Sports Minister meets and greets Under -20 Footballers

Sports Minister Mike Browne got a first hand experience of this country’s Under-20 footballers’ training regimen when he was present at the Victoria Park, as the hopefuls went through their paces last Saturday morning.{{more}}

Browne watched from the CDC stand, then met with the players, along with President of the SVGFF Joseph Delves and the team’s management.

The Sports Minister applauded them for rallying the nation into a unit of support never seen in recent times.

“You have done that,” Browne said.

He told them to sap up the limelight that they are currently enjoying, but warned them not to let it get to their heads.

“ I have seen talented players let that go to their heads,” Browne added.

“You may lose a game, but do not lose your confidence,” the Sports Minister advised.

“You are the darlings of the nation,” Browne told the young footballers.

The Sports Minister encouraged them to strike a balance between their Football and the academics, as the two go hand in hand.

Browne reminded the players of the importance of Physical Education, which they can write as a subject at the CSEC and Advanced Subsidiary levels, and up to university.

He also had a closed session with the players where he met them on a one on one basis.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will meet Honduras in a play off ahead of the CONCACAF Finals in Trinidad and Tobago in March, set for March 6 to 15.

The Vincentians finished runners up to Jamaica in last week’s Caribbean zone Final which was held here. This country finished on six points, following wins over the Dominican Republic and Haiti, one point behind the Jamaicans who completed their three matches unbeaten with seven points. The Jamaicans recorded a 1-1 tie with Haiti, beat the Dominican Republic 4-1, and the hosts 2-0.

If the Vincentians overcome Central American gurus Honduras, they will compete in the group alongside Jamaica, El Salvador and the USA.

The other group comprises Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada and hosts Trinidad and Tobago.

Delves said that the one off match will most likely be staged at the Dwight York Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago, at the back end of February or early March.

Coach of the team Kendale Mercury also used the occasion to clear the air on some media reports that surfaced following the Jamaica match with St. Vincent and the Grenadines last week Tuesday night, as well as what he called other “rumours”. (RT)