Petrotrin supports DeLeon soccer camp

PETROTRIN provides tangible support for the inaugural Leroy DeLeon Soccer Camp, which caters for the development of soccer prowess of the nation’s youths.

The Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Petrotrin) is one of the major sponsors of the two three-day camp organised by Soccer Marketing which is headed by Alison Ayres. Arnold Corneal, Petrotrin’s corporate communications manager, expressed his company’s delight to be associated with “this progressive soccer development programme aimed at improving the overall skills and mastery of football tactics, teamwork, self-esteem, responsibility and national pride.” The first camp held at the Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin was an overwhelming success with over a hundred youths willing to be coached by one of Trinidad and Tobago’s soccer legends — DeLeon who made a name for himself and country in the 1960s and 70s. The 55-year-old DeLeon, who grew up in Point Fortin and rose to prominence with the St Benedict’s College “Brunner Boys”, made his senior debut for TT at the age of 16 and went on to cop the “Most Valuable Player” award in Costa Rica during the 1969 World Cup qualifying series.

TT finished fourth, but DeLeon outshone his rivals with his ball mastery and dribbling skills as well as vision and positional placements on the soccer field. Ayres who conceptualised the soccer camp with DeLeon as the main coach, feels that “the country’s young footballers need to be exposed to our former stalwarts who gained so much playing regionally and in other countries. Their experience and expertise are vital in rebuilding our soccer fortunes.” He said they catered for 50  youths at the Mahaica Oval last weekend, but had to rush off to get additional balls and uniforms because over 100 turned up.  The second camp was launched yesterday at the Audio Visual Room of the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 9 am. Former national coach Muhammed Isa, Mohammed Salim (formerly Keith Douglas), Neville Frederick and Desmond Bailey will be assisting DeLeon. Isa, Jan Steadman, Frederick, Bailey and Rawle Aimey assisted during the first camp at Black City. Meanwhile, Ayres,  will also take the opportunity to launch his company’s new soccer gear and equipment with a new brand name, NOSILA.