Premier League legends, Tobago tournament.

[Flex]

The Real Madrid veterans will take part in a benefit match on 2 June against Manchester United old-boys. Old Trafford will be the stage for the special match, which was presented in Manchester and where Butragueño, Amancio and Iván Helguera represented Madrid. The Red Devils were represented by Andy Cole, Bryan Robson and Dwight Yorke.

Real Madrid will take part in a charity initiative with Manchester United again, a year after the last time they did. The takings from this match will go to the British team’s foundation. Robson spoke enthusiastically about this match at the presentation event: “Last year’s match was fantastic and we are planning to repeat it for our foundation. It will be a great day for the whole family and it will be a lot of fun, but the most important thing is to raise awareness and raise money for a very worthy cause”.

Realmadrid.com

[Flex]

Yorke to strap on boots for ‘Legends Challenge’
By Mark Pouchet (Express).

Former skipper of the Soca Warriors and Trinidad and Tobago international Dwight Yorke is one of 64 former players who will take to the field when the Bristish Airways Tobago Football Legends Challenge kicks off from June 15-22 in the sister isle next year.

At the launch of the event at the Hyatt Regency, Yorke, Tobago House of Assembly’s Tobago global brand ambassador, and former French international and Manchester United footballer Louis Saha, were on hand to support the week-long event that will also feature a Dwight Yorke International Golf Tournament Day (June 19) at the event’s official base and accommodation, the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort in Lowlands.

The football part of the competition will have as its venue the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet and is set to feature former top players from clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United as well as select teams from the Professional Footballers Association and a Caribbean All Star team.

According to organisers, the Tobago Football Legends Challenge will be used to promote Tobago as a tourist and sport tourism destination. Yorke, a former Aston Villa and Manchester United player, said the Challenge was “a chance for all of us to share the beauty and theatre of sport in a fun and exciting atmosphere.”

“When I was growing up in Canaan, I never got to see the heros I would watch on TV. This event, the whole of Tobago and indeed Trinidad will be able to come, watch and mingle and support for the teams as well,” Yorke said.

THA Secretary of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport, Huey Cadette said he was very pleased to be involved especially because of the community interaction aspect of the Challenge.

“The fact that this event has been structured in such a way that the individuals (legends) will find themselves right across the community.

“In terms of the Best of the Rest game, in terms of the clinics, the Reach the Stars programme, it allows the persons in the community to be involved and feel a part of it,” he said.

The legends will participate in a major community outreach programmes throughout Tobago. Schools, clubs and academies will benefit as young players get an opportunity to interact with the legends.

Tracey Davidson-Celestine, THA Secretary of Tourism and Transportation, said the Challenge coincides with a period featuring increased visitors to the islands.

“The competition comes at a time when international arrivals are increasing and the signs that the growth will continue into the winter season and beyond, and already we are organising additional flights to deal with the increased visitor arrivals,’’ she said.

RELATED NEWS

Saha among 64 former players for Tobago Legends.
By Sean Nero (Guardian).

Former T&T and Manchester United stand-out Dwight Yorke is convinced that next year’s British Airways Tobago Football Legends Challenge at his namesake Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago will lift this country’s profile globally.

Speaking at yesterday’s launch of the event held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Port-of-Spain Yorke described football as a global sport that attracts different types of people and a game with the potential to boost the twin-island’s image.

Yorke serves as global brand ambassador for the Department of Tourism and Transportation, which is a co-sponsor of the event.

With the Football Challenge now confirmed to take place in the sister isle, from June 15-22, it promises to see some of the world’s most revered athletes return to the pitch in a shortened format. Luis Saha, who was present at the launch, will be included in one of eight teams and 64 former players competing at the week-long event.

Yorke expressed delight in having the opportunity to welcome Saha, another former Manchester United forward, to local shores for the launch, along with George Berry and Colin Hill from the Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA) in the United Kingdom.

Citing the tremendous excitement an event of this magnitude would generate the organisers have stressed the importance of hosting outreach projects in the community.

Officials at the Department of Tourism and Transportation have already estimated that between the spend of visitors to the island and media rights the tournament could earn as much as $37 million.

UK-based Sky Television will produce a 90-minute special, aimed at positioning Tobago as a trusted destination for well-known celebrities.

“I think people will be pleasantly surprised not just to see the stars, but to see the impact that it will bring into our country and hopefully everyone would benefit from it. Football took—since 2006—a turn for the worst in many respects in my opinion. It’s just nice to see T&T back on the map doing the things that we did best, which is compete on a regular basis in the Caribbean Cup,” Yorke said.

“And, of course, in the World Cup qualifications it’s looking much more like the T&T team. I keep one eye on that and continue voice success. Hopefully, that will be the case. But, there is still a lot of hard work still to be done. The progress looks slow, but it’s going in the right direction.

I am completing my A-badges. I am one level away from being a complete coach, which is the professional level, which is what you need to meet the requirement. So, yes, that is a slow process. It takes a couple of years before I complete it, but by the time it would be finished that’s when I would be committed to that side of my ideas on football.”

Asked if he would offer his services to the senior national team, Yorke said he would not dismiss such a possibility.

He declared that football had been very kind to him, not just giving him an opportunity to fulfil his dreams, but to meet many interesting people. Between his experiences abroad and having so many years in the game, Yorke now considers it absolutely paramount to give back to T&T football.

When that time comes around, he said, then, he would know it, but for now he was focusing on being a true brand ambassador for T&T, while continuing to try and implement his knowledge to continue his personal develop.

Yorke said, “Football is always going to be part of me. I have always been part of it and I look forward to that day when it comes for me to give back to give back to my country, from maybe a coaching point of view.”

[Flex]

Premier League legends for Tobago tourney
T&T Express Reports.

Trinidad and Tobago is gearing up to play host to 64 of the most famous footballers to grace the English Premier League in a new tournament scheduled for this year.

Tobago’s own Premier League legend and former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke heads the list for the British Airways Tobago Football Legends Challenge, that also includes former Chelsea teammates and top club managers Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet.

Ex-England winger Darren Anderton, will be joined by his former England teammate Ugo Ehiogu, former France and Manchester United star Louis Saha, Dutch international Pierre Van Hooijdonk and ex- Portugal and Arsenal player Luis Boa Morte.

The Football Legends Challenge is set to kick off from June 15 - 22.

It will see teams representing top UK clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa Liverpool and Manchester United face off against each other alongside the PFA and Caribbean All Stars select teams.

Top TV broadcaster Sky Sports will also air a 90-minute documentary on the event.

“Already things are coming together for an exceptional event,” said Tracy Davidson-Celestine, secretary for Tourism and Transportation.

“Big names are supporting this world-class sports event that forms part of our strategy to raise the destination’s profile in key markets and position Tobago as a healthy, active and beautiful jewel among Caribbean Islands.”

To ensure a lasting legacy from the tournament, the football legends have agreed to participate in a major community outreach programme, which will see them travelling across the island.

Schools, clubs and academies will benefit from clinics, courses, kit and equipment donations. And the best young players in Tobago will also get a chance to try out in front of their heroes as the search for Tobago’s next football star continues.

[dreamer]

Nice.

[Tallman]

Football stars heading for Tobago communities
tdc.co.tt

Local communities will host top former stars from the English Premier League this summer as part of a legacy program designed to create a lasting local impact from the British Airways Tobago Legends Challenge, which will kick off from June 15 to 22, 2015.

The innovative Legends Legacy Community Outreach program will foster a wide range of activities around Tobago in the run-up to the tournament, including the “twinning” of local areas with the teams representing many of the Premier League’s biggest football clubs. The sports for development outreach scheme will see legends from Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, among others, engaged in an intensive activity program, with star players working in local schools and communities.

The Legends teams will be paired with local communities. Top former player and son of Tobago Dwight Yorke will head the cast of stars in the community effort, heading home to Canaan as leader of a Manchester United representative team. The full list is:

MANCHESTER UNITED: Canaan/ Bon Accord-Ground-Canaan/Bon Accord
ASTON VILLA: Buccoo/Mt. Pleasant/Bethel-Ground-Mt. Pleasant
LIVERPOOL: Les Coteaux/Plymouth/Black Rock-Ground-Plymouth
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Patience Hill/Signal Hill/Lambeau- Signal Hill Rec Ground
CARIBBEAN ALL-STARS: Mason Hall/Moriah/Castara-Ground-Mason Hall
ARSENAL: Roxborough/Argyle/Goodwood-Ground-Cyd Gray Complex
CHELSEA: Charlotteville/Speyside/Delaford-Ground-Speyside Recreation Ground
PFA ALL-STARS: Whim/Mt Grace/Calderhall-Ground-Mt. Grace

The Legacy outreach program is a key element of the pre and post tournament activities. The British Airways Tobago Legends Tournament is a new major sports tourism effort headed to Tobago this June. It will see 64 of the best players ever to play the beautiful game face-off during a high tempo six-aside Legends tournament. The twinning of the teams with local communities is an effort to heighten the sense of excitement around the event and foster some friendly competition while building awareness of the Legends tournament. Local youth and children, primarily based in local schools, will wear the same ‘official’ shirt colors as the teams. Coaches and unemployed youth will be identified and encouraged to act as ‘ambassadors’ to help deliver the program objectives on the ground in each community. Each sports field is close to a local school/s and will be the key location for Legacy activities. Magdalena Beach and Golf Resort, the official hotel is offering special Caricom rates during the week of the event. Visit us at www.MagdalenaGrand.com Enter Group Code: Tobago Legends

MEDIA CONTACT: Corporate Communications, Tourism Development Company Limited, Phone: 868.675.7034, E-mail: info@tdc.co.tt , Web: www.tdc.co.tt

[Flex]

Columbus Communications, TTFA among sponsors for BATFLC.

Columbus Communications Trinidad Limited, the parent company of Flow and Columbus Business Solutions, has contributed $650,000 towards the staging of the British Airways Tobago Football Legends Challenge (BATFLC).

Besides Flow, the other sponsors of the Challenge are British Airways, TTFA, the British Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and Sky Sports.

As far as the football is concerned, 64 recently-retired footballing greats, including the “son of the soil” Dwight Yorke, will be participating in the six-a-side affair.

Players confirmed to feature at the Challenge include Roberto Di Matteo, Gus Poyet, Patrick Berger, Vladimir Smicer, Robbie Fowler, Lauren and Luis Boa Morte.

[Sam]

So de TTFA broke but they sponsoring a worthless tournament for a bunch of rich retired ole men Yorke brining to exploit Tobago.

Lard fadda.

Helps de youths Yorke, not yourself.

F00cking imps.

De TTFA dont have money to send a few coaches to  Tobago for a cmap but they part sponsor for this shit cup,,,, where Lasana?

[FF]

Do you know what the sponsorship entails?

It could be free use of TTFA licences etc. Any number of things.

[Sam]

Licences? for what, to see 50 year oles play football?

Doh fool yuh self nah.

[Agent Jack Bauer]

 

[Flex]

EPL legends coming for Tobago Challenge.
By Sean Nero (Guardian).

Columbus Communications (T&T Limited) is investing more the half a million dollars in the inaugural British Airways Legends Tobago Football Challenge scheduled to take place in Tobago in June.

Officials of the company, which operates the local cable provider Flow and Columbus Business Solutions, made the announcement at a media conference held at the Jaffa at the Oval on Tragarete Road in Port-of-Spain, yesterday.

Brian Collins, managing director of Columbus Communications presented a cheque valued at $650,000 to Tracey Davidson-Celestine, secretary for Tourism and Transportation for the upcoming internationally recognised event.

Arsenal football legend Laureano Bisan-Etame Mayer and Sheldon Phillips, general secretary of the T&T Football Association witnessed the presentation.

As part of the Flow Legends Community Legacy Outreach, legends from eight teams comprising players from the English Premier League will be twinned with youth from communities throughout Tobago.

The Challenge promises to field teams from Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham, Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal, Caribbean All-Stars and Professional Footballers Association (PFA) All Stars.

Davidson-Celestine described Columbus Communication’s decision to step in as a partner in the tournament as “a crucial element.” The programme, she said, was important because it ensured the communities would be an integral part of the tournament.

“It has the potential to unearth new talent, as we will have some of the biggest coaches coming to Tobago and there will be opportunities for gifted footballers to showcase their skills, so that in the future, we may have other legends like our very own Dwight Yorke. The hosting of the tournament and the television production that will be shown on Skye sports in the United Kingdom provides the world with an opportunity to see the beautiful piece of real estate that we call home,” she said.

The secretary added, “It allows hundreds of people to come to Tobago and therefore provides guests for our hotels, guests houses and bed and breakfast and therefore put money into the hands of ordinary Tobagonians.

And, of course, the tournament will see teams being housed in communities so that you will be able to develop an affinity for the teams in your community and the competition will, in many ways, take on a uniquely Tobago appeal. This is about engaging and involving the community in the process. It also provides opportunities for the people of Tobago to show their entrepreneurial spirit and economically benefit from this tournament.”

Collins described the events of the week leading up to yesterday’s presentation as interesting.

Being a long time football fan, he knew Flow had to become involved citing the list of Legends slated to come to Tobago in June, were top notch players who he enjoyed seeing over the years.

“What made this week a landmark, however, was on Tuesday, we had the opportunity to launch the community portion of this event in Tobago at the Roxborough Secondary School, and I am now convinced that I made the right decision in coming on board as the title sponsor for this portion of the event, which will be called the Flow Legends Community Legacy Outreach.

The kids were excited beyond measure at the thought of seeing players from teams that they watch on television. They surrounded Laurean and when asked about their favourite club each had an opinion. I realise that this event will provide the kind of impact that we are looking for in our sustainability initiatives,” said Collins.

[elan]

It funny how other people can get private businesses to sponsor football.

[Sam]

It funny how other people can get private businesses to sponsor football.

Even Lasana getting sponsors for a fete match.

Something wrong with the TTFA.

[Tallman]

Bisan-Etame Mayer at Legends launch
Tobago News

Laureano Bisan-Etame Mayer, most popularly known as Lauren, touched down at the Roxborough Secondary School last Tuesday for the launch of the British Airways Tobago Football Legends Challenge.

Lauren, a 5ft 9 inch, right back, football player, made his international debut for Cameroon way back in 1998. He also played for Arsenal in the English Premiere League, FA Cup and the UEFA Championships League.

“It is my first time here in Trinidad and Tobago, everything is organised, all smiley faces and happiness. I feel good. I learned about the culture before I came and I want to have some local cuisine,” said Lauren.

He has played in different positions and hopes that he can encourage local players to be more versatile instead of focusing on one positon like striker or midfielder.

Present at the launch which was chaired by John Arnold, Events Coordinator in the Division of Tourism and Transport were; Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism and Transportation; Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Secretary of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport; Huey Cadette, Managing Director of Flow, Brian Collins, President of the Tobago Football Association, Raymond Alleyne, former Soca Warriors World Cup player, Cyd Gray and Guinness Caribbean freestyle champion, Kerron Ford.

Would facilities be ready to host such an internationally renowned event? Tobago News asked Secretary Cadette. He says, “We are working assiduously toward having the Dwight Yorke Stadium ready for the Tournament in June. Now that we have a newly appointed Minister of Sport, Brent Sancho, who is also a footballer we hope for his intervention.”

Cadette speaking at the launch, encouraged the students to sieze the opportunity for interaction, to learn, to attain and maintain success. Cyd Gray shared similar sentiments on grasping opportunities with both hands, and believes that his good friend and former Soca Warriors World Cup player, Minister Sancho will put his foot into this venture to ensure it is a successful one.

Celestine identified three key areas where opportunities would arise. There will be an increased number of tourists coming for a slice of paradise, an opportunity to show off some local skill and for youth interaction and a boost in the tourism sector for hotels, guest houses, taxis and more. She closed by saying, “Ultimately tourism belongs to each of us and sport development belongs to all of us.”

Arnold emphasised the need for nationwide participation and broadcasted an open invitation for more stakeholders to invest in this auspicious event.

[Tallman]

Ex-Liverpool star Stan Collymore signs up for Tobago Football Legends Tournament
travelmole.com

Former Liverpool FC soccer star Stan Collymore is the latest big name to confirm his participation in the British Airways Tobago Football Legends Tournament, set to kick off on the Caribbean island on June 15 to 22, 2015.

Collymore, now an outspoken social media football pundit will join former Premier League professionals such as Andy Cole, Darren Anderton, Louis Saha, Luis Boa Morte, Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet in the six-aside Legends tournament.

The tournament will be led by Tobago's very own former soccer star, ex Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke.

"I can't wait to visit the beautiful twin islands and play in the tournament," said Collymore.

"I am excited to join with Trinidad & Tobago and British Airways in spreading the word about this great event. I am equally committed to visiting a number of local communities as part of the outreach team."

The tournament hosts 64 former Premier league players in a series of competitive matches who will also work with local children throughout the country during the event.

Collymore will front a special promotion offering a vacation giveaway to watch the Legends event while helping to raise the islands' profile through social media.

Major UK broadcaster Sky Sports will also transmit a 90 minute documentary about the event.

The Legends tournament is being organized by the Divisions of Tourism and Transportation, Education, Youth and Sports in partnership with sponsor British Airways, the UK Professional Footballers Association, and local businesses and tourism stakeholders.

Official hotel partner Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort is offering special vacation packages for soccer fans during the month of June.

[Tallman]

Tobago's Dwight Yorke ready for his next big match
By Rodney Hinds (The Voice)

DURING THE course of his stellar career, Dwight Yorke has had much to shout about. Born in Canaan, Tobago, during his pomp with Aston Villa and Manchester United the forward won the English Premier League title three times, the Champions League once and also has one FA Cup and two League Cups to his name.

Add over 70 caps for Trinidad & Tobago - that takes in a World Cup finals appearance - and the affable Yorke has literally seen and done it all.

However, past glories go on hold when in his new role of Tobago Global Brand Ambassador, Yorke heads a posse of Premier League stars who will participate in the British Airways Tobago Football Legends tournament to be hosted in the beautiful Caribbean island from June 15-22.

Yorke, who made his name during a nine-year spell with Aston Villa, told the Voice of Sport: “It’s the ultimate for my country. This sort of thing does not happen very often, so to have a bunch of Premier League players descend on the island is great.

“The people in Tobago have been working hard over the years to make this happen. I know how passionate the people in Tobago are about their football. It’s a big scalp for us and I’m sure that all the legends will enjoy being on the island.”

A precocious Yorke was discovered by Villa while the Midlands club were on a tour of the Caribbean and the rest is well-chronicled history.

Yorke, now working in the media, is the biggest soccer success story to come out of the Caribbean and he firmly believes that the upcoming Legends showcase can encourage and develop young stars that can emulate his accomplishments

“It [the tournament] can raise the profile of Tobago. It can also enhance our global status as a country that people can come and visit. The country has various things to offer.”

“The footballers who come over next month will be working with the young people on the island and will be encouraging them to follow their dreams

“I am hopeful that someone, somewhere will come out of the pack and emerge as a rising star, whether it be in football or track and field. Having the legends come to the island can only be a form of encouragement.”

Yorke, who also played for Blackburn, Birmingham and Sunderland, admits that football has been pivotal to his own life.
The 43-year-old said: “Football has been life-changing for me. It gave me life skills too. Discipline, commitment and focus, football has put me in the right direction.”

Talking to the former Old Trafford favourite, you get the sense that he is immensely proud that the British Airways event has landed on his home island. “I’ve called in a few favours in terms of the players. I just want it to be a great tournament.

“There will some players that some of the fans will be in awe of. Football has become such a global sport and the Caribbean continues to improve in terms of facilities and it won’t be long before you see Premier League teams heading out to the region, not just to play games but for the good climate and cuisine.”

[Tallman]

Fabrice Muamba and Rachel Yankey to give Tobago youngsters a boost
voice-online.co.uk

TRINIDAD and Tobago will host top football names Fabrice Muamba and Rachel Yankey from May 15 -19 as part of the British Airways Tobago Football Legends Challenge programme.

Muamba, formerly of Arsenal, Birmingham and Bolton, and Arsenal and England star Yankey, will promote a major new tourism initiative.

The pair will visit local schools and community clubs on their trip as part of communications company FLOW’s sponsored Legends community legacy outreach scheme.

“Children and youth in Tobago will get a unique opportunity up close and personal,” said Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Secretary of Tourism and Transportation.

“These community visits form an important part of our legacy programme that integrates our tourism efforts with activities designed to empower and inspire local youth. Both footballers will share their experiences and positively help to point the way for our children.”

The duo will work with local kids in the run-up to the main event at the Dwight Yorke Stadium between June 15 and 22.

The British Airways Tobago Football Legends Challenge will see eight teams representing top English clubs face-off against each other alongside the PFA and Caribbean all stars select teams. The six-a-side Legends tournament will host 64 of the best players ever to play the beautiful game.

The FLOW outreach programme is designed to help create a legacy from the tournament, with football legends visiting schools, clubs and academies around the island, coaching and offering advice.

Muamba, now retired, gained unprecedented international support in March 2012, when he unexpectedly suffered a cardiac arrest during a televised FA Cup match from which he recovered despite his heart having stopped for 78 minutes.

Following medical advice, he announced an early retirement from the sport in August 2012. He is now a respected ambassador for the game and is expected to share his unique insights with school children.

Yankey, 35, is the most capped player ever to play for England, ahead of male goalkeeper Peter Shilton. She was part of the Great Britain squad for the 2012 London Olympics and coaches in schools in England. Her visit to T&T will seek to address the needs of women in sport, outlining possible opportunities in the field.

Both footballers will be conducting coaching clinics and motivational speaking.

[Flex]

Some Players

Professional Footballers Association All Stars: Shaka Hislop, Michael Mols, Pierre Van Hooijdonk, Paul Scharner.

Liverpool: Anthony Warner, Steve Harkness, Stephane Henchoz, David Thompson, Patrik Berger, Vladimir Smicer, Stan Collymore.

Arsenal: Vince Bartram, Ian Selley, Luis Boa Morte, Stefan Schwarz,Paul Dickov (striker)

Tottenham: David Howells, Sean Davis, Ruel Fox.

Aston Villa: Alan Wright, Ugo Ehiogu, winger Mark Walters, Darren Byfield, Darius Vassell.

Chelsea: Frank Sinclair, Gareth Hall, Sam Parkin.

Manchester United: Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Louis Saha.

Caribbean All Stars: Dennis Lawrence, Marcus Gayle, Paul Hall, Fitzroy Simpson, Ricardo Gardner.

[Flex]

Legends descend on Tobago.
By Ian Prescott (Express).

A bit past their prime, but some of the biggest former stars of football are in Tobago for the British Airways Tobago Legends Challenge this weekend.

The tournament will be transmitted as a 90-minute documentary on United Kingdom broadcaster Sky Sports, organisers also hope it will further brand beautiful Tobago as a tourist destination.

The Challenge will see eight teams representing top English clubs face-off alongside the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and Caribbean All Stars select teams.

The six-a-side tournament will host 64 top former players. Action begins 4.30 p.m. each day at the Dwight Yorke Stadium and admission is $50.

Tobago will host top former Manchester United and Lazio footballers, among them Luis Saha, Stan Colymore, Frank St Clair, Andy Cole, Luis Boa Morte, Ruel Fox, lan Wright and Ugo Ehiou.

Trinidad and Tobago will be well represented by several members of its 2006 World Cup squad, including Dwight Yorke, Russell Latapy, goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, Clayton Ince as well as Cyd Gray and defender Dennis Lawrence. The tournament is organised by the Tobago Divisions of Tourism and Transportation, Education, Youth and Sports, in partnership with sponsor British Airways, the UK PFA, and local businesses and tourism stakeholders.

“We are delighted to play host to such a prestigious sports challenge,” said Tracy Davidson-Celestine, secretary for Tourism and Transportation at the Challenge’s launch.

“This is a world class event and forms part of our strategy to raise the destination’s profile in key markets, and positions Tobago as a healthy, active, fun, naturally beautiful and unspoilt Caribbean Island.”

Canaan-born Dwight Yorke is one of the biggest success stories to come out of the Caribbean. He played in the EPL firstly with Aston Villa, before winning the Premiership, FA trophy and Champions League with Manchester United in 1999.

Yorke added “This will be great for Tobago and we can’t wait to get the challenge going. It’s been a while since I had a chance to strut my stuff back in Tobago and we will try to bring the trophy home for all my fans around our beautiful island and the world.”

[Richard G.]

Dammit I miss playing that kind of football.

The guys from Chelsea were good to me. We won the first match 2-1 vs the PFA All-Stars (and Shaka Hislop). Unfortunately we lost the 2nd match 4-2 vs Liverpool.

Wish me luck for tomorrow.

Chelsea vs Caribbean All-Stars

Richard G.

[vb]

Dammit I miss playing that kind of football.

The guys from Chelsea were good to me. We won the first match 2-1 vs the PFA All-Stars (and Shaka Hislop). Unfortunately we lost the 2nd match 4-2 vs Liverpool.

Wish me luck for tomorrow.

Chelsea vs Caribbean All-Stars

Richard G.

 

[Flex]

Legends Challenge a hit.
By Ian Prescott (Express).

The opening day of the British Airways Legends Challenge six-a-side football tournament was a huge hit in Tobago yesterday, fulling the covered stand at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago.

Yesterday eight preliminary matches were played, while today's action begins at 2.30 p.m., and will see a further six preliminary games being contested, along with the semi-finals and final of the tournament.

The Legends Challenge is a yearly six-a-side tournament played around the world and see some of the top former England-based professionals in action. A few of the expected 64 former professional failed to turn up, but among the many that there were former Liverpool striker Sytan Collymore, Arsenal ace scorer Ian Wright, Luis Boa Morte and many other, some still looking in remarkable shape and very competitive several years after their playing career ended.

Opening day action saw Tottenham Hotspur beat Dwight Yorke's Manchester United 3-2 with the Tobago legend Dwight Yorke looking the part physically, but no where near as sharp as his former best.

Manchaster United beat Arsenal 2-0 through a pair of Danny Webber goals. Arsenal earlier draw 1-1 with Aston Villa, and Chelsea edged the Professional Football Association stars 1-0.

The biggest applause of the day went to the defending champions Caribbean All Stars.

The Caribbean All Stars contained a host of former T&T World Cup players with Russell Latapy in midfield, Stern John up front, Dennis Lawrence, and goalie Clayton along with Jamaican Deon Burton.

Stern John and Deon Burton put in a couple of goals and a “little overweight” Latapy added a bullet to the top corner for a third giving the Caribbean boys a commanding 3-1 lead.

But, the should have picked former T&T defender Marvin “Dog” Andrews.

The “God fearing” former Glasgow Rangers defender overlapped twice and put in two goals for Liverpool, who battled back to beat the defending champions 4-3. T&T players Shaka Hislop, Cyd Gray and Tobago Under-23 Richard Goddard were also in action playing for other teams.

[Tallman]

Dwight Yorke interviewed by the Football Republic for the Tobago Legends Football Tournament
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/AI2vOeHl054" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/AI2vOeHl054</a>

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Shaka Hislop’s preparation for the Tobago Legends Football Tournament
http://www.espnfc.com/team/trinidad-and-tobago/2627/video/2499541

[Rastaman]

Dammit I miss playing that kind of football.

The guys from Chelsea were good to me. We won the first match 2-1 vs the PFA All-Stars (and Shaka Hislop). Unfortunately we lost the 2nd match 4-2 vs Liverpool.

Wish me luck for tomorrow.

Chelsea vs Caribbean All-Stars

Richard G.

Liverpool eventually won the tournament.

[Sando prince]

I see meh boy Shaka doing big tingz in Bago

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150621/sports/shaka-the-legend

Man still capable of big saves

*Moderators no need to edit my post, it looking good jus so*

[Football supporter]

Well done Richard G. Yeah I know you missed a few saves there, but you represented for sw.net 

[Flex]

Liverpool top Legends Challenge
By Ian Prescott (Express).

Trinidadian Marvin Andrews scored a tournament-high five goals—representing new champons Liverpool—at the 2015 British Airways Tobago Legends Challenge football tournament which ended yesterday at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago.

Patrick Berger, the retired former Czech international midfielder, scored twice and former England and Liverpool striker Stan Collymore got the other as Liverpool defeated crowd favourite Caribbean All Stars 3-1 in the final. Liverpool had also edged the All Stars at the group stage.

Andrews, traditionally a defender, never actually played for Liverpool, during a career which saw the former T&T international represent Scottish clubs Glasgow Rangers, Raith Rovers and Livinston and Hamilton Academic. But, he was teamed with the like of Berger, former Lverpool and Bordeaux player Vlad Smicer, and Norwegian Bjorn Kvarme among others at the Legends tournament.

Opposite were the popular Caribbean All-Stars, containing Trinidadians Russell Latapy, T&T record goal-scorer Stern John, former Soca Warrior Cornell Glen, Soca Warriors and Everton Assistant-coach Dennis Lawrence, as well as former T&T keeper Clayton Ince, who was impressive in goal throughout the tournament.

Berger scored two impressive goals giving Liverpool a 2-0 lead, before Stern John forced in a goal to brieftly bring the popular Caribbean All Stars closer at 2-1. Stan Collymore got the important insurance goal to end the challenge of the Caribbean All Stars, who had a series of close misses before he scored.

It might have been a “fete match”, but so competitive that it sparked two brief scuffles between players. Earler, at the semi-finals stage, Liverpool edged Arsenal 3-2, while Caribbean All Stars defeated Manchester United, who had both Dwight Yorke and cricket legend Brian Lara among their ranks. Yorke scored to give Man Utd a 3-1 advantage, before two Latapy goals brought the Stars roaring back to win by a 4-3 margin.

Preliminary Round Scores –

Group A –

ARSENAL (3) – Ian Selley, Omer Riza, Luis Boa Morte vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1) – Andy Sinton.

MANCHESTER UNITED (3) – Bojan Djordic 2, Dwight Yorke vs ASTON VILLA (2) – Darren Byfield 2.

Group B –

CARIBBEAN ALL STARS (5) – Dennis Lawrence 2, Russell Latapy 2, Stern John vs CHELSEA (0).

LIVERPOOL (6) – Marvin Andrews 2, Stan Collymore 2, Vladimir Smicer, Bjorn Kvarme vs PFA ALL STARS (2) – Michael Mols 2.

squad lists

Arsenal FC: 1.Vince Bartram, 3.Ian Selley, 5.Jimmy Carter, 8.Stefan Schwarz, 4.Chris Whyte, 7.Luis Boa Morte, 2.Omer Riza, 6.Michael Thomas.

Aston Villa: 1.Gavin Ward, 3.Allan Wright, 4.Ugo Ehiogu, 9.Stefan Moore, 7.Mark Walters, 8.Darren Byfield, 10.Darius Vassell.

Guest player: 11.Huey Cadette. Absent: Graham Fenton.

Manchester United FC: 1.Raimond Van der Gouw, 2.Michael Clegg, 9.Dwight Yorke, 7.Quinton Fortune, 11.Bojan Djordic, 10.Brian Lara.

Guest players: 8.Danny Webber, 4.Ben Thornley. Missing: Ronny Johnsen, Louis Saha.

Chelsea FC: 8.Mark Stein, 6.David Lee, 4.Gareth Hall,  9.Sam Parkin, 11.Jody Morris.

Guest players: 2.Cyd Gray, 1.Richard Goddard, 7.Anthony Barness. Absent: Frank Sinclair, Ken Monkou.

Liverpool FC: 1.Tony Warner, 6.Stephane Henchoz, 8.Patrick Berger, 7.Vlad Smicer, 9.Bjorn Kvarme, 10.Stan Collymore.

Guest players: 5.Marvin Andrews, 4.Shonneil McMillan. Absent: Steve Harkness, David Thompson.

PFA All Stars: 1.Shaka Hislop, 9.Michael Gray, 14.Michael Mols, 3.Paul Scharner, 7.Ian Goodison, 10.Matt Jansen, 11.Ricardo Gardner, 17.Pierre Van Hoojidonk.

Caribbean All Stars: 1.Clayton Ince, 2.Paul Hall, 4.Marcus Gayle, 2.Russell Latapy, 8.Dennis Lawrence, 6.Stern John, 5.Fitzroy Simpson.

Guest player: 9.Cornell Glen. Injured: Deon Burton.

Tottenham Hotspur: 1.Radek Cerny, 3.Chris Perry, 10.Paul McVeigh, 4.Mitchell Thomas, 7.Ruel Fox, 8.Andy Sinton.

Guest players: 6.Everton McKein, 9.Devon Leacock. Absent: Neale Fenn, Sean Davis.

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Shaka the legend
By Ian Prescott (Express).

For a man who hasn’t played any form of football for the last two years, Shaka Hislop has made some remarkable saves at the British Airways Tobago Legends Challenge, which ended yesterday in Tobago. The former Trinidad and Tobago international goalkeeper was one of 64 former footballers in Tobago for the Legends Challenge, an international six-a-side tournament played among former Britain-based professionals.

Now an ESPN analyst, Hislop said he had never foreseen going into the broadcasting profession during his playing days. He doesn’t consider himself a professional broadcaster, but “speaks” football as he knows it.

Now 46, Hislop expected everything to be hard during the Legends Challenge, but confessed that his competitive nature is still there. In Tobago, Hislop played with the Professional All Stars team along with Pierre Von Hooijdonk, Paul Sharner and Jamaicans Ricardo Gardner and Ian Goodison. Hislop was called upon to make several good saves in a 1-0 defeat to the Chelsea team on Saturday.

As a professional, Hislop had a 14-year contract in England and played for four clubs beginning with Reading in 1992. Hislop also had two West Ham stints and also played for Premier League Portsmouth and Newcastle United before ending his professional playing career in 2007 with Dallas United in the United States.

Born in Hackney, England, to Trinidad and Tobago parents, Hislop mostly grew up in Trinidad and Tobago where he excelled for CIC in the Colleges Football League before going to the USA on a College scholarship. Hislop was also both a T&T and England Under-21 youth international, before making his international senior debut for Trinidad and Tobago in 1998. He played matches for Trinidad and Tobago against Sweden, England and Paraguay at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

[soccerman]

I wonder if this had a good turnout? Seems to me like it was a good time, wish there were highlights.

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Hislop lauds Tobago Football Challenge.
T&T Newsday Reports.

SHAKA HISLOP, the former Trinidad and Tobago football team goalkeeper and captain, was impressed with the staging of the Tobago Football Legends Challenge, which was held at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Tobago last weekend.

Hislop was part of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) All Stars team, one of eight teams who feature in the two-day long competition.

“I think it was a huge success,” said the 46-year-old. “I thoroughly enjoyed it. The turnout from the fans was fantastic and, when you get that kind of atmosphere in the stands, it makes it a whole lot better and so much more fun for us out on the field.”

Hislop was making a return to competitive action in the twin-island republic since retiring in August 2007. He said, “coming back to Trinidad, or Tobago, is always a pleasure. The Hislops have deep roots here in Tobago so for me to come and play, even though its well past my best, it always means a lot to appear.

“I felt they appreciated what we are doing and we appreciate certainly they coming out in their numbers,” he added.

The former Reading, Newcastle, West Ham and Portsmouth goalie was also impressed by the fan support at the venue for the two days.

“I thought the turnout (on Saturday) was great,” Hislop said. “I thought the turnout was far greater than expected.

“I’ve been a part of these tournaments in the past but again, even though on another level, how Tobago has responded to us being here, I don’t think we can ask for anything more.”

Hislop also touched briefly on the state of Trinidad and Tobago football, regarding the off- field saga involving former Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) special advisor Jack Warner. “That will take care of itself,” Hislop noted. “But football has needed an opportunity to clean up its act, to re-establish credibility, and maybe this is that time.”

As far as the men’s team’s progress is concerned, Hislop stated,“on the field, you can look back at the last result against Jordan. I think that was particularly disappointing.

“But I remain a huge fan and I have faith in Trinidad and Tobago football, not just in the short-term but also the long-term,” he continued. “I don’t mind judging on our progress but I think things are coming together slowly but surely, though it might not be reflected in the results right now.”

The tournament ended on Sunday, which was celebrated worldwide as Father’s Day.

The ESPN football analyst pointed out, “Father’s Day is always a special time for me. The only thing is this is the first Father’s Day I haven’t spent with my kids. My eldest is now 19 so this is my first ever Father’s Day where I wasn’t with my kids.

“My wife (Desha) is here in Tobago and I’m hoping my kids will make it up to me (today) when I get back. So, in many respects, it’s a benefit so I get two Father’s Day when everybody gets one,” he ended.