Arnett, Cavalier toast of KSAFA Youth Awards
Arnett Garden FC and Cavalier SC were the toast of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) Youth Awards function last week Thursday as they collected the prime awards for the Under-20 and Under-17 categories, respectively.
The awards function brought an official end to the 2017-2018 season for both competitions, which were held late last year.
President of KSAFA Wayne Shaw thanked the sponsors for their continued support of the Under-20 competition, while noting that the Under-17 division had been played without a sponsor.
“We want to thank Alliance MoneyGram and McKay Security; they have been on board for our Under-20 competition and the league would not have been possible without them. We appreciate the support and look forward to a continued relationship,” he said.
With the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the national senior Reggae Boyz head coach focusing on local talent, Shaw urged the youngsters to be at their best at all times.
“I implore all the players who participate to do their best on and off the field because they are being watched and the sky is the limit as they can further their football careers with the right skill and discipline.”
He also mentioned a number of players who are making their mark at a higher level after playing in the competitions.
“Players have played in these competitions and now represent their premier league teams and the country. A few that come to mind are, Kaheem Parris, Tevin Shaw, Nicque Daley, Jamaoi Topey, Alex Marshall, Kimani Arboine, Oneil Anderson, Cassieam Priestly, Javain Brown, Peter-Lee Vassell and Ricardo Thomas. Therefore, it is always important to always put out our best as players and coaches as the opportunities are available,” Shaw advised.
In addition to the championship trophy, Arnett Gardens claimed other top awards as Orlando Clarke was named Under-20 Coach of the Year, while Gregory Hall was named Manager of the Year. Kimani Arboine was the tournament’s MVP and leading goalscorer after slamming 12 goals for the season. Arboine also represents Arnett Gardens at the Premier League level.
Olympic Gardens won the Fair Play Award after amassing the least amount of cards in the competition.
Tivoli Gardens FC were runners-up in the competition, while Seaview Gardens FC finished third and Waterhouse FC finished fourth.
At the Under-17 level, it was all Cavalier. Rudolph Speid was named Coach of the Year; Kishauna Williamson was Manager of the Year; while Jamaoi Topey, who played Manning Cup for Camperdown High and also plays for their Premier League team, was the tournament’s MVP.
Earon Elliot, who attends Jamaica College and plays for Molynes United FC, was the leading goalscorer with 12 goals.
The Fair Play Award was shared between Greenwich Town FC and Waterhouse FC.
Again Tivoli Gardens finished runners-up, while Arnett Gardens finished third and Molynes United finished fourth.
Brandon Chin, marketing officer at Alliance MoneyGram, said his company was happy to help to provide more football opportunities for young players.
“At Alliance MoneyGram we are happy to jump on board with sponsoring the youth competitions. Being a long-time partner with KSAFA it is very important for us that the youth have more to turn to,” he said.
Executive manager at McKay Security, Rodney McPherson was pleased with the improvement in the discipline show by the players over the years.
“I was looking at the statistics in terms of the yellow and red cards, and I have noted that there has been a decrease in the number of yellow and red cards issued over the past few years. I think this speaks to the players getting more disciplined and that is a move in the right direction,” he noted.
— Dwayne Richards