Football 7 Academy kicks off in Trincity.
T&T Express Reports.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football 7 Academy got off to a bright start as the official launch and first training session was held at the T&T Football 7 Academy base, Henry Street Recreation Ground, in Trincity, last Saturday.
Former National team forward and Academy head coach Stern John and his assistant Walt Noreiga conducted an introductory one hour training session with the early registered members. An exhibition Football 7 game followed with John and former T&T internationals Gary Glasgow, Anthony Sherwood, Darin Lewis and current T&T Under 20 player Kishun Seecharan among others appearing.
Minister of Sport, Senator Brent Sancho and senior women’s team captain Maylee Attin-Johnson, ex-T&T midfielder Arnold Dwarika and former minister Eddie Hart were also in attendance for the launch which was hosted by T&T Football 7 Academy founder Sham Mohammed and managing director Armis Mohammed.
Sancho commended Mohammed for his efforts in getting the Football 7 Academy off the ground.
“I remember back in about six months ago when I was first introduced to it back in Miami and to see it come to light here in Trinidad and Tobago, I think it’s a testament to the man, Sham Mohammed for actually bringing this together. He has a good team with him.
From what I’ve seen here this evening it looks well organised, bringing a brand new version of the game to Trinidad and Tobago and we’re looking forward to some exciting times in terms of the football,” Sancho said.
“And of course my good friend Stern John being the coach, bringing to the set up a wealth of experience and knowledge in the game. The young people of Trinidad and Tobago truly have now something extra that can push them in the sport of football,” he added.
The former national defender said he was moreso pleased to see the T&T Football 7 Academy being fully self sufficient through funding by its founder Mohammed. Academy managing director Armis Mohammed also expressed his satisfaction with the events of the Academy so far.
Effective this month, the Football 7 Association of T&T of which the Football 7 academy is an arm of, officially affiliated with the Football 7 Worldwide Organisation. It now holds international credential and can organise official football 7 championships for adult and youth players recognised by the entity.
With the membership, Trinidad and Tobago enters the select group of countries accredited by Football 7 Worldwide. This country can also join the F7WW World Championship and enroll teams in F7WW World Club League.
This country now joins the select group of Football 7 Worldwide accredited countries which includes Argentina, Brazil, Northern Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Peru, Uruguay, Italy, Japan and Venezuela.
Training Sessions go into full swing from this week between 5-7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 8 am-10 am on Saturday. Interested persons can still register from 430 pm on each of the weekdays by calling 488-7001 or 485 7001 for further information.