Top footballers honoured

And vibrant national Under-17 midfielder Leston Paul was named the “Young Player of the Year” at the federation’s annual awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, Port-of-Spain on Sunday.

McComie, who led Joe Public to the 2006 T&T Pro League title also collected the “Team of the Year” award on behalf of the Eastern Lions as the top performers of the past season were recognised by the TTFF.

English Championship Division side Sunderland and former Soca Warriors captain Dwight Yorke was named the 2006 “Player of the Year.” His brother Brent collected the award on his behalf.

One of the more notable honours bestowed was on veteran administrator and coach Vernon Bain who the TTFF paid tribute to for 51 years of service as a General Council member.

TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner said Bain was responsible for influencing him to join the organisation many years ago. Bain was presented with a cheque valued for $25,000.

In his address, President of the TTFF, Oliver Camps offered congratulations and warm appreciation for those who contributed to the year’s success.

The season was highlighted by the participation of the Soca Warriors at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany for the first time where they performed creditably.

“The pursuit of excellence by all those who have made contributions and the superior performances of the awardees are both vital ingredients in inspiring the generations of younger players to persevere in the continuous improvement of their football,” Camps said.

“As a platform for producing a continuous supply of such excellence on the field, the federation has now introduced a new Development Programme.

“Its main objective is to have the coaches at all levels of the game in the country, from our primary schools and other existing junior coaching programmes to the Professional League, adequately equipped and properly qualified,” said Camps, a former national team manager in 1973 and 1989. Terry Joseph, a member of the Local Organising Committee for Germany 2006 also gave a colourful and detailed “reflection” of the highlights of the TTFF for 2006.

And Rhonda Lee Yhapp, acting manager of events and sponsorship for main sponsors TSTT, said that her company was committed to supporting the federation and the Super League.

“TSTT’s three-year sponsorship should remove any doubt that we are committed to the players and the sport,” Lee Yhapp said. The TSTT official said their support of the Super League should be used by players to improve their all round skills, allowing her company to also connect with the people and clubs from diverse communities.

“The Soca Warriors have carved the road map. It is up to the Super League to use this moment to keep the dream alive for 2010.

“In 2006 we at TSTT understood the value of the sport when we placed over $3M towards the World Cup campaign. We are pleased to announce that we have extended the contract of the TTFF through to November 2008,” said Lee Yhapp.

She said the contract includes support for the Soca Warriors and the football administrators.

Police FC and WASA FC also received their silverware and prize money for taking the 2006 Super League and FA Trophy titles.

Other notable awardees were “Male Referee of the Year” Neil Brizan and Shane De Silva as “Female Referee of the Year”; “Assistant Referees of the Year” Joseph Taylor (male) and Cindy Mohammed (female); “Administrator of the Year” Roland Forde, president of the Northern FA; “Regional Association of the Year” Eastern FA as well as “Female Player of the Year” (senior and junior) Ayana Russell.