RBNYFL 25: QPCC take U-20 title; Pro Series, B/Blasters, Trendsetter scoop up crowns

QPCC, Trendsetter Hawks, Ball Blasters Youth Academy and Pro Series snagged a trophy apiece as the 2025 Republic Bank National Youth Football League (RBNYFL) concluded on a dramatic afternoon at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Saturday 24 May.

The Ball Blasters fell to a stoppage time winner from Pro Series in a 3-2 loss in the Boys’ National Under-14 final and then returned the favour, somewhat, with a come-from-behind 3-2 triumph over FC Ginga in the Boys’ Under-17 finale.

The decisive Girls’ National Under-17 fixture was more lopsided, although much of the drama came off the ball—in a 4-1 victory for Trendsetter Hawks over Jewels Sports Club.

And, in the Boys’ National Under-20 final, QPCC seemed to be cruising against Stokely Vale FC after taking an early two goal lead in the first half, only to find themselves struggling to hold off the Tobagonians after the break.

“I thought in the finals we settled quickly and were able to play to our plans for the first 25 minutes, during which time we went two goals up,” QPCC head coach Wayne Sheppard told Wired868. “We wanted to be patient in the build-up and to keep finding the free man. We did this and I was happy with what I saw.

“Unfortunately, getting young players to concentrate and be disciplined enough to do the same thing repeatedly for 90 mins is in itself a challenge…”

The ‘Parkites’ were favourites going into the final and they wasted little time living up to the bidding.

Attacking midfielder Giovanni Hospedales could not convert after being played through the Stokely Vale defence by midfielder Criston ‘CJ’ Gomez in the fourth minute.

But, three minutes later, Hospedales opened the scoring with a more difficult chance—as he ran on to pass from defender Micaiah Leach down the left flank and gave two defenders the slip before coolly placing beyond opposing goalkeeper Duvon Collette.

Forward and captain Joshua Mason doubled his team’s lead in the 22nd minute from the penalty spot, after winning the kick himself via a mazy run that ended with a trip from flummoxed central defender Jalen Quashie.

In between either item, the Parkites—paced by the midfield duo of Gomez and Deisean Plaza—moved the ball around the Ato Boldon Stadium as though they had the deed for the venue.

Had Stokely Vale travelled across the seabridge to receive a humbling football lesson?
There is a thin line between confidence and arrogance; and composure and complacency. And, in the 38th minute, QPCC defender Jadon Durity was caught dawdling on the ball.

Durity’s error in judgment was compounded by the fact that QPCC delayed in replacing Leach, who was moving gingerly. And, with three attackers against two healthy defenders, Stokely Vale promptly opened up the East Zone champs as flanker Immanual Wright ran clear to score.

“I thought we strayed away from the positional discipline we started with,” said Sheppard, “and this allowed Stokely Vale a foothold and a way back into the game.”

So absolute was QPCC’s earlier domination, that it was tempting to assume Stokely Vale’s goal to be no more than a blip. But not so.

Stokely Vale, the Tobago champs, were not there to make up numbers—and the Parkites were suddenly looser in their passing, while their front five were often too slow to track back.

Seven minutes into the second half, Wright rapped the QPCC bar with an inswinging corner kick, with opposing goalkeeper Jaheim Affan a spectator.

Affan was alert to deny Wright in the 60th minute, after the Stokely Vale attacker was sent clear by Rickeldi Williams. And there was a penalty shout for a supposedly handled ball by Durity that referee Raj Harding ignored.

Stokely Vale came closer still to an equaliser in the 62nd minute, only for Affan’s outstretched boot to deny Williams.

A moment of magic undid the Tobago outfit in the end, as Gomez left his post as midfield sentry and went on a marauding run down the flank, which, again, ended with a crude challenge by Quashie.

Harding again pointed to the spot and Mason changed corners with the same end result, to restore QPCC’s two goal advantage.

And, in the 82nd minute, substitute Makai Simmons put the result beyond doubt with a close-ranged header at the back post off an inswinging Plaza free kick.

“I think we were deserved champions,” said Sheppard, who was also adjudged the Best Coach of the division, “not just on the day but, with all due respect to Stokely Vale, after having to get past teams that were tournament favourites like Jabloteh, City FC, Premier SC and Pro Series en route to the final, I thought we would be doing ourselves an injustice by falling at the final hurdle.”

A Tobago outfit suffered in the Girls’ U-17 final too, as Jewels came up short against the glittering Trendsetter Hawks.

The game was just 11 minutes when Jewels attacker Ty’kaiya Dennis, an influential player for Trinidad and Tobago at National Under-17 and National Under-20 level, yelped in pain after hurting her knee in a challenge and had to be stretchered off the field.

Coach Ray Mitchell did not put the eventual result down merely to Dennis’ absence. But it could not have helped.

At the other end, Hawks’ starlets delivered again as versatile forward Hackeemar Goodridge—who plays alongside Dennis on both national youth teams—bagged a clinical double and created another item for Akeria Leacock with a brilliant left side cross.

And midfielder Jayda Herbert, a National Under-17 flanker, was involved in two goals as she released Goodridge before her cross for Leacock’s item, and Herbert’s 47th minute free kick led to midfielder Shiphrah Alleyne’s scrappy finish.

Substitute Leia-Marie Balfour got a memorable consolation item for the Jewels with a rising effort from just outside the area, which surprised Hawks goalkeeper Akeila Marryshow.

But that was as good as it got for the Jewels, who also lost Onesha Gregouir to breathing issues.

Goodridge’s second goal was one of the best moments of forward play on the weekend. The slim striker collected the ball from Amayah Nero and lifted her head to see where Jewels goalkeeper Zakiya Archer was situated.

And, from 22 yards out, Goodridge picked her corner and backed her technique. Bang!

Most forwards her age would either overcompensate with power or try to get as close as possible to the goal before they let loose. Goodridge is not most forwards.

The fact that the Five Rivers Secondary student plays in central defence or as a full back for Trinidad and Tobago, speaks to the glut of talented attackers available: such as Orielle Martin, Rasheda Archer, J’Eleisha Alexander, Nikita Gosine and Herbert.

Humbly, though, the respective national women coaches should keep looking for opportunities to utilise Goodridge’s composed finishing in advanced areas.

The opening RBNYFL weekend fixture, Pro Series vs Ball Blasters, was balanced on a knife’s edge.

A goalkeeping error gifted Pro Series the lead, as Amani Hopkins seemed confused as to whether he could hold the ball after a tackle by teammate Kyle Roberts on opposing forward Zaa’van Joseph sent the ball looping towards him.

Hopkins tried to volley clear and only sliced the ball to Pro Series winger Amani Delph, who made no mistake in the 21st minute.

Joseph should have doubled his team’s lead, minutes into the second half, but fluffed his lines after another poor defensive error by Ball Blasters. And, at the other end, attacker Jayden Patrick failed to convert a one-on-one chance to equalise.

However, in the 37th minute, Ball Blasters captain Jaden Marcelle pulled his team level with a scrappy finish in the penalty area—even as Pro Series players insisted that there was a handled ball.

No matter. Pro Series restored their lead via an imperious header from captain and central defender Xavier Barrow in the 51st minute, after a measured free kick from his fellow defender Liam La Fleur.

Remarkably, Ball Blasters got a second equaliser. And there seemed little doubt that a hand was involved this time.

A long Roberts free kick hit the pitch and, inadvertently, struck Marcelle on the hand. Marcelle, a National Under-15 player, promptly burrowed his way into the Pro Series area to hit home. 2-2.

Handball rules, since 2019, stipulate that a goal should not be given once there was a handball in the build-up—even if accidental. Presumably, referee Makesa McEwen missed the offense.

Ironically, there was a handled ball in Pro Series’ stoppage time winner too. Defender Khalid Hector’s arm was raised when the ball hit his hand on the edge of the Blasters area. The effect of that impact was to slow down the ball, which might otherwise have gone through to his goalkeeper, Hopkins.

If referee McEwen was eagle-eyed, Pro Series would have been awarded a free kick. But, again, the official missed it—and Joseph gave his team much more than a set piece.

The prolific front man took one touch to go clear of the opposing defence before arrowing his shot to Hopkins’ left for the winner.

Ball Blasters, led by Marcelle, adventurous left-back Ajani Phillips and feisty diminutive midfielder Zaire McMillan performed well.

But Pro Series, arguably, deserved the win. Well organised throughout, with a combination of composure and guile in possession.

“The final was a keenly contest one and I can definitely say it was our toughest test,” said Pro Series head coach Damien Frederick. “I’m very proud that the boys stood up to challenge and were rewarded for their work.

“Kudos to the Ball Blasters team and staff for reaching to this point as well and all the best to them going forward.”

Ball Blasters, the 2024 RBNYFL Under-14 champions, faced the prospect of losing two finals in one afternoon.

Despite scoring the opening goal of the Under-17 final via a Jediael Marcelle free kick, they deservedly trailed FC Ginga 2-1 at the break.

Defender Elijah Edwards, one of the standout players of the Under-17 division, headed in Ginga’s equaliser with a looping header off an Elisha Neils corner kick that beat Ball Blasters goalkeeper Kaleb Romeo in the 27th minute.

And, three minutes later, beanpole flanker Mikel ‘Mouse’ Murray put Ginga ahead with an emphatic finish at the near post—after the visitors somehow failed to deal with an Elijah Diaz throw-in.

“We didn’t really start well,” said Ball Blasters head coach Downie Marcelle. “I thought that we gave Ginga too much respect in the first half. I thought that we could be a little bit more in their face and apply more pressure.

“[…] But at no point in time did I feel Ginga were going to run away with it.”

Marcelle’s cousin, Jaden, scored twice in a losing effort in that morning’s Under-14 final. While the head coach’s son, Jediael, saw his opening goal washed away by two Ginga items.

Was it going to be a miserable weekend for the entire Marcelle clan?

Ginga were inexplicably flat as play resumed in the second half and were made to pay when Blasters attacker Jahmiah Gibbes goaded left back Aaden Maharaj into a rash tackle in the box.

Skipper Raevion Marshall scored from the penalty spot, in the 53rd minute, and the tone of the game changed.

Ginga lacked fluency in midfield and, suddenly, were losing the second balls as well. And, in the 62nd minute, Gibbes—another National Under-15 player—killed off the tie, as he pounced on an error by opposing goalkeeper, Mark Belfon to convert the winner.

“Our boys showed character and, in the second half, they imposed their philosophy and the way we like to play,” said Marcelle (D). “And of course with that constant pressure, we put Ginga on the backfoot and eventually came away with the Under-17 title, which I am extremely grateful for.”

And so Ball Blasters, like Pro Series, Trendsetter Hawks and QPCC, wrote their names into RBNYFL history on a day of champions.

(Teams)

Pro Series (4-1-4-1): 00.Kayden Harris (GK); 2.Gabriel Mansoor, 4.Xavier Barrow (captain), 3.Liam La Fleur, 5.Kiyan Jupiter; 13.Jibreel Williams; 20.Amani Delph, 10.Kymanni Nicholls, 9.Matthias Legall, 11.Nasique George; 7.Zaa’van Joseph.

Substitutes: 1.Liam Howard (GK), 6.Jemar Vidal, 12.Jamari Aguilleria, 15.Sebastien Chin, 17.Armani White, 19.Alex King, 21.Rahul Rajnarinesingh, 22.Ethan Tomy, 23.Cameron Watkins.

Coach: Damien Frederick.

Ball Blasters Youth Academy (4-2-3-1): 1.Amani Hopkins (GK); 18.Mulique James, 10.Kyle Roberts, 12.Khalid Hector, 11.Ajani Phillips; 13.Zaire McMillan, 16.Jaden Marcelle (captain); 7.Amechie Howe, 8.Michkel James, 5.Jayden Patrick; 9.Andion Thomas.

Substitutes: Jayden Dalrymple, 2.Kylon Sandy, 3.Immanuel Sobers, 4.Kai Cowan, 6.J’quan Bernard, 14.K’lon Howard, 15.Malachi Bourne, 19.Gerald Williams, 21.Djalminha Lewis,

Coach: Imanhi Forbes.

Referee: Makesa McEwen.

FC Ginga (3-1-4-2): 20.Mark Belfon (GK); 2.Ihsan Miller, 4.Elijah Edwards, 16.Isaiah Coa; 5.Kylon Williams; 7.Elijah Diaz (captain), 13.Sherlon Nesbitt, 10.Darren De Four, 19.Mikel Murray; 11.Elisha Neils, 18.Kafense McKell.

Substitutes: 1.Orlian Carrion (GK), 3.Anthony Lewis, 6.Jamari Barker, 8.Jakwon Howell, 9.Ky-Mani Hazel, 12.Aaden Maharaj, 14.Aiden Bernard, 15.Jovanni Vitalis, 17.Hassan Edghill.

Coach: Stefon Pierre.

Ball Blasters Youth Academy (4-2-3-1): 35.Kaleb Romeo (GK); 4.Kyen Anderson, 8.Raevion Marshall (captain), 19.Kisean Grant, 2.Mario Pereira; 6.Camron Bovell, 10.Ackim Duncan Jr; 9.Jermaine Morgan, 11.Jediael Marcelle, 13.Jaeden Anthony; 7.J’meke Watkins.

Substitutes: 1.Emani Baptiste (GK), 3.Kaeron Alfred, 5.Tariq St Louis, 7.Daveon Maxime, 12.Ozil James, 14.Selon Guy, 15.Jaquon De Four, 17.Jahmiah Gibbes, 18.Siel Mills.

Coach: Downie Marcelle.

Referee: Keston Agard.

Trendsetter Hawks (4-3-3): 2.Akeila Marryshow (GK); 24.Bryanna Vesprey, 17.Jewel Francois, 12.Daniella Paul, 30.Tashana Hackett; 31.Chelsea Reis, 9.Jayda Herbert, 11.Shiphrah Alleyne; 28.Amayah Nero, 7.Hackeemar Goodridge (captain), 13.Ahmeeda Bowman.

Substitutes: 3.Chelsea John, 6.Anella Brown, 16.Akeria Leacock, 18.Geneisha George, 22.Tiffany Paponette, 23.Nyomeigh Stewart, 25.Malia Sutton, 29.Jaleia Davis, 33.Safeisha Ragguette.

Coach: Lyndon John.

Jewels Sports Club (4-3-3): 22.Zakiya Archer (GK); 14.Kimano Wallace, 20.Alexandria Stewart, 7.Onesha Gregouir, 17.Skye Thomas; 15.Zyesha Potts, 16.Janae Cordner (captain), 11.LaKeisha Yeates; 5.Ty’kaiya Dennis, 10.Madison Campbell, 9.Kimonique Spencer.

Substitutes: 2.Arianna Bacchus, 3.Jimayah Black, 4.Oshea Cummings, 6.Leia-Marie Balfour, 8.Samantha Isles, 12.Mia Williams, 13.Kadia Ruiz, 18.J’leise Douglas, 19.Thinesia Rivers.

Coach: Ray Mitchell.

Referee: David Scarlett.

QPCC FC (3-2-4-1): 45.Jaheim Affan (GK); 12.Jadon Durity (6.Stephen Ollivierie 72), 4.Yohance Atherton (24.Uzochi Bacchus 83), 3.Micaiah Leach (2.Zakari King 43); 28.Criston Gomez, 7.Deisean Plaza; 23.Shanon Zion Metivier (10.Israel Joseph 78), 8.Seth Hadeed (19.Zion Aberdeen 83), 17.Giovanni Hospedales (30.Jaydon Critchlow 83), 14.Micah Nelson (22.Makai Simmons 78); 9.Joshua Mason (captain) (31.Hirshil Parks 83).

Unused substitute: 1.Jadon-Paul Alexander (GK).

Coach: Wayne Sheppard.

Stokely Vale FC (4-4-2): 1.Duvon Collette (GK); 8.Levi Bobb (14.De’sean Grant 55), 12.Jalen Quashie, 5.Nathan Williams, 4.Jilanni Almond (3.Xaheem Roberts 79); 7.Yushua Muhammad (16.Jasiah Villafana 68), 11.Ja Corey Julien (captain), 23.Callany Job (21.Keilon Jack 79), 15.Immanual Wright; 17.D’reem Taylor, 9.Rickeldi Williams.

Unused substitutes: 6.Deshawn Scott, 13.Nijuan Brassey, 18.Rundel Diaz Wellington, 22.Kaydon Mark.

Coach: James Campbell.

Referee: Raj Harding.

RBNYFL 2025 Finals

(Saturday 24 May at Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva)

Pro Series 3 (Amani Delph 21, Xavier Barrow 51, Zaa’van Joseph 70), Ball Blasters Youth Academy 2 (Jaden Marcelle 37, 68) in Boys National U-14 final;

FC Ginga 2 (Elijah Edwards 27, Mikel Murray 30), Ball Blasters Youth Academy 3 (Jadiael Marcelle 15, Raevion Marshall 53 pen, Jahmiah Gibbes 62) in Boys National U-17 final;

Trendsetter Hawks 4 (Hackeemar Goodridge 39, 50, Akeria Leacock 40, Shiprah Alleyne 47), Jewels Sports Club 1 (Leia-Marie Balfour 65) in Girls National U-17 final;

QPCC FC 2 (Giovanni Hospedales 7, Joshua Mason 22 pen, 70 pen, Makai Simmons 82), Stokely Vale FC 1 (Immanual Wright 39) in Boys National U-20 final.

RBNYFL Prizegiving

(Individual prizes)

Boys’ Under-14

MVP: Zaa’van Joseph (Pro Series).

Golden Boot: Zaa’van Joseph (Pro Series).

Golden Gloves: Kayden Harris (Pro Series).

Best Coach: Damien Frederick (Pro Series).

Boys’ Under-17

MVP: Raevion Marshall (Ball Blasters YA).

Golden Boot: Karim Millington and Jaylon Roberts (both Cardinals Football Academy).

Golden Gloves: Kaleb Romeo (Ball Blasters YA).

Best Coach: Downie Marcelle (Ball Blasters YA).

Girls’ Under-17

MVP: Geneisha George (Trendsetter Hawks).

Golden Boot: Sydney Pollard (Pro Series).

Golden Gloves: Akeila Marryshow (Trendsetter Hawks).

Best Coach: Lyndon John (Trendsetter Hawks).

Boys’ Under-20

MVP: Joshua Mason (QPCC).

Golden Boot: Josante Duncan (Pro Series).

Golden Gloves: Jadon-Paul Alexander (QPCC).

Best Coach: Wayne Sheppard (QPCC).