Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum

Sports => Football => Topic started by: PATRIOT on February 17, 2012, 09:43:29 AM

Title: VFFOTT Thread
Post by: PATRIOT on February 17, 2012, 09:43:29 AM
VFFOTT Forum2 feat Secretary of the UK PFA Brendon Batson

Can any local-based attend? I am unable to:-

Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago
VFFOTT Forum 2
Thursday 23rd February 2012
Butcher’s Sports Plex, Barataria, 10.00am
GUEST SPEAKER: Brendon Batson, MBE
Secretary of the Professional Football Association of the United Kingdom
Brendon Batson was born in St. George's, Grenada and became one of the pioneer black football players in England.
His professional career began at Arsenal and went on to Cambridge United. However, it was at West Bromwich Albion that he made his mark on football, at a time when black players were subjected to extreme racism from football fans.
He was first signed as a semi professional player with Preston North End in 1886, as goalkeeper. His highpoint with Preston was to make it to the FA Cup semi finals in 1887 where they lost 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion. There was speculation at the time that Arthur was good enough to play for England, but he was never considered for the position by the FA, due in part to the racial prejudice of the time.
Along with his team-mates Cyrille Regis and the late Laurie Cunningham, he became a key figure at West Bromwich Albion in the late 1970s and early 1980s as members of The Three Degrees. After retiring from football following a terrible injury in October 1982, he established himself as one of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) senior administrators, rising to the position of deputy chief executive, responsible for developing the organization into one of the most important trade unions.
In 2000 he was awarded the MBE for services to football, and in 2002 he became Managing Director of West Bromwich Albion, his old team.
Title: Re: VFFOTT Forum2 feat Secretary of the UK PFA Brendon Batson
Post by: FF on February 17, 2012, 09:46:34 AM
I can go. I will be home in Barataria next week.
Title: Re: VFFOTT Forum2 feat Secretary of the UK PFA Brendon Batson
Post by: MEP on February 17, 2012, 10:40:58 AM
Can any local-based attend? I am unable to:-

Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago
VFFOTT Forum 2
Thursday 23rd February 2012
Butcher’s Sports Plex, Barataria, 10.00am
GUEST SPEAKER: Brendon Batson, MBE
Secretary of the Professional Football Association of the United Kingdom
Brendon Batson was born in St. George's, Grenada and became one of the pioneer black football players in England.
His professional career began at Arsenal and went on to Cambridge United. However, it was at West Bromwich Albion that he made his mark on football, at a time when black players were subjected to extreme racism from football fans.
He was first signed as a semi professional player with Preston North End in 1886, as goalkeeper. His highpoint with Preston was to make it to the FA Cup semi finals in 1887 where they lost 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion. There was speculation at the time that Arthur was good enough to play for England, but he was never considered for the position by the FA, due in part to the racial prejudice of the time.
Along with his team-mates Cyrille Regis and the late Laurie Cunningham, he became a key figure at West Bromwich Albion in the late 1970s and early 1980s as members of The Three Degrees. After retiring from football following a terrible injury in October 1982, he established himself as one of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) senior administrators, rising to the position of deputy chief executive, responsible for developing the organization into one of the most important trade unions.
In 2000 he was awarded the MBE for services to football, and in 2002 he became Managing Director of West Bromwich Albion, his old team.

May I have two bottles of what he is drinking? The man had a career that span 100 years
Title: Re: VFFOTT Forum2 feat Secretary of the UK PFA Brendon Batson
Post by: Football supporter on February 17, 2012, 09:19:32 PM
Not quite sure where this paragraph came from! Arthur was never a named that he used!

He was first signed as a semi professional player with Preston North End in 1886, as goalkeeper. His highpoint with Preston was to make it to the FA Cup semi finals in 1887 where they lost 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion. There was speculation at the time that Arthur was good enough to play for England, but he was never considered for the position by the FA, due in part to the racial prejudice of the time.

Also, the speculation about him not playing for England is misleading. Cunningham had already played for England and Regis soon followed (although I'm not in anyway suggesting there wasn't any opposition to black players at the time.)

In a bizarre twist, Ron Atkinson, who was fired from Sky TV for racist comments, was one of the main supporters of black players representing England and criticised the "old school" F.A. administration.

In my opinion, Brendan deserves every accolade he can be offered for his valiant fight both on and off the field, to bulldoze a path for non white English players to the national team. I've never heard anyone speak badly about him at the P.F.A. and I have always thought that Gordon Taylors replacement would be Brendan or Bobby Barnes, another crusading black player of the 80's.

Title: Re: VFFOTT Forum2 feat Secretary of the UK PFA Brendon Batson
Post by: JDB on February 18, 2012, 01:22:00 AM
Not quite sure where this paragraph came from! Arthur was never a named that he used!

He was first signed as a semi professional player with Preston North End in 1886, as goalkeeper. His highpoint with Preston was to make it to the FA Cup semi finals in 1887 where they lost 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion. There was speculation at the time that Arthur was good enough to play for England, but he was never considered for the position by the FA, due in part to the racial prejudice of the time.

Arthur Wharton. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Wharton)

Whatever ever article they do a poor cut and paste job from was probably giving a history of black pioneers in football.
Title: Re: VFFOTT Forum2 feat Secretary of the UK PFA Brendon Batson
Post by: Football supporter on February 18, 2012, 05:53:47 AM
Not quite sure where this paragraph came from! Arthur was never a named that he used!

He was first signed as a semi professional player with Preston North End in 1886, as goalkeeper. His highpoint with Preston was to make it to the FA Cup semi finals in 1887 where they lost 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion. There was speculation at the time that Arthur was good enough to play for England, but he was never considered for the position by the FA, due in part to the racial prejudice of the time.

Arthur Wharton. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Wharton)

Whatever ever article they do a poor cut and paste job from was probably giving a history of black pioneers in football.

Point is, the sentence about the F.A. prejudice wasn't THAT far off the mark 100 years later!!
Title: Re: VFFOTT Forum2 feat Secretary of the UK PFA Brendon Batson
Post by: Flex on February 29, 2012, 05:04:00 AM
Cust: Clubs should run T&T football.
T&T Express Reports.


Gwenwyn Cust, president of the Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT), is calling for the reinstatement of the T&T Football Association as the body responsible for local football administration, taking over from the T&T Football Federation.

Cust, a former national footballer and retired school teacher, made the call during VFFOTT's second football forum on Thursday at Butcher's Sports Plex in Barataria.

According to a VFFOTT media release, Cust called for the TTFA to be "reinstated as the governing body for football, and must be in charge of its own finances, be transparent and accountable, with audited financial reports" presented to the T&T public on a "scheduled basis".

Cust followed the urgings of VFFOTT vice-president Selby Browne, who stated at the event that the local clubs "must run the Football Association".

Browne criticised the "deafening silence of the clubs" but was "extremely happy to welcome those clubs who have already stood up".

VFFOTT is insisting that TTFA, which was still incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1982, "empowers all clubs to run their Association" and its status should be "brought to the attention of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago".

This is despite the registration of the T&T Football Federation (TTFF) as a sole trader and which currently runs football in T&T.

During the event, feature speaker Grenada-born Brendon Batson, a trustee of the UK's Professional Footballers Association (PFA), recalled his experiences in British football in the 1970s and 1980s.

He was one of the first black footballers to play for Arsenal and represented Cambridge United and West Bromwich Albion as well.

He recounted his experiences playing in England and the struggles the PFA faced in its infancy stages.

Batson advised the gathering on the steps to establish a strong Players Association, which he feels is in the "collective best interest of the game", adding that all stakeholders must be equal partners for T&T football to enjoy success.
Title: Re: VFFOTT Forum2 feat Secretary of the UK PFA Brendon Batson
Post by: vb on February 29, 2012, 07:10:49 AM
Cust: Clubs should run T&T football.
T&T Express Reports.



Batson advised the gathering on the steps to establish a strong Players Association, which he feels is in the "collective best interest of the game", adding that all stakeholders must be equal partners for T&T football to enjoy success.

I just send a letter to the Express saying the same thing.

VB
Title: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: Tallman on September 09, 2012, 05:30:31 PM
VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
By Selby Browne


VFFOTT mourns the passing of a longstanding significant contributor to the standard of Trinidad and Tobago Football - Robbie Greenidge who passed away yesterday afternoon at the Port of Spain Hospital - September 7th 2012.

The Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago, mourns the passing of longstanding significant contributor to the standard of Trinidad and Tobago Football – Mr. Robbie Greenidge.

On behalf of the President and members of VFFOTT, Mr. Selby Browne Vice President, expressed condolences to his wife Mrs. Mildred Greenidge, daughter Michelle, the entire family and those who provided care and comfort to our long standing coach, father, friend and brother Robbie.

Mr. Browne said, having had the honour to represent Malvern in 1970, with Robbie Greenidge as coach and as player/manager in 1977 when Malvern won the FA Cup and Team of the Year, Robbie was a knowledgeable coach, excellent strategist and had a keen sense of player’s capabilities and weaknesses. He was man of integrity, moral fabric and a gentleman. Robert Greenidge was as an exemplar, his God was his guide.

A past footballer of the Military Services of Trinidad First Battalion in 1943, he went on to make a significant contribution as coach of the Malvern Sports Club from the 1940’s for more than half a century. Malvern enjoyed fourteen victorious seasons during the period 1946 to 1977, as winners of the FA Cup defeating Caroni 2 -1.

During that period, Malvern won the prestigious trophies several times, to include; the FA, BDV and Port of Spain League Cup and gave to Trinidad and Tobago some of the finest footballers who on more than one occasion, the entire Malvern forward line represented either, the Port of Spain League, North Team or the Trinidad and Tobago Team. On the first occasion in the forties, the entire Malvern forward line was; Carlton ‘Putty’ Lewis, Carlton “Squeakie” Hinds, Fedo Blake, Phil Douglin and Lio Lynch, later in the sixties, the Malvern forward line was, Arthur “Jap” Browne, Kelvin Berrassa, Carlton “The General” Franco, Ken Hodge and Eddie Hart.

Robbie guided several other outstanding Malvern and Trinidad and Tobago footballers; Ken Henry, Kelvin Barclay, Noel Gonzales, Tim Lamkin, Ben Sombrano, Lenard Lewis, Michael Saldenha, Ulric "Buggie' Haynes, Ulric Boxhill, Steve Yearwood, Desmond Headley, Rolf Clarke, Keith Aqui and Earle Carter to name a few.

Robbie also pioneered women’s football in Trinidad and Tobago being the first and only coach to take a T&T Women’s team to a second round in CONCACAF level tournament back in 1991 in Haiti when T&T finished third behind USA and Canada.

Mr. Browne said, not only VFFOTT members but all knowledgeable footballers and sport fans in Trinidad and Tobago would be saddened by Robbie’s loss.

Indeed as Malvern celebrates its 70th Anniversary later this month, several Malvern past footballers, cricketers, hockey players, administrators and members would mourn his passing, but we would all join to celebrate the gift of his life and tremendous contribution to football, sport in general in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. Selby Browne
Vice President
VFFOTT
Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: FF on September 09, 2012, 05:54:25 PM
Oh god!! this man cross my mind the other day. I was wondering if he was still around.

Robbie used to come out and assist Jeff Seales with Fatima in the mid to late '90s. Always had a good word and some knowledge to provide.

RIP
Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: just cool on September 09, 2012, 06:25:11 PM
If this man played along side squeakie hind and putty lewis, then he must have been an old fella. i knew mr putty very well, him and dennis yip used to hang out on the barbrer shop on nostrand ave yrs ago, both of them are ded now, but i remember them both, arrogant and confident to the core. they had a lot of good football stories though, very interesting fellas indeed.    RIP old soldier.
Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: injunchile on September 09, 2012, 09:41:04 PM
Now that was Coach. As a Malvernite I can testify to Robbie's honesty and integrity. When most of his team left for the Regiment and some young pretenders from other teams wanted to play for Malvern, I once asked him- Mr Greenidge how is it that you are playing Mr Saldenha  before Mr Ramdoo. I will never forget his reply- Unless these youngsters understand what it is to wear the wine and white, they will never make this team despite their obvious talent. He taught Buggy Haynes and Kelvin Berassa the importance of the fans in football and the responsibility of being part of the Glamour boys.
 What a Coach and what a wonderful Individual. We shared some wonderful footballing moments at the All Saints Rectory.
Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: royal on September 10, 2012, 11:19:21 AM
One of the most knowledgeable coaches I've ever come across in Trinidad
Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: doc on September 10, 2012, 05:23:17 PM
RIP Robbie! There wasn't anyone better!! The memories would live on....
Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: Bianconeri on September 10, 2012, 09:16:05 PM
RIP Robbie.
One of the most genuine persons u would come across. And a wealth of knowledge to share and even as he grew older he was able to share it with no problem.
Asst. Coach at Fatima back in d days. he will be missed.

Any word on the funeral? I'm hearing a talk of Friday in Belmont...
Flex, Tallman...can one of u guys confirm this? time and place....

thanks
Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: Tallman on September 11, 2012, 02:14:49 PM
Former Outstanding Football Coach Robbie Greenidge to be buried on Friday 14th September 2012
VFFOTT Press Release


Members of the Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago, confirm they will turn out in their numbers on Friday 14th September 2012, at St. Martin R C Church, Upper Hermitage Road, Gonzales, Belmont, at 9.30am for the funeral of Mr. Robert Greenidge, past footballer, longstanding Coach of the Malvern Sports Club.

Trinidad and Tobago football has lost a most dignified contributor, who demonstrated his passion and commitment to the development of the game in this Republic and did so with dignity and humility, not for self aggrandizement said Mr. Selby Browne, Vice President, VFFOTT.
Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: Cocorite on September 11, 2012, 06:40:24 PM
It is important to keep these guys legacy alive.

Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: Deeks on September 11, 2012, 06:52:12 PM
The end of an era. Thanks for the extraordinary service Mr. Greenidge. God Bless!!
Title: Re: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Robbie Greenidge
Post by: Bianconeri on September 11, 2012, 10:10:35 PM
thanks for the update
Title: Malvern Sports Club Tribute to Mr. Robert Greenidge
Post by: Tallman on September 15, 2012, 02:43:59 PM
Malvern Sports Club Tribute to Mr. Robert Greenidge
By Mr. Selby Browne


Friday 14th September 2012

Reverend Fr. Clive Harvey, Chief Celebrant, Mrs. Mildred Greenidge, Michelle Greenidge and the entire family, members of Parliament, members of Malvern Sports Club, footballers, hockey players, coaches, administrators, brothers and sisters;
This morning, I have the honour to be selected once again, to represent our beloved Malvern Sports Club, not as player or manager or member of the executive, as on previous occasions, but to pay Tribute to our Coach Robbie for the life of devotion, commitment, passion and love manifestly displayed to our Malvern Sports Club, throughout a period spanning more than six decades.

Robbie began his senior football at the Military Services of Trinidad First Battalion in 1943, a year after Malvern Sports Club, the glamour boys from Woodbrook, Tranquility and QRC, was founded, with George John, the first President of the Club.

Malvern’s initial glorious years started in 1942 when the club participated in the Pin Smith League and the NAFL when the Club defeated all-comers to be admitted to the second division of the TAFA in 1943. Malvern won the League Shield in 1944/45 and 46. It was in 1946, while in the second division that Malvern stamped its dominance on football in Trinidad and Tobago winning the JT Johnson Cup, the Wilson Cup, the major trophies of the FAFA and the Best Dark Virginia Cup defeating Maple 4-1 and Sporting Club 6-2 in the semi final and final respectively, to be promoted the first division.

On leaving the Service Robbie joined Malvern the team he admired to play alongside his primary school friend Carlton “Squeakie” Hinds (fondly referred to as the Prince of Forwards). In 1946 the continued dominance of Malvern in Trinidad and Tobago’s football was evident. In fact Malvern’s dominance was manifest throughout the Caribbean, when in 1947, Malvern defeated Jamaica 3-0, Fedo Blake scoring a hatrick. Trinidad and Tobago also defeated Jamaica 6-0. Four Malvern players, Carlton “Squeakie” Hinds, Fedo Blake, Lio Lynch and Carl “Picky’ Waldron represented the National team on that occasion. This was during the Triangular Tournament and in the Trinidad and Tobago match against British Guiana the entire Malvern forward line was selected. They players were; Carlton “Putty” Lewis, Carlton “Squeakie” Hinds, Fedo Blake, Phil Douglin and Lio Lynch. Carl “Picky’ Waldron also played at half back. Trinidad and Tobago won the match 2-0 and the Standard Life Trophy.

Malvern won the First division Champions League Cup in 1948 and repeated in 1949, when Robbie was named Malvern Player of the Year. Malvern also won the FA Cup in 1952. Thereafter Robbie took up the roll of Player/Coach and Coach in full, bringing his vast experience and knowledge, excellent strategy and a keen sense of player’s capabilities and weaknesses to include opponents, along with his military training and moral fabric to mold and shape boys into men.

His first sons were the Malvern footballers of the early sixties, the nucleus of which were direct beneficiaries of one of two outstanding educators whose vision for the development of football in Trinidad and Tobago must be heralded. Both friends of Robbie, the first was Mr. Hamilton Holder who gave scholarships to youngsters to attend his school Progressive in the fifties, based on their sporting prowess. The other was Don Basil who followed doing likewise in the sixties, giving rise to the victorious St Benedicts College football era in the sixties.

Robbie’s first sons were led by Carlton “The General” Franco, were in large number the beneficiaries of the Hamilton Holder initiative; who won three major trophies in 1960; the BDV, the FA, and the Governor’s Cup. That team went on to give to the Port of Spain League, the entire forward line of; Arthur “Jap” Browne, Kelvin Berrassa, Carlton “The General” Franco, Ken Hodge and Eddie Hart. Both Ken Henry at right back and Clive Niles also played on that Port of Spain League Team. Tim Lambkin was another young outstanding son of Robbie Greenidge who went directly onto the National Team at that time. Other Malvern members included; Clive “Milo- man” Burnett, Noel “Brigand” Gonzales, Hamil Murray, Boysie Ramdath,Godfrey Achille, Lenard Piere and the perennial Georgie Phillip.

This was the Malvern cha, cha, cha, era, 1960-62, winning more trophies and providing football dance and theater in front the Grand Stand, reminiscent of the Harlem Globe Trotters of New York in basketball. There were thousands and thousands of spectators and I hope Raffie Knowles has absolved Robbie for “that cha, cha, cha spectacle” in Raffie’s words.

Trinidad and Tobago gained its Independence in 1962 and the Army was formed. Several Malvern players were drafted. The Malvern stock was depleted. In typical style, Robbie took charge and declared; “Fellas why worry, we could play, we know about this, we could play this” and as a young boy following my cousin Arthur ‘Jap” Browne, at the savannah after QRC practice, I witnessed that fabric of faith, strength and cool sober confidence, from Robbie as he began to rebuild Malvern with his second batch of sons ably supported by Georgie Phillips, Team Manager. Malvern’s dominance continued winning the FA and POSFL Cups in 1965, the FA again in 1965 and 1968; then the BDV and POSFL Cups in 1969. These second sons included; Kelvin and Roy Barclay, Edwin Breedy, Selris Figaro, Reynold Marcelin, Max Mascal, Robert Ellias, Ulric "Buggy” Haynes, Ulric Boxhill, Michael Saldenha, Clive and Leon Grayson, Ian Harris and Keith Aqui, to name a few.

Then came the seventies, the Malvern team of 1970 included; Lenard Lewis, Franklyn and Ray Olliverie, Desmond Headley, Dad’s Mc Lean, Danny Muller and your humble servant Selby Browne. Other players joining the club during this period were, Garnett Harris, Rolf Clarke, Jessie Blackman, Russell Teixeira, Lenny Alphonso, Ken Randoo and Abdul Muhammad. (Milton Archibald) The Malvern captains were Arthur “Jap” Browne followed by Ulric “Buggy” Haynes.

Malvern went on to win the BDV in 1973, the TFA League Cup, Constantine Cup, Golden Chisholm Cup, the Douglin/St George Trophy and the Champion of Champions Trophy, a full haul in 1974. It is in that year that Robbie’s second batch of sons in Malvern, qualified to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the CONCACAF Club Championships which was played in 1975.

In 1977, at Robbie’s request, I had the personal honour work closely with Robbie as player/manager. In that season, Malvern won the FA Cup and Team of the Year, for yet another time. It was Robbie’s finest hour.

He was elated as coming out of the glorious beginnings of the 1940’s Malvern under his stewardship, performed with distinction in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s, enjoying fourteen victorious seasons during the period 1946 to 1977 and Trinidad and Tobago’s Team of the Year on seven occasions.

The accolades and awards Robbie received, were well deserved and here I must express my thanks and gratitude to Alderman Murchinson Browne, Former Mayor of the City of Port of Spain for renaming the Gonzales playing field, the Robbie Greenidge Sports Field. He greatly appreciated this honour.

I say without fear of contradiction that Robbie’s life of commitment, dedication and a grand portion of Love; for family, football, friends, foes, fellow mankind in general, was truly complete because most of all his faith and commitment to the Most High, His God, Our God, was well placed and he demonstrated God’s teachings in his daily life.

Based on this background, his favourite quotation was “don’t worry, everything would be all right – we can face the best of the world with preparation” as profound as his teaching that the day must be divided into four sections for; worship, work, recreation and rest, enjoying the gift of life each day.

He earned the respect and love of his players and management because of:
Strong character which stood up only for what was right, good and proper
 Behaved with integrity in every situation during the many ups and downs of club competition and club life
 Did not stand for unfairness, unscrupulousness and the like
 Made the effort to mould his players into a cohesive team, a family of people of good character which would stand them in good stead for a lifetime

Gentlemanly conduct
 Did not condone unseemly conduct, bad sportsmanship, or bad mouthing, amongst players or club management
 Could always soften a harsh situation with his jokes or wise quips

Knowledge of the game strategically and tactically
 Was a keen observer of the game of football and the strengths and weaknesses of his players and opposing sides so as to play to Malvern’s strengths and minimise its weaknesses while capitalising on opposing teams weaknesses or neutralising their strengths
 Went into each game with a tactical plan which he shared with all the players and expected them to play to

Understanding of the nature of men, young and old
 Knew not to scold his players just after they had lost a hard match but to hold it for later when the pain had subsided and knew that the best time to blast players for their mistakes was when they had won and had the emotional space to take criticism
 Was always available to give advice not only about matters on the pitch but about life in general

Robbie brought his resources to all disciplines of the Malvern Sports Club, cricket and hockey and was a promoter for the welcome of female members to the Club.

He took pride in the fact that Malvern Hockey set an unattainable record for centuries to come, by winning the Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Championships for ten consecutive years thanks in large measure to a second generation Malvernite Ian Harris, footballer, hockey player, coach and National Captain, son of Phillip Harris longstanding Secretary of Malvern.

It must be mentioned that apart his efforts at a resurgence of Malvern football in the eighties, the body proved less responsive.

During that period he pioneered Women’s football in Trinidad and Tobago with the Rossi Potentials Team, winning the Championship football on more than one occasions. He was also the first and only coach to take a T&T Women’s team to a second round in CONCACAF level tournament back in 1991 in Haiti when T&T finished third behind USA and Canada.

Robbie left a legacy in the Malvern Club which stands until today and hopefully for all time for which the Club owes him, his dear wife Mildred, daughter Michelle and the entire family a debt of gratitude.

On behalf of Senator, The Honourable Elton Prescott, SC, President of Malvern Sports Club, the Executive and the membership, we all join in prayer that Robbie, having sacrificed self for the good of all, having raised the fallen, strengthened the weak and encouraged the faint-hearted, he would be supported by the divine assurance that he shall eat of the tree of Life in the Paradise of God.
Title: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Tallman on November 06, 2012, 03:04:45 PM
VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
VFFOTT Secretariat


Mr. Selby Browne, Vice President of the Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT) confirmed, VFFOTT at its Executive Committee meeting held on Sunday 4th November voted in favour of accepting the invitation of the TTFF to accept membership to “Move Football Forward in Trinidad and Tobago”.

Mr. Browne also confirmed, that coming out of a meeting between VFFOTT and the TTFF held on Friday 26th October, it was the view that both parties considered as urgent priority the following:

1. Meeting the legal requirement status of amendment to Act of the Parliament - Act 17 of 1982.

2. Review of the constitution to amend Act 17 of 1982 and to better serve the structure, operation and management of football in Trinidad and Tobago.

3. To seek an agreement for the payment of the 2006 World Cup footballers.

VFFOTT congratulates Mr. Lennox Watson Ag. President and the TTFF Executive for their candid and forthright dialogue and the invitation of the TTFF to VFFOTT to become a Member of the TTFF and will forward its membership requirements as requested for consideration at the next TTFF Executive Committee Meeting.

VFFOTT is committed to working with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Executive Committee to ensure the refocusing, restructuring and the proper development of football with focus on the quality of the game, the footballers, and an administration of integrity and transparency, says VFFOTT, Vice President, Mr. Selby Browne.

Mr. Browne’s closing statement was; “It is not about individuals, it is for the good of the game. Football is the winner.”
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Deeks on November 06, 2012, 03:55:14 PM
Okay!!???
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: FF on November 06, 2012, 04:02:13 PM
Okay!!???

Quote
1. Meeting the legal requirement status of amendment to Act of the Parliament - Act 17 of 1982.

2. Review of the constitution to amend Act 17 of 1982 and to better serve the structure, operation and management of football in Trinidad and Tobago.

This is the most important part Deeks. the act of 1982 establishes the TTFA as the body legally responsible for running football.
The TTFF is a company formed by Oliver Camps and his advisor friend Renraw that enable them to control football for 30 years
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Big Magician on November 06, 2012, 04:45:05 PM
a start
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: kounty on November 06, 2012, 04:46:17 PM
i throw my support too. i hope is a sign that men growin up and we approach the footbal level headed and to serve all.
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Deeks on November 06, 2012, 08:09:36 PM
Okay!!???

Quote
1. Meeting the legal requirement status of amendment to Act of the Parliament - Act 17 of 1982.

2. Review of the constitution to amend Act 17 of 1982 and to better serve the structure, operation and management of football in Trinidad and Tobago.

This is the most important part Deeks. the act of 1982 establishes the TTFA as the body legally responsible for running football.
The TTFF is a company formed by Oliver Camps and his advisor friend Renraw that enable them to control football for 30 years

Like Big Mag. said, that is a start.
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: just cool on November 06, 2012, 10:12:21 PM
It's about time! after six yrs of utter madness, anything positive is refreshing.   
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: dreamer on November 07, 2012, 11:35:33 AM
Doh want to talk too early, but this is a damn encouraging sign. The pain, suffering, shame, anguish, demoralization, angst under Jackulito might just be coming to an end. Keep up the pressure. There is hope. Coops yuh dey?
.
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: pardners on November 07, 2012, 12:32:06 PM
That looking like a next three years in the making. We might have to wait on the govt to change.
I go believe it when I see it.
Title: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: Tallman on December 30, 2012, 10:04:45 AM
VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
VFFOTT Secretariat


The Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT) closed its activities for the year, with Vice President Selby Browne greeting Coach Augustus Wooter on his historic return to Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. Browne said: It was Coach Wooter of Surinam who singlehandedly played the pivotal role to excite the St. Benedicts College football era and Trinidad and Tobago football during the sixties.

That glorious era was a direct result of the initiative of Dom Basil Mathews, Principal of St. Benedicts College, who invited several young men from Point Fortin and surrounding areas to attend the College based on their football prowess. The beneficiaries of that glorious era of Trinidad and Tobago’s football went on to represent the Colleges Football League, South Trinidad and the Trinidad and Tobago National Team.

Read More... (http://socawarriors.net/league/league-news/ssfl/12073-vffott-closes-the-year-with-the-return-of-coach-augustus-wooter-to-tat.html)
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: doc on December 31, 2012, 11:38:01 AM
A man dear to my heart! All the best, coach!!
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: Deeks on January 01, 2013, 02:24:22 PM
A man dear to my heart! All the best, coach!!

Happy New Year, Doc. last month Big Bird called to say they were having a farewell for Wooter at the Clubhouse. It was a surprise. But quite a few turned up, seeing it was short notice. Bert Grell, LP, Gamaldo, Yallery-Arthur, Ian Bain, Rennie, Jillian Moore, some Juniors and All Stars Alunms, Lester, some guys from Greneda etc were all there.

It was emotional to say the least. but all of us were glad that he will be now able to go to TT, Suriname, Greneda and St. Vincent without issues now. He will be based in Holland, as he is also a Dutch citizen.  Everybody had great things to says about this guys. He came to TT at the right time at St. Benedicts and with Dom Basil astute forsight help TT football usher in the "Golden 60s" In the states he did a lot of grassroots coaching for little compensation. He motto was "give me what you can afford, God will provide the rest". August was by and large a de-facto Trini. He spent lots of time with the All Stars guys and was a regular at the old TT clubhouse on Delafield st. in DC.

I hope the St. BOBs work with him to continue the grassroots programs that our country needs so badly.  God Bless!
Title: Veteran players want TTFF action.
Post by: Flex on April 30, 2013, 04:10:00 AM
Veteran players want TTFF action.
By Kern De Freitas (Guardian).


GO AFTER JACK

Trinidad and Tobago’s veteran footballers are calling for the T&T Football Federation (TTFF) to take legal action against former CONCACAF president Jack Warner to recover funds generated from T&T’s World Cup 2006 campaign.

The Veteran Footballers Foundation of T&T (VFFOTT), through vice-president Selby Browne, said yesterday that TTFF president Raymond Tim Kee must take action against Warner in the wake of reports by Express investigative reporter Camini Marajh into Warner’s handling of TTFF and LOC Germany 2006 accounts, and try to recover over $100 million still unaccounted for.

“The new president of the TTFF (Tim Kee) and the TTFF must bring legal action against Jack Warner to recover the (missing) funds,” Browne told the Express yesterday.

“The TTFF must call in the fraud squad or DPP as it relates to the actions of Warner. The TTFF, and we in Trinidad, cannot sit here and rely on outside persons to treat with the Jack Warner debacle that we have here in Trinidad. The source of everything started right here in Trinidad football.”

According to Browne, VFFOTT has made several attempts to meet with Tim Kee, but has not been able to secure a meeting.

The veteran footballers have called a “special meeting” for May 11 at Barataria Sports Complex, where they will discuss the “implications” of the recent CONCACAF integrity committee report that accused Warner and ex-CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer of fraud and mismanagement of funds.

Browne believes that with Warner involved, T&T football has experienced a downward slide.

“In 1974, Trinidad and Tobago was qualifying for the number one slot in CONCACAF,” he said. “In 2006 we were qualifying for the 3½ (playoff) spot. So during the tenure of Warner from 1974 to date, T&T football fell at minimum three, four notches in CONCACAF.”

VFFOTT has also stated that the “sole priority” is to return T&T football to its previous “glorious product”.

Browne is also happy that the TTFF looks set to pay the 2006 “Soca Warriors”, who have been embroiled in a legal battle with the local governing body over World Cup bonuses promised them by Warner, since that year.

“We have said years ago that is long outstanding. That should have been done by the TTFF and then (they should have) pursued Warner, who has still not produced his books for the TTFF.”

Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: fishs on April 30, 2013, 04:24:48 AM

  Years ago Selby had bought the TV rights for TT football, Jack went and get FIFA to make TT tv rights lump under CONCACAF nad buy the rights for himself from FIFA for 1 DOLLAR.

 Selby sue TTFA and that ent reach no where, he end up losing some money and potentialy a kings ransom to the crook.

 Selby is one of the celebrated QRC old boys and is a true patriot so if them fellas getting involved it could only be good for TT football.

Just keep out Ken Butcher
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Flex on October 19, 2013, 01:59:55 AM
TTFA gives vets 50 tickets.
T&T Express Reports.


Recognising the sterling contribution to football made by several past players and administrators, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) made over over 50 tickets available to past players and administrators for last Tuesday’s match against New Zealand at Hasely Crawford Stadium, through the Veteran Footballers Foundation Of Trinidad and Tobago, (VFFOTT).

Vets president Gwenwyn Cust lauded the gesture and said they had been advocating for this for a long time, and was happy the TTFA is making positive steps in the right direction.

“The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association must be heartily congratulated for finally recognising the sterling contribution to football made by several past players and administrators,” Cust said in a release. “Hats off to the due consideration given by (TTFA president) Mr Raymond Tim Kee and (general secretary) Mr Sheldon Phillips as they communicate with VFFOTT.”

After discussions with Tim Kee and Phillips, Cust was given the task of selecting deserving recipients for the complimentary tickets. Cust consulted with Steve David, Lyle Jeffrey, Selris Figaro and Tansley Thompson, all members of VFFOTT’s executive.

Recipients included Shay Seymour and Carlton “Squeakie” Hinds, two of three surviving members of the first National Team to tour England in 1953, the other being Doyle Griffith, who resides abroad.

Squeakie, also dubbed “The Prince of Forwards”, was most present and was in the company of Kenny Akal, another stalwart of the past, who is now wheelchair bound. Other invitees included Gerry Browne, Clayton Morris, Brian Williams, Selwyn Quanvie, Eddie Hart, Osmond Downer and Lennox Sirjuesingh the latter two being outstanding former FIFA referees.

Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Deeks on October 19, 2013, 02:49:26 AM
Selwyn Quanvie? I thought he was Henry Quanvie. Unless he had a father, brother or uncle by that name.
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: maxg on October 19, 2013, 05:12:36 AM
 :applause: :applause: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Trinitozbone on October 19, 2013, 01:58:11 PM
No mention of Gally.Was he offered a ticket? Can anyone advise? I hope he was among the first five? In fact he should be given a lifetime ticket to the stadium. Maybe he has one hence the reason his name was not mentioned?
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Agent Jack Bauer on October 19, 2013, 06:27:17 PM
Cust was 1 of my primary school.........didn't even know he was an ex national
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Coop's on October 20, 2013, 07:45:06 AM
Sometimes i wonder if VFFOTT exists or not,is just that every now and them u see statements in the press.When i returned home last year i was invited to one of their meetings which took place at Paragon Sports Club,i don't know if they had any since,i met a lot of the vets(personal friends) including Eddie Hart,Tim Kee,Selby,Gwenwyn etc etc

At that meeting the agenda seemed to be getting rid of the TTFF administration(JW),revamping the TTFF constitution,06 Warriors getting their money etc there were several contributions made by people on the floor but being my first meeting had nothing to say.

What i came to realize afterwards like everything else it's just talk and no action,i am really surprise and glad to see the TTFF have honored the vets with some tickets,my only hope it's not a one time thing.

What i want to know is what's the role (aims/objectives) of the VFFOTT in T&T Football? 
Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Sam on October 20, 2013, 08:48:00 AM
Sometimes i wonder if VFFOTT exists or not,is just that every now and them u see statements in the press.When i returned home last year i was invited to one of their meetings which took place at Paragon Sports Club,i don't know if they had any since,i met a lot of the vets(personal friends) including Eddie Hart,Tim Kee,Selby,Gwenwyn etc etc

At that meeting the agenda seemed to be getting rid of the TTFF administration(JW),revamping the TTFF constitution,06 Warriors getting their money etc there were several contributions made by people on the floor but being my first meeting had nothing to say.

What i came to realize afterwards like everything else it's just talk and no action,i am really surprise and glad to see the TTFF have honored the vets with some tickets,my only hope it's not a one time thing.

What i want to know is what's the role (aims/objectives) of the VFFOTT in T&T Football? 

Dont waste your time coops, these locals cant organize they foot from they ass and they always looking for handouts.

This VFFOTT is a bunch of retired men looking for a room to gossip with no punch.

They waiting for some foreigner to come and lead them like farm animals, this is why I will always say, a foreign based will always get more respect because they actually do stuff with less talking.

Title: Re: VFFOTT accepts invitation from the TTFF to work together
Post by: Coop's on October 20, 2013, 12:48:00 PM
Sometimes i wonder if VFFOTT exists or not,is just that every now and them u see statements in the press.When i returned home last year i was invited to one of their meetings which took place at Paragon Sports Club,i don't know if they had any since,i met a lot of the vets(personal friends) including Eddie Hart,Tim Kee,Selby,Gwenwyn etc etc

At that meeting the agenda seemed to be getting rid of the TTFF administration(JW),revamping the TTFF constitution,06 Warriors getting their money etc there were several contributions made by people on the floor but being my first meeting had nothing to say.

What i came to realize afterwards like everything else it's just talk and no action,i am really surprise and glad to see the TTFF have honored the vets with some tickets,my only hope it's not a one time thing.

What i want to know is what's the role (aims/objectives) of the VFFOTT in T&T Football? 



This VFFOTT is a bunch of retired men looking for a room to gossip with no punch.




        :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Sam you have me laughing with this line,that's it right there in a nutshell.You know i'm not a favourite of the foreighners but sometimes i have no choice but to agree with u guys.

     I don't know why we like to talk so much,everybody knows all the issues and what should be done in Football but when is time for action people just dissapear,we are our best critique.
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: Tallman on April 07, 2014, 08:19:06 PM
I've heard that he died last week in Suriname. Deeks, can you confirm?
Title: VFFOTT mourns the passing of Auguste Wooter
Post by: Tallman on April 07, 2014, 08:52:05 PM
VFFOTT mourns the passing of Auguste Wooter
VFFOTT Secretariat


The Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago is saddened on the passing of Mr. Auguste “Cha Cha” Wooter, former Suriname national footballer and coach of the exceptional St. Benedict’s College football team of the 1960s.

Mr. Selby Browne, Vice President, of the Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT) confirmed sadness on receiving news of the passing, of Mr. Auguste “Cha Cha” Wooter, on Saturday 5th April 2014 in Suriname.

Coach Wooter made an invaluable contribution to football in Trinidad and Tobago, having been retained by Dom Basil Mathews, Principal, to coach football at the St. Benedict College where he built the College’s exceptional successful Football team of the 1960s.

It was Coach Wooter’s personal contribution that laid the foundation for Trinidad and Tobago’s outstanding performance in the Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 1974 held in Haiti. Trinidad and Tobago placed 2nd in those CONCACAF Qualifiers, the highest place this country has achieved in CONCACAF football to date, said Mr. Browne.

Mr. Browne said, we are all thankful that on Saturday 5th January 2013, VFFOTT organized and joined with the Point Fortin Civic Center Football Club and Past St. Benedict College footballers to host an official reception to thank former Coach Auguste “Cha Cha” Wooter for his colossal contribution.  That function was held under the auspices of His Worship, Alderman Clyde Paul, Mayor of Point Fortin and Her Excellency Fidelia Graand-Galon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Suriname to Trinidad and Tobago had the honour to meet and give thanks to her football hero Auguste “Cha Cha” Wooter, in her feature address.

Auguste “Cha Cha” Wooter, was an outstanding former Suriname National footballer who represented his country against Trinidad and Tobago in the historic Trinidad and Tobago Independence Celebration match held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, in 1962.  In fact Coach Wooter was the house guest of Mr. Tim Lambkin in January 2013, as a result of their lifelong friendship which began as opponents, representing their respective countries in the Trinidad and Tobago 1962 Independence Celebration match.

Coach Wooter’s contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s football which dates back to the 1960′s heralded the St Benedict College football era, with footballers from South and North Trinidad and Point Fortin in particular being the beneficiaries, of his teaching. His student footballers went on to provide the nucleus for teams in the North America Soccer League (NASL) with outstanding contributions during the 1960s and 70s.  In fact Mr. Steve David, former St. Benedict College and Trinidad and Tobago National footballer was named Most Valuable Player of the NASL in the 1970’s.

In the United States of America, Coach Wooter’s football teaching extended to the cities of New York and Washington DC in particular. The Caribbean island of Grenada also benefited from his immense football knowledge.

Mr. Browne said, “Cha Cha” Wooter was a man of integrity, moral fabric and a gentleman with his God as his guide.  He was as an exemplar, a father figure who molded young boys into men of principle and good character. Coach Wooter was knowledgeable, a motivator, excellent strategist and had a keen sense of player’s capabilities and weaknesses.”

The Veteran Footballers Foundation on behalf of several Trinidad and Tobago footballers of the 1960s and 70s, extend our condolences to Katie, the daughter of Coach Auguste “Cha Cha” Wooter, relatives and friends. We also send condolences to our fellow Surinamese footballers and the Suriname Football Association.
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: doc on April 08, 2014, 04:00:58 AM
R.I.P. Wooter....You were a giant indeed... I'll continue to honour you with my work... Thanks and Godspeed!!
Title: August `Cha Cha’ Wooter succumbs after car accident
Post by: Tallman on April 08, 2014, 05:00:11 AM
Former national football coach August `Cha Cha’ Wooter succumbs after car accident
guyanachronicle.com


FORMER national football coach August `Cha Cha’ Wooter of Suriname died last Friday in Paramaribo, Suriname, from injuries he sustained while holidaying in Guyana about six months ago.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport via telephone yesterday, one of the former national coach’s prodigies, Lennox `Cross Eye’ Arthur, said that Wooter was in Guyana about six months ago on vacation and was involved in a motor vehicle accident “and apparently he suffered an injury to the head”.Arthur, a former national football coach himself, said on Wooter’s return to neighbouring Suriname, he – the head coach of the national youth team from 1967 to 1970 – complained of feeling unwell and was taken to the hospital in Paramaribo, Suriname but succumbed..

Arthur, who was a member of the 1967 national Under-17 team at the time, said Wooter also had coaching stints in Suriname, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago.

“He was a very experienced and knowledgeable coach, one who trained (physical) and coached the team himself,” Arthur stated, adding “he lifted the standard of Guyana’s football then. He was very good at physical preparation and was also a tactician”.

Among the many local clubs he shared his expertise with are: Santos, Pele, Thomas United and the Georgetown Football Club.

Players, namely Arthur, Michael Pierre, Earl O’Neil Donald `Casa’ Neblett, Julian Fernandes, Clyde `Farmer’ Brown, Woolley Forde, George Mitchell and Michael Hampden are some of whom have represented Guyana at the national level.

Arthur has expressed his condolences to the family and relatives of Wooter who will be buried on Friday in Suriname.
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: E-man on April 08, 2014, 12:09:59 PM
(http://www.ttfootballhistory.com/files/images/1964-stbenedicts.jpg)
St. Benedict's College & invited standouts (3) from other colleges under Surinamese coach Augustus Wooter, extreme right standing. (year 1964)

Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: Deeks on April 08, 2014, 05:12:47 PM
I've heard that he died last week in Suriname. Deeks, can you confirm?

Tallman, I just heard about it this morning. May He Rest In Peace!. Well I guess the reunion in December 2012 in the Clubhouse in DC was really a fitting farewell. God Bless.
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: Tallman on April 09, 2014, 11:12:05 AM
Unless you were a follower of local football in the 1960s, or a St Benedict’s College old boy, the name Auguste Wooter may sound foreign. Indeed, he was from foreign, Suriname to be exact. But he was a most influential figure in the game in Trinidad at that time.

Hired by principal Dom Basil Matthews to coach St Benedict’s, Wooter made them arguably the country’s most famous schoolboy team, one that spawned local legends like Warren Archibald, Jan Steadman, Wilfred Cave and Leroy De Leon.

Matthews, a revolutionary of sorts himself, introduced foreign coaching to the schools scene. The ex-Suriname international Wooter was recruited to work with the team around 1964.

In a country where coaching was still left to amateurs, this was a significant step, that yielded almost immediate results.

“The difference was the coaching,” Steadman told me several years ago.

“There was no big difference in the football as far as the ability and the motivation. But Wooter was the guy who brought the thinking ability and the know-how about the game. He was able to mould players, to make you a better player. We were transferring what we had learned from Wooter onto the national team.”

De Leon, who played the 1966 season under Wooter has a similar recollection.

“He was very instrumental in teaching us the finer things,” he told me. “We were already ball-players, he didn’t have to work on that. He started showing us how to bend the ball, why to bend it, the finer things in football that we hadn’t been taught....We were just doing things without knowing why, but he taught us why; why are you passing to Archie and not Cave. He just gave you things to think about.”

The former midfield maestro also spoke of how Wooter’s influence went beyond the pitch.

“He taught us how to handle ourselves off the field. We had little coaching in that respect in terms of somebody coming to mentor. He was like a father, a mother, he was very, very instrumental in changing the dynamics of Benedict’s...He taught us unity. We used to stay together, eat together at school. If we had a game on Saturday, we stayed together at the commons at St Benedict’s ground. That was our home away from home on Friday. Everything was team. I used to be a ball hog, but he changed all that.”

Trinidad and Tobago football has in part been built upon the legacy left by Auguste Wooter and his like. Similarly, in their own ways Wilkes, Barrow and Grant made their contributions.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Before-they-reach-the-papers-254466721.html
Title: Not a drum beat for Wooter
Post by: Tallman on April 24, 2014, 08:09:14 AM
Not a drum beat for Wooter
T&T Newsday


THE EDITOR: Within recent times as I continue this life’s journey, I have realised along the way one encounters individuals who impact on you positively or negatively.

In the year 1962 the year we became an “Independent country,” not a nation, as far as I am concerned, I was fortunate through some twist of fate to be selected as the youngest member of our first “National” football team who participated in a “goodwill” series of matches against the then national football team of Suriname, to commemorate our so-called “Independence”. In that Surinamese team was a player by the name of August Wooter who as fate and destiny would have it, connected us as Caribbean brothers and established a bond of friendship and brotherhood for the past 51 years.

In the ensuing years after 1962 we both pursued our career paths, but as fate and destiny would have it we again reconnected in the year 1981 through Lincoln Phillips who invited former players and coaches from the Caribbean to assist him in developing his Soccer Development Programme in the USA.

For a period of over ten years I had the unique opportunity of working alongside August Wooter as a coach, friend, mentor and spiritual brother, and I am convinced August Wooter was the best football coach I know and I make no apologies for this belief.

August who was based in the USA primarily in the Tri-State areas of Washington, DC, Virginia and New Jersey was responsible for developing hundreds of young boys and girls as soccer players and good, productive human beings.

Regrettably, because of his trusting nature in humanity, he was exploited, used and abused by people in the USA, and even his own Footballing Caribbean brothers who were in positions to assist and elevate him disappointedly exploited him.

About three years ago when I visited Washington DC, August and I reconnected, and I realised that he was living a life of abject poverty. For over 20 years I had been pleading with him to leave the USA and return home to the Caribbean, where his knowledge and talents were needed, and hopefully would have been appreciated. He was always apprehensive to this suggestion. Eventually, he accepted my advice and decided to return to Trinidad on December 28, 2013.

I invited him to be my house guest, in transit to his homeland Suriname. He spent approximately three weeks as my guest during which period the only event of note was an Appreciation and Award function in his honour which was hosted by Mr Clyde Paul the Mayor of Point Fortin, who coincidentally was an ex-St Benedicts College student.

That St Benedicts College, which was founded by the late Dom Basil Matthews who brought August Wooter from Suriname to coach the students of his college and subsequently revolutionised the coaching methods and strategies in Trinidad and Tobago’s football, produced some of our most talented and famous footballers. Only two former players ever found the time to pay a courtesy call on their former coach during his three weeks stay in Trinidad.

This ungrateful act by his former students agonised Mr Wooter and he departed Trinidad for his homeland on January 17, 2013, a very disappointed man.

During the past year, he was the victim of a very serious vehicular accident which occurred during a visit to Guyana where he lost the use of both legs. His medical conditions deteriorated and he succumbed to his injuries on his return to Suriname and passed away on Saturday April 5, 2014 and was buried in his home village Moengo in Suriname on April 11, 2014.

Like the burial of Sir John Moore’s “Not a drum was heard” in Trinidad by the Government or the football fraternity for this humble giant of a man.

It is ironic that similarly the late Dom Basil Matthews suffered and died under almost the same conditions. Trinidad and Tobago, his homeland where he contributed to much in revolutionising education, sports and community development, was not aware that during his last days it was the clergy and staff of the Roman Catholic Church in Washington DC who took care of him. I know, because I had the opportunity to visit him, with August Wooter prior to his death.

Shame, shame, shame on you Trinidad and Tobago as Explainer had sung, “We should not treat our heroes so.”

RIP Dom Basil Matthews and August Wooter, you will be rewarded in the Sweet bye and bye.

THEODORE “TIM” LAMBKIN
Tortuga Village
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: asylumseeker on April 24, 2014, 10:08:34 AM
That is a letter to the editor! Ouch, ouch, ouch and watap!
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: Deeks on April 24, 2014, 11:13:04 AM
Only two former players ever found the time to pay a courtesy call on their former coach during his three weeks stay in Trinidad.

This ungrateful act by his former students agonised Mr Wooter and he departed Trinidad for his homeland on January 17, 2013, a very disappointed man.


Ouch, in truth!  I did expect to see the above. Surprise to me. Whenever he spoke of the Boys, you felt like they were his sons.
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: Tiresais on April 25, 2014, 03:59:33 AM
Well that was depressing
Title: Re: VFFOTT closes the year with the return of Coach Augustus Wooter to T&T
Post by: Tallman on April 25, 2014, 07:59:06 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/dR0harwuFRc
Title: Re: VFFOTT Thread
Post by: Tallman on January 30, 2023, 01:42:27 PM
VFFOTT focuses on community...Veterans to honour John Alleyne, Alvin Corneal
T&T Express


THE Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT) is turning its attention to community football.

According to a VFFOTT release, the veterans body’s members decided unanimously at their in-person meeting Saturday to immediately focus their attention on, “facilitating all community football leagues to ensure the return of football in communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago at the earliest opportunity.”

VFFOTT president Selby Browne chaired the meeting and in attendance among others were former national footballers, Alvin Corneal, Ken Butcher, Keith Renaud and former national captain Selris Figaro.

Browne said the  nitiative has the capability to facilitate the rebuilding of community sport via the return of community competitions and leagues throughout the Republic.

VFFOTT is asking community league operators to forward contact details to the VFFOTT Secretariat by email at: vffott2008@gmail.com and/or to call: (868-790-6674.

VFFOTT PRO, retired FIFA referee, Lennox Sirjuesingh, expressed his delight that the meeting agreed to prioritise the immediate return of community leagues, while continuing the activity of honouring long-standing past contributors to football. At the Foundation’s awards ceremony in 2020, Major Ralph Brown, Eddie Hart and Sirjuesingh were honoured.

A former VFFOTT awardee, Edgar Vidale, past player, coach, and administrator, was nominated by VFFOTT for a national award which was subsequently bestowed on him.

On Saturday, the meeting also unanimously confirmed that the VFFOTT 2023 awards for outstanding contributions to football in Trinidad and Tobago will be presented to John Alleyne (posthumously), Earl Murray, Vernon Bain and Alvin Corneal.

The presentations to those stalwarts will take place in their communities; Alleyne’s in San Fernando, Bain’s and Murray’s in Tunapuna and Corneal’s in San Juan, on dates to be announced.

In 2022, VFFOTT presented awards in Point Fortin to past national footballers: Warren Archibald, Steve David, Leo Brewster, Anthony Douglas, and Mello Douglas.

The VFFOTT honour has also been awarded to the first Trinidad and Tobago footballer to play in a FIFA World Cup, Randy Samuel who represented Canada at the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, 1986.
Title: Re: VFFOTT Thread
Post by: Bianconeri on February 16, 2023, 09:42:45 PM
Honest question:

How does VFOTT have a vote in TTFA elections all this time but nobody knows how they're allowed to and not sure what they do exactly?
Do they check all the criteria to have a seat at the table?

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