Men debut in Republic Netball League

THE Republic Bank Laventille Netball League, now in its 11th year of existence, has become an integral part of the financial institution's commitment to the development of youth in Trinidad and Tobago through sport. The competition, which begun in 1994, has seen a considerable increase of participation and this year has taken a further step with a men's division. In her feature address at the official launch of the league on Thursday, Operations Manager of Republic Bank, San Juan, Cheryl Phillips-Clement revealed the need for young people to channel their boundless energy and enthusiasm. "Sport," Phillips-Clement said, "has traditionally provided such an outlet, allowing young athletes to practise and perfect their skills while developing discipline, self-control and team spirit." The league runs for six weeks between the St Paul's Street Gym and the Woodbrook Youth Facilities and will feature 20 to 22 teams including the new men's division.

Soul City, one of the teams in this, the first year of male netball in the league, have enjoyed tremendous success since the club was formed in 1980. After entering the Men's Netball League in 1995 the team has won the competition seven times and at the end of the official launch they showed why. Soul City came up against El-bah-san on the St Paul's Street court and in their white and black strip took the fight right to their opponents in purple and gold, winning 36-33 at the final whistle. The match is a sign of things to come in the men's and women's divisions this season, nothing short of what the players, supporters, and organisers have come to expect throughout the years.