YORK United were the toast of the St Thomas Football Association (FA) presentation and awards ceremony held recently at Morant Villa in the parish.

The prestigious event was a fitting occasion for all victorious teams of various competitions, including the Under-14 girls and Under-15 boys who were graced by the presence of Del Robinson, the outstanding coach of West Ham Academy.

Robinson appeared as the main speaker of the event, which was quite appropriate, as the parish continues the development of young players.

During his presentation, Robinson commended Kenton Murray, chief executive officer (CEO) of UK-based company All-stars Sports, which is seeking to establish an academy at the Eastern Banana Complex, Golden Grove. The emphasis was placed on the development of youth at a one-week camp which climaxed last week Friday, was used to scout local players for the West Ham Academy, an approach which Barclay’s Premier League club West Ham United have benefited from tremendously.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the championship trophy to York United, the parish winner of the Captain’s Bakery Major League that went on to be crowned champion of the Eastern Super Championship.

Wayne Thompson, president of the St Thomas FA, commended York United and other winners while thanking all, including those not receiving an award, for participating in the competitions. He expressed disappointment as the parish once again failed to qualify for top-flight football in the country since White Horses United in the 90s.

Against this background the president spoke about the need for clubs to consolidate through mergers similar to the experience in the corporate world, as companies respond to the challenges associated with the competitive environment.

This sentiment was echoed by Wayne Soltau, financial controller of the Captain’s Bakery and Grill. In his remarks, Soltau stated that St Thomas is one of two parishes being sponsored by the Captain’s Bakery and Grill that has not produced a Premier League team, but commended the parish, for a well-run competition, one that his entity is proud to sponsor.

Meanwhile, the All-stars Sport Club Under-17 Championship Trophy went to Lyssons, while Heartease were presented with silver medals. York United received the championship trophy for the James Robertson Knock-out competition, with coach Arthur Mikes taking the winning coach award, while Port Morant United received the runner-up prize.

York United also collected the Captain’s Bakery and Grill Major League championship trophy and cash prize of $100,000, while Delta Force received the second-placed medals and $60,000. Miquel Ricketts of York United took the top goal scorer prize for his 12 goals, with teammate Romaine Bowers being named MVP of the final.

The winning coach and manager went to Arthur Mikes and Michael Pennantm, also of York United. The most disciplined team award went to Baptist Alliance, while the Fenton Ferguson Division One championship trophy was presented to Heartease, with Seaforth claiming the runner-up prize.