On Sunday, July 17, after a tournament of unforgettable matches and spectacular performances, gorgeously dressed female players and supporters turned out at the Raymond E. Guishard Technical Centre, for the Sunset Homes and AIA prize giving ceremony ably chaired by Mr. Alkins Rogers.
President of the Anguilla Football Association, Mr. Raymond Guishard, used the opportunity to thank Sunset Homes for partnering with the Association in sponsoring the tournament this year. Further, he thanked the Clubs for their participation in the tournament and highlighted that without them, the tournament would not have been possible.
He was very much “proud and glad to see many of the young players from the various clubs playing in the tournament this year”, and being able to hold their own on the field. He congratulated the winners and urged the teams that were not successful to work on improving their weak areas for next season. He also thanked all persons and organizations that were instrumental in making sure the tournament ran smoothly. “Football is not just a sport. Football is becoming a family”, he added.
Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Cardigan Connor, also spoke to the players. “When you go on the field its not about you, its about Anguilla. The fact that what you produce on the field and your attitude off the field, will determine whether or not others will look to assist you,” he said. He encouraged the players to continue to do their best and to always remember that as long as they did so they would all be winners.
Female Technical Coordinator, Mr. Colin Johnson, also briefly addressed the gathering. He was very happy to see a larger turn out of spectators, especially females at the matches this season. He applauded the players for bringing fans to game saying, “it is very important that women lead women to watch women.” He was very much happy to see the infusion of young players into the matches this season, noting that they “shone brightly”.
He observed that this season showed quite a bit of improvement amongst the players. He congratulated the winning clubs, particularly the Tournament Champions, Shining Stars FC and Knockout Champions, Superstars FC on their success.
Other teams competing this season were, Lil Soldier FC, Gazelles FC and De Youngsters FC.
The presentation ceremony included monetary prizes and a number of special awards.
The awardees and winners are listed below:
Individual Awardees:
Best Goal Keeper – Davia Hodge
Best Defender – Jackeedah Bryan
Best Midfielder – Clardeena Richardson
Best Striker – Roxanne Bradshaw
Most Improved Player – Maeisha Minette
Rookie of the Year – Carlia Johnson
Most Disciplined Player – Careyanna Richardson
Hardest Working Player – Mindy Phillip
Fittest Player – Kerisa Benjamin
Best Team Player – Ianisha Carty
Best Captain –Roxanne Romney
Tournament MVP – Coleen Johnson
Most Disciplined Team Award went to Super Stars FC.
Pre- Tournament events included:
4 V 4 Competition
Juniors:1st Place –Gazelles FC
2nd Place – Super Stars FC
3rd Place – Shinning Stars FC
Seniors:1st Place – Super Stars FC
2nd Place – Shining Stars FC
3rd Place – Lil Soldiers FC
Foot Volley Ball
Juniors: 1st Place – Super Stars FC
2nd Place – Gazelles FC
3rd Place – De Youngsters FC
Seniors: 1st Place – Shining Stars FC
2nd Place – Super Stars FC
3rd Place – Lil Soldiers FC
Beach Soccer
1st Place – Super Stars FC
2nd Place – Shining Stars FC
3rd Place – Lil Soldiers FC
Backyard Olympics
1st Place – Lil Soldiers FC
2nd Place – Shining Stars FC
3rd Place –De Youngsters FC
Indoor Soccer
1st Place – Super Stars FC
2nd Place –Gazelles FC
3rd Place – Shining Stars FC
Awards were also presented to the match officials and a special award to Ms. Esther Ward.
Shining Stars FC captured the Soccerama Championship and also placed first in the League Tournament. Super Stars FC came second and Gazelles FC third. Super Stars claimed the title of Knock Out Champions.
Following the presentation of awards, some of the female athlete showcased their attire in a brief fashion show.
