Scores of the most exciting young footballers in the north of the island took part in the Golden Sports Independence Football Festival, but out of the eight participating teams, GMC and Lancers FC were the big winners. GMC United captured the title in the Under-16 division, and Lancers the Under-11. The competition concluded at the Corinth Playing Field on Sunday.
True to their slogan, “There is only one United,” the boys from Corinth dominated Monchy United 4-0 in the final, a Gros Islet derby. Devonte Greene netted in the third minute of play, but the game was fairly even at that stage. The home team quadrupled their advantage within a 10-minute span, Sherdan Sylvester (20th), Tcyon Mayers with an own goal (23rd), and Andre Plummer (29th) all getting on the scoresheet in the latest instalment of this rivalry.
GMC advanced to the final after beating the Orangemen of Valley Soccer Academy, coming from behind to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Sylvester (12th) and Plummer with a penalty (16th). Monchy made the title game after beating Lancers FC 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw.
In the third-place matchup, Lancers defeated Valley Soccer 1-0, Krishonne Amedee making the difference for his team in the 15th minute.
Unsurprisingly, GMC dominated the individual awards. Aythan Aurelien was named best goalkeeper, Donte Greene best defender, and Sherdan Sylvester best midfielder. Kivonte Daniel of GMC shared the best striker award with Kymani Sexius of Lancers. Shaquille Thomas of GMC was named the most valuable player.
In the Under-11 category, meanwhile, Lancers played to an exciting 1-1 draw with Northern United before defeating their opponents 3-1 on penalties. Riley Smith scored in regulation for Lancers in the 10th minute. Oluwani Germaine equalised for Northern United in the 20th.
Pioneers took the bronze medal after winning over VSADC 2-0. Javis Emmanuel scored a brace in the 12th and 15th minutes.
The best goalkeeper award went to Jordan Daniel of Lancers, Daniel Sanabria was awarded best defender, Gavri’el Daniel best midfielder and MVP. The best striker was Oluwani Germaine of Northern United.
