Disappointed by empty seats at World Cup matches
T&T Guardian
Attending the matches between Spain and Japan and Venezuela and New Zealand was quite a treat for the supporters of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup at the Ato Bolden Stadium in Couva.
The matches were of world class calibre with energy to rival any of the men’s World Cup matches in South Africa. The play was clean in both games and the women were outstanding in their focused performance to win without any drama and antics.
Extremely disappointing, however, were the hundreds of empty seats with only about one-quarter of the stadium being occupied. I can only surmise that this was due to the following factors:
■ Fifa did not think it was beneficial for the schools of the area and environs to be invited.
■ Fifa wanted to make as much money as possible (the ticket cost was $40 a person—adult or child). Add the cost of food and drink and it’s at least a $300 evening out with a family of four.
■ Fifa could not imagine that there are little boys and girls in Trinidad who are aspiring football players, hence the lack of foresight to invite football clubs and schools.
■ Fifa forgot to provide programmes to the attendees although thousands are sitting in its main office in Port-of-Spain.
Why bother to host these events if the little people cannot be a part of the games? And don’t forget, it’s young people who are the players.
In my view, exposure to such events is pivotal to enhancing our children’s desires to participate in productive entertainment. Isn’t it time to broaden the horizon from just the wine, wine, wine mindscape?
There are many disadvantaged children who would have had dreams fulfilled by just having an opportunity to be present at any one of these matches. Why doesn’t Fifa pay attention to these minor details that concern our minors who are the future football players of T&T?
And where is our Sports Minister in all of this?
Wake up, football keepers, don’t only promote for money and your fame and glory. Think of our children who can benefit from all the advantages which can come out of an inclusive and comprehensive plan catering to motivation, growth, good entertainment and solid choices for a sporting career.
Let’s put our children first, Ministers Warner and Roberts.
Ann Marie Sankersingh
Couva