The 21st annual NBA sponsored, 2009 Primary School Football Tournament came to an exciting end on Friday November 20th, 2009 at the Coronation Ball Park. Despite the many obstacles that posed delays in the tournament schedule, the Anguilla Football Association along with the Education Department, the Sports Department and the National Bank of Anguilla Ltd managed to reschedule the games to ensure a timely conclusion.

Participating children in the Football Tournament

The finals consisted of four games where the Valley Primary School Girls edged out the third spot by defeating the Vivien A. Vanterpool Primary in a final score of 2-1. Shakila Brooks and Ieshlyn Joseph were the proud scorers for Valley while Majestee Connor did the honours for the Vivien A. Vanterpool Primary School. Following shortly, the Vivien A. Vanterpool Primary School was back in action as this time the boys tried to take that faithful third place as they played against the Alwyn Allison Primary School. The Alwyn Allison Primary School was successful in securing the third spot with one goal each from Alwyn Richardson, Rene Thomas and Jason Bryan. Kareem Webster scored the only goal for the Vivien A. Primary School placing them in fourth position with a final score of 3-1.

In another close finish, the Orealia Kelly Primary school girls emerged victorious in their second consecutive win as champions of this tournament. With a 3-2 final score, Ta’rah Niles who scored 1 and Roxane Bradshaw who scored 2 goals had much to be proud of. Juneicia Romney of the Adrian T. Hazell Primary scored the two goals for the school, giving them a well deserved second place.

With three games down and one left to go, the Orealia Kelly, already securing the female championship was motivated to make it a double win for the school. Their contenders, Valley Primary were not willing to just hand it over and in light of such, the battle begun. With just a few minutes left in the game and the score tied at 2-2, tension grew in the spectator’s stands and the adrenaline could certainly be felt on and off the field. With no goals scored in the overtime, the teams were forced to go to “sudden death” which marked the “death” of the Valley Primary School and hence emerged the victory of the Orealia Kelly Primary School boys. With a final score of 5-3, Rakeem Jones who scored two for Valley and Rashaun Jackson who scored one were well deserved of many praises. The Orealia Kelly Primary Scorers were Calivon Vanterpool with one goal, Shaquan Hodge with one, Yariel Fleming with one and Tyrique Lake with two goals.

The tournament ended with a closing ceremony following the final game and was chaired by NBA’s Market Research & Business Development Support Officer, Mrs. Deslyn Smith. The Congratulatory remarks were heard by Ms. Marisa Gumbs, Manager of the West End Branch and the Hon. Mr. Evan McNeil Rogers, Minister of Sports offered remarks as well. Mr. Kevin Hawley, Senior Financial Reporting Officer of the Bank delivered the invocation while Ms. Ann Sasso, Head of NBA’s Contact Center closed the ceremony with a Vote of Thanks.

Participating children in the Football Tournament

The following prizes were distributed:
Best Goalkeepers: Ayana Brooks (Adrian T. Hazell) & Mauriel Carty (Alwyn Allison)
Best Defenders: Labrisca Gumbs (Adrian T. Hazell) & Santiago Vanterpool (Valley)
Best Midfielders: Junecia Romney (Adrian T. Hazell) & Tyrique Lake (Orealia Kelly)
Best Strikers: Wayneesha Carter (Adrian T. Hazell) & Jeison Bryan (Alwyn Allison)
Most Valuable Players by Schools:
• Adrian T. Hazell: Labrisca Gumbs & Kallis Franklyn
• Alwyn Allison: Ianisha Carty & Jeison Bryan
• Orealia Kelly: Valdah Hodge & Tyrique Lake
• Morris Vanterpool: Jasmine Ruan & Jurvon Duncan
• Vivien A. Vanterpool: Shania Smith & Kordell Smith
• Valley: Shanille Richardson & Rashaun Jackson
• Central Christian: Zander Vasilis (boy team only)

The Overall Most Valuable Players were:
• Tyrique Lake (Orealia Kelly) – Boys
• Wayneesha Carter (Adrian T. Hazell) – Girls

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