Football Federation hosts Youth Summer Cup from today

THE  OTASHIE  SPRING led executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) will host its 2024 Youth Summer Cup, from August 9 to 24. Essentially, the tournament replaces the Hamilton Lashley Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Tournament, which was set to be hosted here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, during that period.

The regional tournament was expected to have attracted several clubs from the Caribbean, however, the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, forced its deferral.

Hence, the SVGFF put the necessary machinery in motion, to have local teams/ clubs be engaged.

Second Vice President of the SVGFF, Yosiah Dascent told SEARCHLIGHT that it was critical to have the youths involved in the sport over the extended July/ August school, vacation.

“ As an executive, we hold youth football as high priority, therefore we are ensuring that they get as many opportunities as possible to hone their skills at this time.”

Outlining the Youth Summer Cup, Dascent said: “ We will have competition in the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age categories for both males and females”.

Set to open today, Friday, August 9, 2024 with a ceremony at the Grammar School Playing Field, matches will be played at that venue, as well as the Sion Hill Playing Field, the Chilli Playing Field, Keartons, Stubbs, and Golden Grove in North Leeward.

Dascent said they expect about 30 teams/ clubs to be part of the tournament, which will give the technical personnel of the SVGFF an insight into available talents within those age groups.

The second vice president who holds the portfolio for technical matters within the SVGFF, noted that the Youth Summer Cup will serve as a precursor to the 2024/2025 National Club Championships.