 10:00am Arsenal vs Norwich City Fox Soccer Channel, SiriusXM FC, TalkSport…
Live 10:00am Aston Villa vs Fulham Fox Soccer 2Go, TalkSport Radio, Di…
Live 10:00am Everton vs Queens Park Rangers Fox Soccer 2Go, TalkSport Radio, Sp…
Live 10:00am Reading vs Liverpool Fox Soccer 2Go, TalkSport Radio, Sp…
Live 10:00am Southampton vs West Ham United Fox Soccer 2Go, TalkSport Radio, Vi…
Repeat 12:00pm Everton vs Queens Park Rangers Fox Soccer Channel, Foot+, Fox Spor…
Repeat 2:00pm Aston Villa vs Fulham Fox Soccer Channel
Delay 11:59pm Arsenal vs Norwich City Fox Soccer 2Go
England - FA Cup
Live 12:15pm Millwall vs Wigan Athletic Fox Soccer 2Go, SiriusXM FC, Sports…
France - Ligue 1
Live 11:00am Troyes vs PSG Univision Deportes, beIN Sport USA
Live 2:00pm Ajaccio vs Nancy Dolce Sport, Go Sports 4, beIN Spor…
Live 2:00pm Evian TG vs Rennes beIN Sport MAX 5, Al Jazeera Spor…
Live 2:00pm Lorient vs Bastia beIN Sport MAX 6, Al Jazeera Spor…
Live 2:00pm Bordeaux vs Montpellier TV4 Sport, One Sport, TV4 Play Prem…
Live 2:00pm Brest vs Reims beIN Sport MAX 4, Al Jazeera Spor…
Germany - Bundesliga
Repeat 12:00am Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayern München GolTV USA
Repeat 3:00am Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayern München GolTV USA
Live 9:30am Bayern München vs Nürnberg GolTV USA, GolTV Canada, ESPN Carib…
Live 9:30am Greuther Fürth vs Borussia Dortmund Sky Fußball Bundesliga, Foot+, OTE…
Live 9:30am Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim Sky Fußball Bundesliga, Liga Tot…
Live 9:30am Mainz 05 vs Hamburger SV Sky Fußball Bundesliga, Sky Spor…
Live 9:30am Fortuna Düsseldorf vs Werder Bremen Sky Fußball Bundesliga, Liga Tot…
Live 12:30pm Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen GolTV USA, GolTV Canada, ESPN Carib…
Repeat 8:00pm Bayern München vs Nürnberg GolTV USA
Europe - UEFA Europa League
Repeat 3:00am Rubin Kazan' vs Chelsea Fox Soccer Channel
Repeat 3:00pm Rubin Kazan' vs Chelsea ESPN Deportes
Europe - UEFA Champions League
Repeat 7:00am Juventus vs Bayern München Fox Soccer Channel
Repeat 2:30pm Galatasaray vs Real Madrid Fox Sports Florida
Repeat 3:00pm Galatasaray vs Real Madrid MSG Plus
Repeat 4:00pm Galatasaray vs Real Madrid Fox Soccer Channel, TEN Sports In…
Italy - Serie A
Live 12:00pm Pescara vs Siena RAI Internazionale, ESPN 2 Caribb…
Live 2:45pm Atalanta vs Fiorentina beIN Sport USA, RAI Internazionale
Delay 6:00pm Atalanta vs Fiorentina beIN Sport en Español
Spain - La Liga
Live 10:00am Real Valladolid vs Getafe Canal+ Liga / HD, GOL T, SK Prime, NT…
Live 12:00pm Levante vs Deportivo La Coruña beIN Sport en Español, Canal+ Li…
Live 2:00pm Espanyol vs Valencia beIN Sport en Español, ESPN 2 Ca…
Live 4:00pm Málaga vs Osasuna beIN Sport en Español, ESPN 2 Ca…
Delay 5:00pm Espanyol vs Valencia beIN Sport USA
Mexico - Liga MX
Delay 2:30am Morelia vs Querétaro ESPN2
Live 6:00pm Cruz Azul vs Tijuana ESPN Deportes, ESPN2, Azteca America
Live 8:00pm Monterrey vs Pachuca Univision Deportes, Canal de las…
Live 9:05pm León vs América Telemundo, Fox Sports Premium, FOX…
Live 10:00pm San Luis vs Atlas Univision Deportes, Canal de las…
Fell free to add your listing and in your based country - Keep checking back for further updates.
22
Football / 2013 Lucozade Goal Shield Thread.
« on: April 11, 2013, 05:26:56 AM »
Caledonia defend Goal Shield.
By Ian Prescott (Express).
Caledonia AIA begin the defence of the Lucozade Goal Shield trophy tomorrow when taking on St Ann’s Rangers in the opening match of a quarterfinal double-header, at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya.
“We are defending champions and what we do in the competition is important,” stated Caledonia AIA coach Jerry Moe. “Rangers will not be an easy game...they are a very competitive team.”
The 2013 edition of the Goal Shield was launched yesterday at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium, in Port of Spain. One of four Pro League knockout competitions, the Goal Shield begins tomorrow with double-headers at Macoya and the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Sponsors Lucozade have pumped $80,000 into the competition, including a $20,000 first prize and $10,000 for the runners-up. There will also be cash prizes for goals scored—an incentive to produce attractive football and high-scoring matches. Each goal scored in the final will be worth $3,000 to the team scoring it, while semifinal and quarterfinal goals are valued at $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.
Read More
By Ian Prescott (Express).
Caledonia AIA begin the defence of the Lucozade Goal Shield trophy tomorrow when taking on St Ann’s Rangers in the opening match of a quarterfinal double-header, at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya.
“We are defending champions and what we do in the competition is important,” stated Caledonia AIA coach Jerry Moe. “Rangers will not be an easy game...they are a very competitive team.”
The 2013 edition of the Goal Shield was launched yesterday at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium, in Port of Spain. One of four Pro League knockout competitions, the Goal Shield begins tomorrow with double-headers at Macoya and the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Sponsors Lucozade have pumped $80,000 into the competition, including a $20,000 first prize and $10,000 for the runners-up. There will also be cash prizes for goals scored—an incentive to produce attractive football and high-scoring matches. Each goal scored in the final will be worth $3,000 to the team scoring it, while semifinal and quarterfinal goals are valued at $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.
Read More
23
Football / U-17: T&T vs Panama Thread (13-Apr-13)
« on: April 11, 2013, 05:16:33 AM »
6:00pm, T&T vs Panama - (quarterfinal match). The winner will advance to the 2013 FIFA Under 17 World Cup finals hosted in the United Arab Emirates this October.
Venue: - Estadio Agustín Muquita Sánchez, Panama.
Panama players carring yellow cards; 7.Eliecer Dominguez.
Panama top scorer; 18.Ervin Zorrilla.
Panama v Barbados Highlights
Panama v Jamaica Highlights
LIVE STREAM: http://somoslasele.com/envivo/#.UWDMJZNtgyg
Venue: - Estadio Agustín Muquita Sánchez, Panama.
Panama players carring yellow cards; 7.Eliecer Dominguez.
Panama top scorer; 18.Ervin Zorrilla.
Panama v Barbados Highlights
Panama v Jamaica Highlights
LIVE STREAM: http://somoslasele.com/envivo/#.UWDMJZNtgyg
24
Football / Army duo receives cars as League honours previous Players of the Year.
« on: April 09, 2013, 06:36:44 AM »
Defence Force duo receives Toyota Corollas as League honours previous Players of the Year.
ttproleague.com.
Defence Force forwards Devorn Jorsling and Richard Roy were revealed as TT Pro League/Toyota Player of the Year 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively, and both received a new Toyota Corolla each on Monday night when the League had its awards function for both seasons at the Ballroom of the Capital Plaza in Port of Spain.
Jorsling was the man of the night, receiving a total four (4) personal accolades—Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Forward in 2010-11 and the Golden Boot in 2010-11 and 2011-12—while teammate Roy picked up the Player of the Year, Most Outstanding Forward and joint Golden Boot winner for the 2011-12 season.
“It was critical that we decided to ensure that all the various aspects of the running of the league were paid and that we were able to ensure that competition was running successfully,” clarified TT Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene for the two-time belated awards function.
“So the time is right at present, and we saw it fit that we have a celebration for both years because it is important to celebrate not only life, but our achievements,” said Skeene.
Defence Force, winners of the Digicel Pro League Championship in 2010-11 and expected winners this season, were named Team of the Year in 2010-11 and its coach, Ross Russell, Coach of the Year.
And for the 2011-12 season, reigning Caribbean Club Champions Caledonia AIA, deservingly grabbed Team of the Year. The Lucozade Sport Goal Shield and First Citizens Cup winners had the FA Trophy and Caribbean title to boast while its coach at the time and present Trinidad and Tobago co-Head Coach, Jamaal Shabazz, received the Coach of the Year award.
But overshadowing the flashy trophies distributed on Monday night were two Toyota Corolla vehicles, one grey and one white, on display at the entrance of the Ballroom.
“As a footballer when you can set goals and achieve them it’s a great feeling,” said Jorsling after the official presentation of the cars to teammate Roy and himself.
Read More
ttproleague.com.
Defence Force forwards Devorn Jorsling and Richard Roy were revealed as TT Pro League/Toyota Player of the Year 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively, and both received a new Toyota Corolla each on Monday night when the League had its awards function for both seasons at the Ballroom of the Capital Plaza in Port of Spain.
Jorsling was the man of the night, receiving a total four (4) personal accolades—Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Forward in 2010-11 and the Golden Boot in 2010-11 and 2011-12—while teammate Roy picked up the Player of the Year, Most Outstanding Forward and joint Golden Boot winner for the 2011-12 season.
“It was critical that we decided to ensure that all the various aspects of the running of the league were paid and that we were able to ensure that competition was running successfully,” clarified TT Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene for the two-time belated awards function.
“So the time is right at present, and we saw it fit that we have a celebration for both years because it is important to celebrate not only life, but our achievements,” said Skeene.
Defence Force, winners of the Digicel Pro League Championship in 2010-11 and expected winners this season, were named Team of the Year in 2010-11 and its coach, Ross Russell, Coach of the Year.
And for the 2011-12 season, reigning Caribbean Club Champions Caledonia AIA, deservingly grabbed Team of the Year. The Lucozade Sport Goal Shield and First Citizens Cup winners had the FA Trophy and Caribbean title to boast while its coach at the time and present Trinidad and Tobago co-Head Coach, Jamaal Shabazz, received the Coach of the Year award.
But overshadowing the flashy trophies distributed on Monday night were two Toyota Corolla vehicles, one grey and one white, on display at the entrance of the Ballroom.
“As a footballer when you can set goals and achieve them it’s a great feeling,” said Jorsling after the official presentation of the cars to teammate Roy and himself.
Read More
25
General Discussion / 150 corbeaux mysteriously die in Chaguaramas
« on: April 09, 2013, 04:26:23 AM »
150 corbeaux mysteriously die in Chaguaramas.
By Camille Clarke (Guardian).
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) believes approximately 150 dead and sick corbeaux found at the Heliport in Chaguaramas may have been feeding on the carcass of an animal which was poisoned. The Veterinary Public Health Unit of the Ministry of Health, the Poultry Surveillance Unit (PSU) of the Ministry of Food Production, the EMA and Forestry Division went to the heliport yesterday to try to determine the cause of the birds’ death.
In a telephone interview yesterday, CEO of the EMA Joth Singh said the authority had received reports about the dead and dying birds and had launched an investigation. “We can’t identify an environmental cause as such that they were exposed to,” he reported. “There were 150 birds, we estimated. There was nothing else in the vicinity. We have been liaising with the Poultry Surveillance Unit, which is part of the National Disease Centre, to see if it was a case of the avian flu,”
Singh said preliminary tests had shown avian flu had not killed the birds. “That was not the cause and there is speculation that they may have been poisoned, that they were poisoned by an animal or carcass that they ate. We are trying to eliminate the causes and we have not found any chemical spills or seen any anywhere,” he said.
When a T&T Guardian team visited the area, several of the birds were on the ground while others were still alive but appeared to be unable to fly. One of two lay in the Western Main Road. In a media release, Peter Campbell, corporate communication and public relations officer at the Chaguaramas Development Authority, said the authority was investigating the discovery of more than 100 black vulture carcasses along the eastern end of the heliport.
“Following the sightings, the Veterinary Public Health Unit of the Ministry of Health, the Poultry Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Food Production, Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and Forestry Division were all alerted and samples of the carcasses have been taken for testing. We will advise later of the test results,” he said.
Public Affairs Officer of the T&T Defence Force Major Al Alexander said, “We are collecting them and have them bagged and insulated in large metal bins. We had EMA and PSU and they did testing. They took samples of the birds to Mt Hope for testing.” Alexander said Fire Services will be on standby to bleach, wash and hose down the area.
A Ministry of Health official wears protective gear as he carries a dying corbeaux past several others that are dead or dying at the Chaguaramas heliport yesterday. The birds began literally falling from the skies in mysterious circumstances. PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ
By Camille Clarke (Guardian).
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) believes approximately 150 dead and sick corbeaux found at the Heliport in Chaguaramas may have been feeding on the carcass of an animal which was poisoned. The Veterinary Public Health Unit of the Ministry of Health, the Poultry Surveillance Unit (PSU) of the Ministry of Food Production, the EMA and Forestry Division went to the heliport yesterday to try to determine the cause of the birds’ death.
In a telephone interview yesterday, CEO of the EMA Joth Singh said the authority had received reports about the dead and dying birds and had launched an investigation. “We can’t identify an environmental cause as such that they were exposed to,” he reported. “There were 150 birds, we estimated. There was nothing else in the vicinity. We have been liaising with the Poultry Surveillance Unit, which is part of the National Disease Centre, to see if it was a case of the avian flu,”
Singh said preliminary tests had shown avian flu had not killed the birds. “That was not the cause and there is speculation that they may have been poisoned, that they were poisoned by an animal or carcass that they ate. We are trying to eliminate the causes and we have not found any chemical spills or seen any anywhere,” he said.
When a T&T Guardian team visited the area, several of the birds were on the ground while others were still alive but appeared to be unable to fly. One of two lay in the Western Main Road. In a media release, Peter Campbell, corporate communication and public relations officer at the Chaguaramas Development Authority, said the authority was investigating the discovery of more than 100 black vulture carcasses along the eastern end of the heliport.
“Following the sightings, the Veterinary Public Health Unit of the Ministry of Health, the Poultry Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Food Production, Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and Forestry Division were all alerted and samples of the carcasses have been taken for testing. We will advise later of the test results,” he said.
Public Affairs Officer of the T&T Defence Force Major Al Alexander said, “We are collecting them and have them bagged and insulated in large metal bins. We had EMA and PSU and they did testing. They took samples of the birds to Mt Hope for testing.” Alexander said Fire Services will be on standby to bleach, wash and hose down the area.
A Ministry of Health official wears protective gear as he carries a dying corbeaux past several others that are dead or dying at the Chaguaramas heliport yesterday. The birds began literally falling from the skies in mysterious circumstances. PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ
26
Football / Trinidad defeats Costa Rica 2-0 at Under 17's
« on: April 09, 2013, 04:06:21 AM »
Trinidad defeats Costa Rica 2-0 at Under 17's.
By Michael Lewis (Concacaf).
Trinidad & Tobago kept its hopes up of reaching the quarterfinals of the 2013 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship by recording a 2-0 Group B victory over Costa Rica on Monday night.
Andre Fortune scored in the first half and Brent Sam added an insurance goal for the Soca Warriors in the second half at Estadio Agustin Muquita Sanchez.
Goalkeeper Johan Welch, who plays for the Houston Dynamo Academy team, recorded the shutout for the Caribbean side.
Trinidad ended group play at 1-1-0 and three points. The Costa Ricans (0-1-0, none) face Canada (1-0-0, three), 2-0 winners over Trinidad in its Saturday opener, in the final group match on Wednesday night.
The Ticos squandered a golden opportunity to take an early lead after Trinidad's Brendon Creed took down Arington Torres in the penalty area. Referee Armando Castro of Honduras had no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot.
Read More
By Michael Lewis (Concacaf).
Trinidad & Tobago kept its hopes up of reaching the quarterfinals of the 2013 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship by recording a 2-0 Group B victory over Costa Rica on Monday night.
Andre Fortune scored in the first half and Brent Sam added an insurance goal for the Soca Warriors in the second half at Estadio Agustin Muquita Sanchez.
Goalkeeper Johan Welch, who plays for the Houston Dynamo Academy team, recorded the shutout for the Caribbean side.
Trinidad ended group play at 1-1-0 and three points. The Costa Ricans (0-1-0, none) face Canada (1-0-0, three), 2-0 winners over Trinidad in its Saturday opener, in the final group match on Wednesday night.
The Ticos squandered a golden opportunity to take an early lead after Trinidad's Brendon Creed took down Arington Torres in the penalty area. Referee Armando Castro of Honduras had no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot.
Read More
27
Football / Canada eases past Trinidad in U-17 opener.
« on: April 06, 2013, 06:50:19 PM »
Canada eases past Trinidad in U-17 opener.
CONCACAF.COM.
Canada commeneced its 2013 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship campaign Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago at the Estadio Agustin "Muquita' Sanchez.
The triumph took the North American side atop the three-team Group B table with three points, while the young Soca Warriors must get a win or a draw in its match against Costa Rica on Monday to remain in contention for a quarterfinal place.
Canada dominated the action from the opening whistle, coming close to scoring an early goal on multiple occasions. Jordan Hamilton shot high in the 13th minute and Marco Bustos went wide five minutes later.
Trinidad started to creep back into the match, but in the 42nd minute, Marco Dominguez-Ramirez netted the game's first goal, firing in from 18-yards out off a clever free kick by Bustos.
After the interval, Canada remained on the offensive and was rewarded with a second goal in the 59th minute.
Read More
CONCACAF.COM.
Canada commeneced its 2013 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship campaign Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago at the Estadio Agustin "Muquita' Sanchez.
The triumph took the North American side atop the three-team Group B table with three points, while the young Soca Warriors must get a win or a draw in its match against Costa Rica on Monday to remain in contention for a quarterfinal place.
Canada dominated the action from the opening whistle, coming close to scoring an early goal on multiple occasions. Jordan Hamilton shot high in the 13th minute and Marco Bustos went wide five minutes later.
Trinidad started to creep back into the match, but in the 42nd minute, Marco Dominguez-Ramirez netted the game's first goal, firing in from 18-yards out off a clever free kick by Bustos.
After the interval, Canada remained on the offensive and was rewarded with a second goal in the 59th minute.
Read More
28
Football / TT Pro League to empower clubs with Business of Professional Football seminar.
« on: April 02, 2013, 05:53:22 PM »
TT Pro League to empower clubs with Business of Professional Football seminar.
ttproleague.com.
In its effort to become a more viable and self sustainable league, the TT Pro League has recruited United States based sports management company, Playbook Management International (PMI), for a two-day seminar on the Business of Professional Football.
PMI Managing Partner and former FC Dallas Managing Director Michael Hitchcock will head the seminar, geared at improving the business side of Pro League clubs, on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April at the Siparia Room of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The seminar will include a combination of presentations and workshops: Profitable Business Management, Community Relations, New Media, Revenue Generation, Player Marketing, Successful Ticket Sales, Game Day Experience, Marketing and Public Relations, and Sponsorship and Sales Programs and Activation.
League CEO Dexter Skeene elucidated, “The league us at the stage in its cycle where strategically it is necessary to focus on the business side of football; aspects off the field which adds to the value and the profitability of the clubs and the league.
“We have an experienced practitioner in Michael Hitchcock, who will provide the insight and experience to the owners and persons who are involved in the managing of our professional football clubs. It provides a forum where the owners can take full advantage of up to date professional football management systems and marketing methods which will assist to put the league on a firm and viable footing going into 2014 and beyond.”
Read More
ttproleague.com.
In its effort to become a more viable and self sustainable league, the TT Pro League has recruited United States based sports management company, Playbook Management International (PMI), for a two-day seminar on the Business of Professional Football.
PMI Managing Partner and former FC Dallas Managing Director Michael Hitchcock will head the seminar, geared at improving the business side of Pro League clubs, on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April at the Siparia Room of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The seminar will include a combination of presentations and workshops: Profitable Business Management, Community Relations, New Media, Revenue Generation, Player Marketing, Successful Ticket Sales, Game Day Experience, Marketing and Public Relations, and Sponsorship and Sales Programs and Activation.
League CEO Dexter Skeene elucidated, “The league us at the stage in its cycle where strategically it is necessary to focus on the business side of football; aspects off the field which adds to the value and the profitability of the clubs and the league.
“We have an experienced practitioner in Michael Hitchcock, who will provide the insight and experience to the owners and persons who are involved in the managing of our professional football clubs. It provides a forum where the owners can take full advantage of up to date professional football management systems and marketing methods which will assist to put the league on a firm and viable footing going into 2014 and beyond.”
Read More
29
Football / Central F.C partner's up with Football Factory.
« on: March 29, 2013, 05:34:03 AM »
Sharks bring the Football Factory to Central.
Central F.C. are partnering with Port of Spain’s premier coaching school, the Football Factory, to offer youngsters in the Central region the chance to attend a local top quality football programme.
The Central F.C. Football Factory will be based at Presentation College, Chaguanas and will be launched with an Easter camp commencing Tuesday 2nd April.
“One of our key aims as a community club is to offer a top quality coaching school located in the Central region” said Central F.C. Managing Director, Brent Sancho. “Aside from offering a chance for youngsters to have fun in a safe, supervised environment, it also is the first step for talented footballers on the path to professional football.”
Sancho said that talented players will be brought into the Sharks youth team structure. “It’s a progression through the youth teams to our reserves and finally to the first team” said Sancho. “But for children, football should initially be about having fun, so the coaching school, while developing skills, will also encourage those with less ability to enjoy the game.”
Read More
Central F.C. are partnering with Port of Spain’s premier coaching school, the Football Factory, to offer youngsters in the Central region the chance to attend a local top quality football programme.
The Central F.C. Football Factory will be based at Presentation College, Chaguanas and will be launched with an Easter camp commencing Tuesday 2nd April.
“One of our key aims as a community club is to offer a top quality coaching school located in the Central region” said Central F.C. Managing Director, Brent Sancho. “Aside from offering a chance for youngsters to have fun in a safe, supervised environment, it also is the first step for talented footballers on the path to professional football.”
Sancho said that talented players will be brought into the Sharks youth team structure. “It’s a progression through the youth teams to our reserves and finally to the first team” said Sancho. “But for children, football should initially be about having fun, so the coaching school, while developing skills, will also encourage those with less ability to enjoy the game.”
Read More
30
Football / Another lesson in Lima.
« on: March 27, 2013, 04:31:07 AM »
Another lesson in Lima.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
T&T Seniors lose 3-0 but Coaches describe it as 'beneficial exercise'
Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior another less on the road, going down 3-0 to a high riding Peru team at the Estadio Nacional in Lima on Tuesday night.
Coming off the thrills of their 1-0 victory over Chile last Friday at the same venue which kept their 2014 World Cup dreams alive, Peru didn’t let off the gas and delighted their home fans with a polished performance against a T&T team that used the encounter as tune up for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July.
Goals by Yordy Reyna (45), Paolo Hurtado (81st) Christopher Gonzales in the 83rd minute did the damage for Peru. T&T’s best chance was a right footed crack from Chris Birchall which hit the cross bar seven minutes into the second half.
T&T started with Cornell Glen up front as the lone striker with Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones on the bench and Caledonia AIA midfielder Keyon Edwards, defender Aubrey David and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip coming into the start team.
The visitors struggled to find momentum in the first half as Peru controlled the run of play for large periods. Glen managed to hold the ball up at times but there lacked support for him around the penalty box and there was little creativity in the middle of the park for the “Warriors”.
Birchall’s passing was a bit off in the first half but he was able to later settle down while Kevon Carter and Curtis Gonzales had a difficult time dealing with the Peruvians. Carter was unable to make a run that forced the Peruvians on their backfoot at any point in the match.
Peru’s constant ability to hold possession and orchestrate timely attacking plays kept the T&T players busy for most parts. But T&T, captained by Densill Theobald, deserved credit for maintaining shape and discipline, at least up until the closing stages of the match.
Peruvian winger Irven Avila, considered one of the stars of the Peruvian League, was a threat from early on and managed four good attempts at goal in the opening half hour. Avila was the provider for Peru’s opening goal which came after a T&T attack broke down.
Read More
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
T&T Seniors lose 3-0 but Coaches describe it as 'beneficial exercise'
Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior another less on the road, going down 3-0 to a high riding Peru team at the Estadio Nacional in Lima on Tuesday night.
Coming off the thrills of their 1-0 victory over Chile last Friday at the same venue which kept their 2014 World Cup dreams alive, Peru didn’t let off the gas and delighted their home fans with a polished performance against a T&T team that used the encounter as tune up for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July.
Goals by Yordy Reyna (45), Paolo Hurtado (81st) Christopher Gonzales in the 83rd minute did the damage for Peru. T&T’s best chance was a right footed crack from Chris Birchall which hit the cross bar seven minutes into the second half.
T&T started with Cornell Glen up front as the lone striker with Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones on the bench and Caledonia AIA midfielder Keyon Edwards, defender Aubrey David and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip coming into the start team.
The visitors struggled to find momentum in the first half as Peru controlled the run of play for large periods. Glen managed to hold the ball up at times but there lacked support for him around the penalty box and there was little creativity in the middle of the park for the “Warriors”.
Birchall’s passing was a bit off in the first half but he was able to later settle down while Kevon Carter and Curtis Gonzales had a difficult time dealing with the Peruvians. Carter was unable to make a run that forced the Peruvians on their backfoot at any point in the match.
Peru’s constant ability to hold possession and orchestrate timely attacking plays kept the T&T players busy for most parts. But T&T, captained by Densill Theobald, deserved credit for maintaining shape and discipline, at least up until the closing stages of the match.
Peruvian winger Irven Avila, considered one of the stars of the Peruvian League, was a threat from early on and managed four good attempts at goal in the opening half hour. Avila was the provider for Peru’s opening goal which came after a T&T attack broke down.
Read More