A JACKPOT valued at $10,000 is at stake at the inagural Women’s seven-a-side football tournament, organised by digital sport media organisation TT Sport Diary and bmobile, which will be contested today at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua.
Today’s action will kick off from 10 am and is expected to feature a number of past and present national players, such as Aaliyah Prince, Natisha John, Nadia John, Alania Burgin, Kalil Keshawr, Abishai Guy, Nadia James, Anastasia Prescott and Denicia Prince.
In a press release, senior corporate communications manager Marsha Caballero said, “Through this latest initiative, bmobile now aims to empower these young women to continue striving for success, no matter what challenges lie ahead. (Today’s) contest will also assist in unearthing some hidden talents and provide a platform for upcoming enthusiasts to further their trade as athletes.”
A number of teams will be involved in today’s competition, including top Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) outfit Pleasantville Secondary, who will have two teams on show, as well as Police ‘A’ and Police ‘B’.
National player Aaliyah Prince will be part of a squad comprising of fellow ex-national players and is intent on taking home the coveted crown.
Prince, who studied at Success Laventille Secondary School and also played competitively in every age division at the national level, expressed her delight with such a timely hosting of this competition.
“Events such as these are vital towards the reinvigorating of female football in T&T,” said the 18-year-old striker. “Currently, there are no tournaments being held for women throughout the country and (today’s) meet is indeed a breath of fresh air for us. As a player, I am eternally grateful to the organisers and sponsors for giving us women players a chance to get back on the field.
“Younger players who are still rising through the ranks will get an opportunity to showcase themselves and have some fun while they’re at it. Tournaments such as these help expose players that you’ve never seen before and this is what we need for the sport right now. This is an opportunity to enjoy what we do best; play football,” Prince added.
Shakira Thompson, a member of the TT Sport Diary, said, “We have also invited the St Mary’s Children’s Home to come out for a day and enjoy some football. We are grateful to sponsors like bmobile, for lending much-needed support to our cause.”
Admission is free and there is ample parking at the venue.