Football gifts for Penal/Debe

The handover of the balls took place at the Wilson Road Recreation Ground, Penal.

The Special Advisor to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation was responding to a call by corporation chairman Dr Allen Sammy for assistance in developing football in the area.

Warner who is also the regional CONCACAF boss donated the balls which will be used by the schools and clubs in their respective physical education and football training programmes. Addressing the gathering, he promised the aspiring Penal/Debe footballers he will have the World Cup qualifying Soca Warriors team led by skipper Dwight Yorke visit them as part of their "Road Show" in May.

This "Road Show" takes place after the friendly international here against Peru on May 10.

The team will also pay a visit to sister isle Tobago before leaving for training camps in England and Austria ahead of their opening World Cup 2006 against Sweden on June 10.

Dr Sammy, a second vice-president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board said he wrote to Warner quite recently, explaining, his corporation was not in an area which historically has received resources of the state. He pointed out that while the area is known for cricket, part of his corporation’s thrust for sport is to push football.

Dr Sammy noted his corporation was responsible for over 33 recreation grounds and were fortunate to get some resources from the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

Later, Warner promised to fund a two-day live-in football workshop for a coach from every school in the Penal/Debe area at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence.

And he added, he will assist with the cost of maintenance of the Wilson Road Recreation Ground and other venues in the area.