PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – For the past 8 years, the Trinidad and Tobago Cup has been quietly providing a platform for development of this country’s young footballers. The programme launches its 2009 season on Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 2:00pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
The T&T Cup is a truly national tournament of youth teams that compete for the honours in their respective age categories. The 2008 T&T Cup winner from San Juan Jabloteh maintained the tradition of its senior team.
The participation of teams has almost doubled since the programme’s inauguration and has produced players who now represent Trinidad and Tobago on the under-17 and under-20 teams.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago have both played a vital role in funding the programme over the years, providing facilities for matches at no cost, and paying the stipends for officials.
“The Ministry recognises the importance of development programmes in every sport,” said Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Hon. Gary Hunt. “Building a critical mass of players who can move on to professional sport while teaching young persons about discipline and fair play is invaluale to our nation’s continued growth as a leader in the sporting world,” Minister Hunt added.
T&T Cup Coordinator Alvin Corneal is excited about the future of the tournament. He said “our soccer will grow to almost unbelieveable heights, which will keep us in the football limelight.”
