On Friday May 20, Diamond FC exhibited a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the Anguilla National Trust, for sponsoring the team through the last season. In doing so, members of the team presented their second place League Trophy to the Anguilla National Trust.
Ms. Farah Mukhida, who accepted the trophy on behalf of the Anguilla National Trust said that the Trust was very proud of the team for placing second in the season’s regular tournament and for winning the President’s Cup. She expressed delight that the Trust was able to partner with the Club. She was grateful that the team assisted the Trust in conducting household surveys. These surveys included looking at Ramsar site designations in Anguilla, which focused on wetlands, people’s perception of wetlands and their level of awareness of wetlands.
Coach Nigel Linton commented on partnering with the Trust to help conduct the surveys, “It was a bit challenging for the team at first, but the outcome ended up being really successful and it also taught the player’s individual responsibility for reaching objectives,” he said. “By dividing up the surveys to be completed by the players, they also helped each other in getting the surveys done on time and this task was used as a team-building exercise. It was very much a team effort and the players worked very well together.”
Coach Linton added that he was very much satisfied with the performance of the club member this season, as they had initially set out objectives and targets over a four year period.
In the first year their target was to finish in the top five of the league but unfortunately they were unsuccessful in completing that task. However, this season they aimed to finish in the top three of the league. They were very successful in accomplishing that goal, by placing second this season.
He continued: “By finishing second in the league it automatically qualified them to compete at the Caribbean Club Champions, seeing that no team from Anguilla has ever competed in that competition. The club has set its sights on planning to attend the championship. Over the next few months the club will be conducting fundraisers to raise the necessary funds and sponsorship to attend the championship.” Mr. Linton saw the championship as an avenue to provide the necessary exposure for the young players who would have an opportunity to potentially be recruited by scouts.
The biggest challenge the team faces at this time, is regrouping for next season and raising the necessary funds to fulfill their future objectives. As part of the restructuring for next season, Coach Nigel Linton has been appointed to the role as Technical Director of the Team, in which Tashim Fleming will be filling in as Head Coach.
