Tobago football kickoff Sunday

ST CLAIR Coaching School will attempt to win the Warner’s Group of Companies Premier Division in the Tobago Football Association Semi-Professional League for a third straight season.

The Bertille St Clair-coached team snatched the $20,000 first prize at the final hurdle last year to repeat their 2001 triumph. Action in the TFA this season will kick off on Sunday with a march past of the 23 teams in a colourful parade scheduled for the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet timed to begin at 3.30 pm. Teams will compete in six divisions —Premier; Sports and Games Zonal Championship Division; Women; Courts Under-14; Under-17 and Over-35 Division. According to TFA secretary Everton Alfred, there will be two new teams in the league — DSX Young Hearts and Argyle Youth Stars, who will both play in the zonal division now being sponsored by Sports and Games. He said one club, Moriah Achievers have opted out this year’s competitions.

But Sidey’s, surprise Pepsi FA Cup semi-finalists have been promoted to the Premier Division, while Golden Lane, who finished at the cellar in the top bracket, were demoted. The Sidey’s lads were controversially beaten 3-2 by Stokelyvale in the semi-final round of the FA at the Dwight Yorke Stadium on September 4 last. Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary, Orville London has been invited to deliver the feature address and declare the new season open on Sunday. Following this, champions St. Clair’s Coaching School will meet Pepsi FA Cup holders 1976 FC Phoenix XS in a charity match. There will again be 10 teams in the Premier Division — Coaching School; Phoenix, Sidey’s; Charlotteville Unifiers; Stokelyvale; Georgia FC; Pepsi Hills United; HV Milan; Earlbrokes; Bethel United.