Primary Schools receive Bigger Game assistance

Primary Schools receive Bigger Game assistance

The distribution of football gear and equipment to participating primary schools under the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy initiative continued on Friday at the TTFA Technical Centre in Couva, as representatives from schools across Trinidad received support aimed at strengthening grassroots football development.

Eight primary schools from Trinidad attended the distribution ceremony, joining the growing list of institutions benefitting from the Concacaf-supported programme. To date, thirteen schools in Trinidad and eight in Tobago have received equipment as part of the initiative.

The items distributed included footballs, cones, bibs and other training equipment designed to assist schools in developing and sustaining football programmes at the primary school level.

Also receiving equipment on Friday was General Secretary of the Primary Schools Football League, Kurt Cruickshank, who welcomed the continued support being provided to schools and young players through the programme.

Concacaf Bigger Game Academy instructor Benny Astorga accompanied by TTF Technical Director (Ag) Devin Elcock encouraged the schools to remain active and committed to youth football development while making full use of the support and guidance being provided through the initiative.

All schools receiving equipment were part of a larger group which initially participated in the opening phase of the programme. But the remaining 21 fulfilled obligations including the participation and completion of workshops and training exercises.

“This programme is about giving schools the opportunity and support to continue creating positive spaces for children through football,” Astorga said.

“We want the schools to stay engaged, continue building their programmes and use the equipment and education provided to help more boys and girls enjoy and grow through the game.”

Elcock later closed the formalities by telling the school representatives to make the use of the opportunity being offered.

“At the primary school level, children are introduced not only to football skills, but also values such as discipline, teamwork and confidence. We want the schools to keep the momentum going, continue organising activities and give as many children as possible the chance to be part of the game,” Elcock said.

TTFA President Kieron Edwards thanked Concacaf for its continued investment in grassroots football and stressed the importance of the primary school level in the overall football development pathway.

“Primary schools are one of the most important foundations of football development in Trinidad and Tobago. This is where many children first discover a love for the game, learn teamwork, discipline and build confidence,” Edwards said.

“We are grateful to Concacaf for continuing to support programmes like this because it means a lot to the children, the teachers and the schools. We want the schools to seize this opportunity, utilise the equipment properly and continue encouraging participation at the grassroots level.”

Physical Education teacher at Mucurapo RC Primary School, Brent Francis, explained that football continues to play a major role in student engagement at his school.

“We currently have inter-class football tournaments and around 45 players under the age of 12 involved in our programme geared towards participation in the National Primary Schools League,” Francis said, also proudly reminding us that players such as Ross Russell and Angus Eve came out of Mucurapo Boys RC.

“The equipment will definitely help us improve the experience for the children and continue building interest in the sport at the school.”

Tunapuna Boys’ RC representative Avalon Grant also welcomed the initiative, noting that approximately 40 students are currently engaged in football activities at the school.

“This programme and the equipment will really benefit our students,” Grant said. “We have about 40 children involved in football and they are always excited to participate. Support like this helps motivate them and gives us more opportunities to keep the programme active and organised.”

The Bigger Game Academy initiative forms part of Concacaf’s wider effort to promote football development, education and community engagement throughout the region.

Among the schools receiving assistance include Mucurapo Boys RC, Point Fortin RC, Dinsley Trincity Government, Tunapuna RC, Enterprise Government, Carapichaima RC, Arima Boys RC, Chaguanas RC, Dow Village Government, Santa Cruz RC, Todd’s Road RC, Barataria AC and Belmont Government. The Tobago Schools include Moriah Government, Signal Hill Government, Speyside AC Primary, Scarborough RC, Happy Haven School, Tablepiece Government, Castara Government and St Andrew’s AC Primary.