North East Stars' Unusual Preparation for Toyota Classic.
North East Stars Press Release.
Many coaches like to follow a set routine when preparing their players for a cup final, but DIRECTV North East Stars Head Coach, Shurland David has had his players painting and decorating this week.
"To be honest, it wouldn't usually be my first choice of preparation for a cup final" laughed David "But we committed our entire coaching staff and players to a community project organised by our sponsor, DIRECTV.
As the date of the project couldn't be changed, I decided to use it as a team building exercise to unite the players and take their minds off of Fridays match" The Stars Head Coach pointed out that the club had carried out another community project 2 days before the Lucozade Goal Shield final, in which North East overcame Jabloteh 1-0.
"We saw how proud the players were because they worked hard to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence. They all looked a foot taller when they took the field that night. Hopefully, we will achieve the same response on Friday"
North East Stars were taking part in the filming of a DIRECTV documentary, Rock, Paper, Scissors. The programme is designed to provide support and assistance to communities throughout DIRECTV territories across Latin America and the Caribbean and in Trinidad & Tobago, Chagaramas Senior Citizens Home was selected to be the recipient of the company's generosity.
"On Wednesday, the home was descended upon by DIRECTV staff, North East Stars players and staff and a DIRECTV film crew from Chile." said Stars Operations Director, Kevin Harrison. "It was a magnificent turnout. We started by rubbing down the paintwork in rooms that were not able to be habited.
Builders repaired ceilings and replaced doors while everyone else grabbed paint brushes and rollers and began to paint the inside and outside of the rooms." Harrison said that although the work was hard, everyone was in good spirits. "This kind of project benefits everyone.
Obviously, it is great that we can help to provide decent accomodation for our senior citizens. But the bi product is a sense of pride and satisfaction for those carrying out the work. Everyone from DIRECTV and North East Stars worked non stop and so much was accomplished on the first day."
North Easts' C.E.O. Brent Sancho said " This project had been planned several months ago, so the fact that we were preparing for another final - our third this season - did not effect our commitment to carry out this worthwhile work. In fact, we felt it would be a welcome distraction for the guys.
Everyone from North East Stars has taken part, from our President, Darryl Mahabir and his wife, all of our coaching staff and all of our players." Sancho went on to say that the bond between the club and main sponsors, DIRECTV has become even closer.
"At the FA Trophy final, we had busloads of DIRECTV staff supporting the boys. Now they have worked alongside each other and achieved so much, we know they will be there in large numbers for Fridays Toyota Classic final."
"You have to admire the dedication of DIRECTV not only to North East Stars, but also to their local community of Chagaramas. Although we are based in Sangre Grande, we consider the whole of Trinidad & Tobago to be part of North East Stars community, particularly as we have supporters countrywide. Its gratifying to help people from areas outside of the North East."
The documentary will be shown across Latin America and the Caribbean. "This type of project helps to further promote the North East Stars brand, not just in T&T, but also across the Caribbean region, as well as Latin America." said Harrison.
"Its also a perfect example of how a football club and sponsor can work together to promote their brands by benefitting their communities. We also have to thank Toyota for providing transportation for the players to Chagaramas"
DIRECTV and North East Stars staff and players will be continuing their work on Thursday and Friday. "As much as I believe in the project, theres no way the boys will be painting on Friday" said David "The only decorating I want from them on that day will be another trophy for our cabinet!"
DIRECTV North East Stars play Ma Pau in the Toyota Classic at the Marvin Lee stadium, Macoya on Friday 25th February with kick off at 8pm.
Poll