Gilbert shines at Milo Barcelona qualifier

His closest competitors, Johnathan Gajadhar and Tau Lansee, both scored 170 points in the highest tally of results thus far in the tournament.

Over 140 participants, between the ages of seven and 12, competed for 20 spots in next week’s final tournament, from which the top three athletes would be getting the opportunity to travel to Spain to participate in a two-day training camp with the FC Barcelona coaches in early August.

However, due to the stiff competition on Saturday, an overall tally of 23 youngsters were chosen from the Couva camp since the final five footballers were all tied level on 125 points.

The chosen 23 earned their places in the final round which will be contested at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima this Saturday.

The participants were assessed by their speed, shooting, short passing, dribbling and control.

Gilbert, having trained with W Connection from a tender age, also attends and represents Presentation College San Fernando at the Under-14 level.

Gilbert expressed satisfaction with his performances thus far, stating, “I am very proud of myself and I feel very confident heading into the next round of the competition.” His parents, Mishka and Dave, were more nervous than him as they waited anxiously for his named to be called as part of the final selection, getting a bit worried when coming down to the end. Both parents expressed their gratitude towards Milo and their partnership with FC Barcelona to have such academies for the nation’s youths.

Tournament Three Qualifiers: Dantaye Gilbert (230 points), Johnathan Gajadhar (170), Tau Lansee (170), Addae Paponette (165), Dante Moses (165), Giovanni Hospedales (160), Shaheim O’Brian (150), Ramon Sawh (150), Gervais Frederick (145), Lyndell George (140), Kanye James (140), Ethan Trotman (135), Jeremiah Miles (135), Logan Maingot (135), Elijah Francis (130), Aalon Wilson-Wright (130), Aydon Caruth (130), Terrel Acosta (130), Micah Nelson (125), Jaylon Cordieu (125), Nikosi Francette (125), Makesi Kendall (125), Jaydon Sargeant (125).