Queen’s Park, Rangers and Belmont fill their boots in RBNYL North Zone goal fest

Two Queen’s Park teams left spectators wondering if their club gave the biggest football ground in Port-of-Spain its name as action in the North Zone of the Republic Bank National Youth League continued on Saturday 27 May. The Under-13s and Under-15s looked very much at home at the Queen’s Park Savannah, putting on a show to triumph in convincing fashion in two of their encounters—5-1 over Eastern United and 3-0 over Northern Stars FC respectively.

Not to be outdone, St Ann’s Rangers, routed their opponents RSSR in an Under-19 encounter. Rangers attacker Isaiah Lopez was the star of the match, bagging a brace to lead his side to an embarrassing 7-1 victory over their hapless opponents.

Photo: A QPCC player (left) tries to drive his free kick past the Santa Cruz SA wall during RBNYL North Zone U-13 action at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: A QPCC player (left) tries to drive his free kick past the Santa Cruz SA wall during RBNYL North Zone U-13 action at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

For the younger Queen’s Park side, 13-year-old Nathan Achim stole the show with an impressive display of dribbling and passing. He notched one goal and set up another to help his team coast to a victory by a comfortable four-goal margin.

Queen’s Park started brightly but their opening goal only came in the 29th minute when Achim scored. Shortly afterwards in the space of six minutes, Queen’s Park scored three more goals through Aidan De Gannes, Niall Maingot and David Rodriguez in the 32nd, 35th and 38th.


Striker Ocean Lindsey sealed the victory with a goal in the second half. Jahsima Duncan headed in Eastern United’s lone goal in the 55th minute from a perfectly delivered free kick.

In the Under-15 match-up, Queen’s Park maintained their undefeated record as they got past Northern Stars FC with a resounding 3-0 win. Scoring two early goals in the 8th and 16th minute of the game, the “home” side were cruising at the interval. After adding a third insurance item in the 50th minute, they saw the game out with ease.

With the win, the Under-15s contrived to keep their unbeaten record intact but they still sit only in second place on the table with 15 points behind Trendsetters United, who now have 18 points following their 2-0 victory against Central FC.

Photo: Harvard SC midfielder Ethan Paponette (left) looks on his teammate tries to force the ball past two RSSR players during RBNYL North Zone U-13 action at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: Harvard SC midfielder Ethan Paponette (left) looks on his teammate tries to force the ball past two RSSR players during RBNYL North Zone U-13 action at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Pleased with the performance of his charges, Queen’s Park coach Christian Urich was high in praise of what the tournament is doing for football in the country. He told Wired868 that he believes that this tournament is a great opportunity for the young players to develop their skills and he wants more to be done to further develop all the teams in the league.

“This tournament is all about development,” Urich said, “and we’re seeing a lot more of that when we play these games. Perhaps we could even consider starting a regional league as well.”

“Our aim here is for the players to develop a passion for football,” he continued. “I believe it would really help develop young players if a regional tournament similar to this is introduced, allowing not just T&T youths to develop but youths around the region as well.”

In Under-19 action, St Ann’s Rangers took control of their game early and found themselves 2-0 up within the first 20 minutes. Not daunted, RSSR pulled one back in the 21st minute, Sued Dampey beating the Rangers keeper from the penalty spot after he was brought down in the area by Daniel Rahaman.

However, Rangers fired in two more goals in the 35th and 40th minutes to be sitting comfortable at 4-1 by halftime. In the second half, RSSR seemed to lose their taste for the battle and Rangers took advantage, scoring a further three goals through Lopez, Kriston Spence and Krishon Alexander in the 50th, 54th and 78th minutes respectively.


Photo: Harvard SC attacker Josh Miguel (centre) takes on four QPCC '2' players singlehandedly during RBNYL North Zone U-11 action at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: Harvard SC attacker Josh Miguel (centre) takes on four QPCC ‘2’ players singlehandedly during RBNYL North Zone U-11 action at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

In more Under-19 action, Jeremiah St Cyr and Jehiel Cole notched a brace each as Belmont United hammered Harvard 7-0. Following a good start, Belmont took the lead in the ninth minute. The scoreline remained unchanged until just before halftime as Belmont seemed content with their slim lead. But Aaron Linton added a second in the 45th minute.

It was a different story in the second half. Smelling blood, Belmont went for the jugular and contrived to score a further five goals to seal a comprehensive victory. The second half five included a gem of a strike by Aaron Linton, whose 30-yard thunderbolt flew past the surprised custodian almost before he realised what was happening.

Watching yesterday’s proceedings was tournament director Anthony Harford of All Sport Promotions, who founded this event some two decades ago. Harford expressed pride at the longevity of the tournament and praised the sponsors, Republic Bank, for their unstinting support over the years.

He echoed the Queen’s Park coach’s conviction about development as well as his desire to see the League grow. However, he lamented that more funding is not available.

“This tournament is for the kids,” he told Wired868. “It’s always been about the kids and their development. Allowing them to improve on their ability and increasing their passion for the sport has always been our goal.”

Photo: Harvard SC attacker Josh Miguel (left) mimics Real Madrid and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as he celebrates his goal against QPCC during RBNYL North Zone U-11 action at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: Harvard SC attacker Josh Miguel (left) mimics Real Madrid and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as he celebrates his goal against QPCC during RBNYL North Zone U-11 action at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

“We truly want this league to grow,” the former radio and television personality added, “but it is not easy. Funding has always been a problem for this league.

“It’s easy for someone to ask why the League hasn’t grown by leaps and bounds during the period but funding remains the main issue.”

That, fortunately, has not stopped some youngsters like Achim and Lopez from catching the eye.

Photo: Harvard SC attacker Josh Miguel tries to find the path to goal against QPCC '2' during RBNYL North Zone U-11 action at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: Harvard SC attacker Josh Miguel tries to find the path to goal against QPCC ‘2’ during RBNYL North Zone U-11 action at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

RBNYL May 27 results

North Zone, Queen’s Park Savannah

(Under-11 division)

Trendsetters Hawks ‘A’ 3Central FC 0

Trendsetters Hawks ‘B’ 0Football Factory 0

(Under-13 division)

QPCC ‘A’ 5, Eastern United 1

QPCC ‘B’ 0, Santa Cruz SA 3

Harvard 1 (Marshall 25), RSSR 3 (J Worrall 15, J O’Brien 20, 35)

Central FC 1, Trendsetter Hawks 0

Photo: A flag from the referee's assistant (far left) thwarts Harvard SC attacker Mikel John as he closes in on the QPCC '2' goal during RBNYL North Zone U-11 action at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: A flag from the referee’s assistant (far left) thwarts Harvard SC attacker Mikel John as he closes in on the QPCC ‘2’ goal during RBNYL North Zone U-11 action at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on 27 May 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

(Under-15 division)

QPCC 3, North Coast 0

Belmont Secondary 3, Laventille United 2

Football Factory 1, Carenage 0

(Under-19 division)

St Ann Rangers 7RSSR 1

Belmont Secondary 7Harvard 0

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About Nicholas Brathwaite

Nicholas Brathwaite is a journalism student at COSTAATT and a big sports fan. He says he's quite sure he got his passion for sport from his family but he’s not 100% certain that the discipline, determination and capacity for hardwuk that feed it all come from the same source.

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75 comments

  1. Great post lol but my name is spelt Isaiah

  2. You shudda continue renting the other Spec field in the back eh Mr. Live Wire hahhahahaha

  3. And this was our grass. A million times better eh Anthony Sherwood… And I was real mad all the same because you can see Rougier’s boot is sunk into the grass, which means it will slow up the ball a little…
    Oh well!

  4. It’s unacceptable. Although I know these things can happen in a one-off too. I was hopping mad at the last Wired868 football festival although the field was a million times better.
    We wanted the field to be like a carpet. The game was Sunday and we had a site visit on the Friday. The facility manager cancelled the site visit but assured us that everything was fine and they could adjust on match day. Then on match day the ground wasn’t cut. And they said, sorry, nobody can come out to do that now…
    So it can happen.
    But I know next time, whether there is a site visit or not, I would have to go WHEN the guy is cutting the field to make sure it is done properly.

    • You take pride in your event Lasana and that’s the difference, yuh want the players to enjoy the experience because they will say good things about the event. It’s the same concept that everyone in football locally should adopt…that picture above is seen by many – especially people who are based outside – the impression conveyed by it is that we on “jokey thing.” How can we be expected to be taken seriously?

  5. And the bootleg Coaches and the Managers of these teams are going along with this madness eh. Them really good yes.

  6. Agreed…yeah you sponsoring something good blah blah, but on the other hand have no pride in ensuring your company covers all bases? This kinda like you cook a nice candle light dinner and decide not to sweep the dining room floor and change the table cloth…complete the damn job..steups

  7. These people have no shame

  8. This is downright disrespectful to these kids

  9. Have you aLL heard the latest MLS is releasing all US players for the to join their camp even though league is still in progress so why cant our players in MLS not get released too in all fearness our officials should go to to FIFA on this what TTFA doing about this its serious business every advantage is being used by the US

  10. Ahmmm what’s going on with the grass? Is it really that high or just a bad pic?

  11. that 92,000 would have gone a long way in this soccer tournament, also i believe this tournament should have a first and second season in the same year………two months rest in between ? (Mango) tell me,kids outside playing soccer 12 months in de year.

    • What about SSFL and so on? I don’t think so. At present the ratio of training to competition in T&T, according to other local coaches, is skewed towards matches.
      In other words, the young players are not spending enough time learning at training.

    • i understand my friend but this is taking place all over the world and they are way ahead of us.

    • Lasana Liburd the best way to learn the game is by playing it so what are they talking about!!! Those coaches talk too many so learning will never take place!!!

    • Training during the week games weekends……this will also help with the Health bill in Trinidad and Tobago….as you know we have a serious problem here……… Kids in PA playing soccer 12 months per year.Please note this should give families the opportunity to spend some time with the kids.Earl Mango Pierre ?

    • Ok. What Anthony says there is fine to me. Three training sessions during the week and one game on the weekend. But the SSFL plays two games a week for the whole season and sometimes you get three games a week when there is a postponement or a knock out game or so.
      You don’t think that is too much Maylee? You can’t do much training when you are playing that often.

    • my friend training twice per week and game on Saturday or Sunday

    • Well that is not what exists right now my friend.

    • My friend,Please note Families are now starting to understand the way out for there children is to play sports,like it or not ..out side of that what do they have to look forward to ?

    • Hence the reason why it will always be very hard to ever beat up my second sweetest country at all levels unless they really get it right once and for all in our sweet country eh Them really good yes.

    • Lasana Liburd I just told you the best teacher of the game is the game especially at the youth level. Some of these coaches talk more than they coach in these sessions n this also leads to players becoming robotic n not being able to think on their own. So no learning is taking place anyways. Allow them to play n figure things on their own and grow and learn as each game pass!!!

    • Anthony, either you are trying to do something you feel has a good chance of working. Or you do something for the sake of doing it.
      That’s for parents to decide. I try as best as I can to put different viewpoints out there and then they can decide what they think will work.

    • I agree with you in part Maylee. In international competitions, it is almost embarrassing to see Trinis head the ball now. Nobody can do it.
      That is something that you coach. Small goal sweat and so on doesn’t involve headers. It doesn’t really come instinctively to you.
      If we go on like this we will have players with instinctive skills, yes. But we will miss out on those fundamentals too.

    • My friend Maylee is telling you the correct thing……….

    • Well the fundamentals are a thing of the past and especially the creativity because as I have been saying, why is it that we haven’t seen another Russell The Magician” Latapy eh and look how long now he has stopped playing the beautiful game and even coaching now eh. Them really good yes.

    • Anthony Roy well then you have the answer you want, so you’re good to go.

    • Lasana Liburd I never said don’t have training days. Obviously it’s imperative. Some of those coaches could have 5 days a week with those kids and still not improve them technically because their focus is not on technical development it’s all about results.

    • Lasana Liburd to continue with my point friend …what percentage of families in TnT have money to send there kids to school abroad or even home here. Colleges,Universities,semi pro,pro team are interested in our kids.families take note.

    • Maylee with two games a week plus schoolwork you don’t really have time for development during the season. I’m not talking about the bad coaches though. It doesn’t matter how much time you spend with a bad coach, as you still won’t learn anything. We agree on that.

    • Anthony Roy I have half a dozen family members who got sport scholarships. But thanks for the tip.

    • Lasana Liburd few coaches in Trinidad place emphasis on the technical aspect of the game.

    • Lasana Liburd one game per week two training sessions,one should have time for school work.

    • I won’t doubt that either Maylee. I had Michael Grayson as a youth coach and he definitely did.

    • But I had some horrible youth coaches. Some coaches who just spoke in jargon and arranged matches and nothing else.

    • Lasana Liburd so what are you suggesting. How many sessions a week and how many games. If you’re in secondary school you have to balance your academics n sports especially if you looking to go abroad so that shouldn’t be an excuse…

    • Maylee, I’d say weekend game and three training sessions. Four days a week. What do you think of that balance?

    • Lasana Liburd is this across the board. What age group!

    • Guys blessings it was nice have a good one.

    • I say scrap the serious football yes and just play fete match football at all levels, but let Dion Sosa and his top of the line Coach and coaching school and also Anthony Sherwood and his top of the line coaching school along with all the other top of the line coaching schools and just continue developing the players who really wants to get a scholarship to play the beautiful sport in my second sweetest country and while doing so obtain their degree’s and then move on to continue to play the real professional football abroad, because it is only ah set ah talk and more talk in our sweet country and our football is just continuing going backwards yes, just look at the level of the football that recently concluded in our sweet country eh what a shame and just imagine that a Dominican team that just started to play the beautiful game just 3- 4yrs ago is the Club Champions 2017 eh. steeuupppss. Them really good yes.

    • Maylee, we have the Republic Bank competition from May to July. SSFL from September to November. That’s six months of football. If you consider pre-season, that is eight months of football from April to November.
      I’d say that is enough time. We just need coaches to use it better to teach players. In between that you can have a little international tour or something in the April holidays or July holidays.
      And we know nothing happens in December while from January to April, they can catch up on school work and sweat with their friends otherwise.
      I don’t feel we need more tournaments really. We just have to prepare better coaching sessions in that time frame in my opinion. And probably not overdo it with two and three games a week.

    • Lasana Liburd as a player I rather play games. Don’t get me wrong I love to train but as a player a lot of things happen in a game that may not happen in a session both technically and tactically and you have to figure it out on your own which eventually help with understanding. I know your emphasis here is more on technical aspect of the game. Something simple as having a wall in your back yard no matter how small can be use effectively to help with the technical aspect of the game without even having a coach. Repetition repetition and more repetition is key.

    • Depends on age of the player. I’d say from 6 to 15, you should be training and developing a lot. From 16, you should play as often as possible.
      In an ideal world, you already have the basic fundamentals at 16 and then you need game experience and playing against different styles and facing different situations just like you mentioned Maylee.

    • Lasana….when will we understand that competitions cannot develop our players….

  12. that 92,000 would have gone a long way for this soccer tournament.

  13. I don’t know why the Republic bank just don’t take their field from Barataria and moved it to the Queen’s Park savannah nah. steeuuppss, are these people in our sweet country really serious about the beautiful game and our kids. Them really good yes.

  14. Look like they have those youths playing in a forest.

  15. So they cannot give the youngsters a better playing surface in the Queen’s Park savannah the same like how it is done in my second sweetest country eh. Them really good yes.

  16. Buh A A we have our very own “Bend it like Beckham” in the making representing Queens Park dey eh and I really like that eh, hopefully we shall see him on our national team in the future…….BOOM

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