Balls and Books Festival, July 10, 11

A YOUTH football tournament, entitled “Balls and Books Festival”, was launched recently at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima. According to a press release, “The festival is the first stage of a football development initiative which aims to make a connection between the academic and sports skills development in young students athletes.” The main concept of the programme is the staging of an annual community-based event, featuring organised activities for young footballers to develop career interests in the sport and to achieve their personal best. The festival, which is being arranged by Global Network Promotions (a local team sports marketing company), headed by Kenny Rosemin will be held at the Arima venue on July 10 and 11.

From the tournament, the athletes will be selected to build an All-Star team for entry into the Norway Cup in 2005, which will provide much needed international exposure for the players. Objectives of the event will be to encourage participants to develop a solid interest in the sport, to provide participating teams with sound pre-season competitive matches (ahead of the Secondary Schools League) and to present players with information and avenues to access international exposure. Patrons will only have to fork out $5 (adults) and $2 (children 12-and-under) for the two days of activities, which will run from 8 am until 6.30 pm on July 10, and 10 am to 5.30 pm on July 11.