Central F.C. give high praise for cancer tournament
Central FC Media
Despite torrential rain for much of the afternoon, the VF Ladies “Let’s Give Breast Cancer The Boot” all female football tournament was a great success according to the players and staff of TT Pro League club, Central F.C.
The tournament, in its second year, is designed to promote awareness of breast cancer and the methods of early detection as well as be a showcase for women’s football. Organised by the VF Ladies football team, with the support of the T&T cancer society, this year’s event boasted 10 teams including Defence Force, UWI, Trinity Nationals, St Marys Central United, Central F.C.’s Sharkettes and a T&T Cancer Society representative team.
Central F.C.’s Head Coach, Graham Rix said he was pleasantly surprised by the standard of football on display. “Despite the appalling conditions, there was some lovely football.” Said the former Arsenal & England midfielder. “I didn’t realise that there were T&T Internationals competing, so the standard was much higher than I expected. And I must say, some of the tackles out there were full blooded. Those girls were playing to win!”
Event organisers, Nariya Baksh and Christine Rose were delighted by the response of sponsors. “We were fortunate that people had heard about last year’s tournament and were very keen to come on board” said Baksh. “We had a great response from companies like DIRECTV, Bluewaters, Tiger Tanks, Ditch Clothing, Ramsinghs Sports World, Red Bull, Bare Fruit and NLCB.”
Rose added “It was also great to receive the support of Central F.C., especially as their players and staff volunteered to officiate the games. Although in many cases I feel the players have no right to question referees decisions in the future after some of their decisions today, it was a real buzz to have professional footballers refereeing our games”
Central F.C. Managing Director, who also founded VF International from which VF Ladies evolved, said his club are keen to support not just women’s football, but women’s issues in general.”As a male orientated sport, it is important that we recognise that 50% of our supporter base is female. Therefore we have an obligation to support women both on the sports field and in everyday issues.”
Sancho added that Central F.C. are exploring the possibilities of entering a team into next seasons WOLF league. “We entered a Sharkette team here today and some of the girls from VF Ladies are keen to be part of a competitive team. We will look at this over the next few months and make a decision.”
For the players and staff of Central F.C., the tournament was a welcome distraction from their forthcoming Pro League debut against Police F.C. at Manny Ramjohn Stadium on Friday 19th October. The team’s trainer, Lindsay Davis said the players are keen to get their league season started with a win. “The boys have trained incredibly hard over the last 8 weeks and their fitness levels are superb. Morale is great and confidence is high amongst the squad, so we’re looking forward to Friday’s game.”
Team Manager, Norris Ferguson said “It’s been great for the lads to relax here today and I am very proud that they chose to give up their free time to support this event, which is very important to raise awareness of breast cancer.”
Ferguson added that everyone at the club has been impressed by the support they are receiving in Central. We have businesses contacting us to offer help and we are hoping that we can fill Manny Ramjohn Stadium on Friday.”
The eventual winners of the “Lets Give Breast Cancer The Boot” tournament was the team from Malick City, who defeated VF Ladies in the final.