Skeene has high hopes for Youth Pro League

Skeene was speaking on Friday at the launch of the 2017 edition, at the VIP Lounge, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

“It is strategically positioned and provides a platform for development of the youth of Trinidad and Tobago,” Skeene added.

The former national team striker said, “from my perspective, it is the most critical property and brand extension in the TT Pro League’s arsenal.

It is important because it is the place where the young footballers hone their skills on the way to playing at the senior level, to becoming professionals, to representing their country.” He added, “it is strategically positioned and provides the platform because it is here they receive the exposure necessary and competition against the best talent in their respective age groups throughout the country.” Action will get going today with matches in the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age groups, starting at 10 am.

Skeene pointed out, “it is important because it allows true development to take place as games are played once per week on Sundays so that teams, coaches and players have six days to prepare, improve and plan for the following weekend’s games without interruption.

“The time span of four months from March to the first week in July also provides the platform for learning and improvement,” he went on to state.

“Most importantly, in the Flow Youth League, all players are given the opportunity to participate, as the Under-13 and Under-15 players can leave the field and re-enter at anytime during the game, while the Under- 17s can make up to seven substitutions during the game, in addition to a goalkeeper change.” Concerning the input by the sponsors, Skeene noted, “the Flow Youth League will continue to add a new dimension to football leagues with Flow agreeing to, not only fund the competition, but also market and promote the games.

The Flow Youth League will be on your television screens weekly, developing personalities and creating stars of the future.” Round One Match Day One Fixtures — San Juan Jabloteh vs Club Sando, San Juan North Secondary School Ground; W Connection vs Central FC, Gilbert Park, California; Police vs Ma Pau Stars, St James Barracks; Point Fortin Civic vs Morvant Caledonia United, Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin; St Ann’s Rangers vs Defence Force, Trinity College Ground, Moka.