Youth Pro League flows into 2018

SHERDON PIERRE

San Juan Jabloteh aim to make it four years in succession winning all three categories of FLOW Youth Pro League when the competition kicks off on February 18 at various community grounds throughout the country.

Speaking at the launch yesterday held at the VIP Lounge, Hasely Crawford Stadium was San Juan Jabloteh’s General Manager Christopher Persad.

“Last year was the third in succession we have won all divisions so we are going for the fourth and we are well into preparation. We know the other teams are coming strong because they want to beat us, so we are going to be very intense in terms of preparations of the teams, ensuring they are game ready,” he said.

The FLOW/TT Pro League deal is worth $300,000 for the season and includes prizes, transportation and refreshments for teams, payments of match commissioners, and the production of a weekly television show. The age categories for this year are under 14, under 16 and under 18. There will be a change in the format of league as there will be only one round of round robin and a newly introduced knockout competition. Additionally, there will be prizes for best pictures and videos each week, and monthly MVP awards for each category.

Cindy-Ann Gatt, Director of Marketing FLOW, said, “Some may down cry the future of TT football; I disagree because we are far from finished. The fact that we have 10 teams participating again this year shows that these youngsters didn’t let up, neither their coaches. When FLOW signed up to become a partner with the Youth Pro League (YPL), we didn’t anticipate how rewarding it will be. The Youth Pro League has elevated FLOW by reinforcing our passion for sport and the youth development of both areas.”

An enthusiastic Gatt continued, “All teams participating in the league will be allowed to submit two players for the FLOW Ultimate Football Fan experience in conjunction with the Manchester United Football Club. Last year Che Benny from this same league attended.

TT Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene added, “Given these challenging economic times, now more than ever it is important to keep our young people motivated and confident. What is most important is that the development of the youth of the country and people can never be in recession. In this regard, FLOW has continued to support the TT Pro League focus on youth and community, I wish to compliment them once again.”