THE TRINIDAD AND Tobago American Youth Soccer Organisation (TTAYSO) will host their second annual “Soca” Soccer Tournament scheduled for July 5-10 at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar from 4.30pm-9.30pm.
However Dale Toney, the tournament’s Regional Commissioner insists the tournament is geared towards development rather than competition and prizes.
“The national teams are really national development teams, which consists players from TT teams who are in need of development and would therefore compete in the youth championship” Toney said.
The tournament will also consist of clubs from the United States of America as well as a number of local teams. Interested teams are being asked to contact the tournament’s Regional Commissioner — Dale Toney at 753-5383 or at (ampstec@tstt.net.tt) who is also the tournament’s assistant coach, or Administrator Bernard Garcia at 680-1847 or (bbatherley@yahoo.com).
Apart from the Under-17 and 19 divisions, there will also be action in the Under-ten Girls and Boys categories, Under-12 Boys and the Under- 16-Boys divisions. There will also be a display of matches in the Under-eight age bracket.
Registration per player is TT$180 or US$28 and closes today but teams will have until May 22 in which to pay for their fees. Officials have explained that from the fee, youngsters will receive a tournament jersey, souvenirs, registration and a token.
Toney is calling on teams in the Girls Under-ten division to come forward and register, adding that there is a need for female participation in that age group. According to Toney the tournament will also be analysed to determine what can be done to help in the massive development drive.
The analysis will be done by national Technical Director Lincoln Phillips, Caledonia AIA coach Jamaal Shabazz and secretary at the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) Sharon O’Brien.
The programme which caters for youngsters between 4-19 years is based on a concept of participation with development. Toney said the motto of the programme is “Everybody plays” and it has five philosophies, namely Open Registration; Every Plays; Unbalanced teams; Positive coaching and Good sportsmanship. Newsday learnt also that attempts are being made to expand the tournament well beyond the borders of Trinidad and Tobago and the USA.
It is also geared towards encouraging family participation,” Toney said.