For the next few weeks, the Anguilla Football Stadium will be the scene of much activity as teams from around the island compete for the mastery of the 2020 Primary Schools Football Competition.
The event officially began on Sunday, October 11, with scores of the young footballers participating in a colourful parade around the football field. They were all attired in uniform jerseys emblazoned with the logo of the National Bank of Anguilla (NCBA).
The bank’s CEO, Ms. Sharmaine Francois, attracted much applause when she told the mammoth crowd: “We, at NCBA, are committed to this sporting event. Notwithstanding Covid-19, we had to put this on to ensure that our young ones can participate in it over the next couple of weeks. So we are committed to the Primary Schools’ Football Competition. We pledge our support and, as the people’s bank, we believe it is a contribution we must make to our youth.”
In his introductory remarks, Romero Kelsick, a staff member of NCBA, who chaired the opening ceremony, observed that it was the bank’s fifth year of sponsorship for the Primary Schools’ Football Competition, which had been in progress for thirty-one years.
Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Sports, Mr. Merrick Richardson, thanked NCBA for again sponsoring the competition. “This tournament, in my opinion, is probably the most anticipated tournament on the sporting calendar in Anguilla,” he declared. “That is evident by the number of students, parents and fans assembled here. I think we just have to pause for one second and give NCBA a big round of applause.”
Mr. Richardson observed that it was a pleasure for the children of Anguilla to be playing in these Covid-19 times when many of their peers, around the world, were obliged to stay at home; schooled there; and unable to assemble in public. He added that there was much to be thankful for and wished the young footballers the best of luck.
Technical Director of the Anguilla Football Association, Mr. Colin Johnson, delivered the Vote of Thanks. Among those he thanked were NCBA, the Ministry of Education, parents, coaches and those who prepared the football field for the event.
The first match got underway following the kick-off by Mr. Merrick Richardson, the Ministerial Assistant.
