Over 50 teams for Cordner's 7v7 football tourney in Speyside

THE third annual MonstaMentality 7v7 youth football tournament kicks off July 14 at the Speyside Recreation Ground, Tobago. The tournament, organised by Tobagonian and former national footballer Kennya Cordner, is expected to feature over 50 teams competing in various boys and girls age groups.

Registration for the tournament is free and eats and drinks will also be free,

In an interview with Newsday on June 28, Cordner, 35, said the tournament has grown tremendously since inception.

"The overwhelming support and feedback from even outside of Tobago is amazing....People are talking about it," she said.

The tournament will feature seven teams from Trinidad. Cordner says this is a good sign. "It says it's a good initiative. It's a free tournament and a way of giving back to the community. It means we are doing something great."

Cordner, who played 52 matches for TT and bagged 61 goals, said the tournament provides an opportunity for young players to interact with her and get valuable insight on how to succeed at the pro level.

"A lot of the youths look up to me and come to me for advice. For me to host a tournament, it gives them an opportunity to meet me in person, come talk to me, ask about how to be professional, how to be national player – it opens the doors to them on the steps it takes to have an international career."

Cordner, a three-time TTFA Female Player of the Year, has played football in the US, Australia, Norway, Turkey and China and won many accolades.

"I always had it in me to come back and give back, and finally in 2022 we had the opportunity to host it. When I saw what it did for the youths, how happy they were, (I had to continue). When they see me in the streets they always ask me when is the next one."

With approximately 20 sponsors his year, Cordner urged the public to continue to support the Monsta Foudnation and the youths.

"What I'm doing is for the youths, not myself. I had my time already. I urge the public and corporate sponsors to put more support in the youths to stay off the streets and do something they love."