Republic Bank Cup gets a life-line

This despite the fact that last year’s tournament was expected to be the end of the line.

Yesterday Lisa McCarthy, Republic Bank’s Assistant Group Marketing and Communications Manager confirmed that the tournament will go on as planned.

And she added that she was certain that it will be on stream next year as well.

McCarthy said because of the overwhelming demand for the tournament by clubs and interested young footballers, especially in the south zone, there was a need to continue the programme which has become a part of the country’s youth development programme.

The competition started with close to 60 teams in 1995 and has grown to 210 to date.

Anthony Harford, managing-director of All Sport Promotions revealed that there will not be any limitations to the amount of teams that will be required to enter the competition.

He said however that the biggest challenge for his organisation is to have all the matches played at the different venues.

The tournament is open to four age groups, three of which will feature action for Boys — 12 and Under, 15 and Under and 17 and Under.

There will also be a girl’s division in the 17 and Under age bracket.

The contest kicks off next Saturday at King George V Park and will conclude on August 5 at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

According to Mc Carthy, the bank has even split the south zone into two separate divisions, and has re-introduced the use of the Palo Seco Ground for competition.

Initially only the Guaracara Park in Point-a-Pierre was used but because of the interest in the southern community, the additional facility will be used to accommodate the matches.

The bank has provided $800,000 to stage the event, and according to Mc Carthy, it will meet all the expenses of the participating teams.

All Sports Promotions is the marketing arm of the Republic Bank Cup.

Harford told the media at his St James office that the competition started as a five-a-side Futsal play-off but has generated huge interest among the community.

He noted that although he is unable to tell exactly how many teams will be taking part in the event, about 240 teams are likely to play.

Harford pointed out that the tournament has been sanctioned by the parent body — Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) — which will mean that national scouts will be on the look-out for players for national youth selection.

Mc Carthy also announced that 60 young footballers from teams through out Trinidad and Tobago will be selected for two football camps at the Republic Bank Sports Club in Barataria.

The camp will be conducted by the Dexter Skeene and Hyacenth Soccer Coaching School.