Attin-Johnson impressed with 3v3 event

Veteran Trinidad and Tobago women football team midfielder/striker Maylee Attin-Johnson was impressed with the 2017 edition of the AJI (Attin-Johnson Initiative) 3v3 Kids Soccer Tournament, which was held on Saturday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field, Mucurapo.

In the respective finals, Marabella Family Crisis Centre won the Boys Under-14, Laventille United prevailed in the Boys Under-12 as well as the Girls Under-13, Eastern FC took home the Boys Under-10, Elite FC claimed the Boys Under-8, and the Trinidad and Tobago Under-17 captured the Girls Under-17. According to Attin-Johnson, “It was good. The rain tried to stop us but rain only stops cricket. We want to thank (retired men’s team captain) Kenwyne Jones for coming out and saying the prayers (at the opening ceremony) and offering a good speech.

“The teams came out, (the players) had a great time,” she continued. “The future is bright. We just have to be able to harness it, when they’re past a certain age.”

A few national players were in attendance, including men’s team midfielder Kevin Molino, defender Alvin Jones and women’s team striker Kennya “YaYa” Cordner, who gained a lot of praise from Attin-Johnson for her efforts towards the 3v3 Tournament. “I can’t thank them enough,” Attin-Johnson said.

She continued, “For far too long we have people who, at a certain age, (are put) in front of the young kids and not someone the kids would want to aspire to be. It’s important that we bring in the Kevin Molinos and the Joevin Jones to help motivate the young boys and aspire to be as good as them or better than them.”

Among the sponsors for the day’s proceedings were Atlantic, Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago and Massy Foundation.