There was plenty of exciting action during the Special Olympics Football Championships.

With a blistering barrage of nine goals in the competition, Ricardo Bertram led his Learning Centre teammates to the Championship Trophy in the Senior Division of the Special Olympics Barbados National Games Football Championship held last weekend.

Bertram’s performance also won him the Senior Division Most Valuable Player Award.† Five teams were in action in seven-a-side play at the Police Sports Club Grounds at Weymouth and taking second position were the athletes from Alma Parris Memorial Secondary School. Third place went to Ann Hill School, Fourth place was taken by Challenor Creative Arts Training Centre (Team A) and fifth place also went to the Challenor Creative Arts Training Centre (Team B).

All Saints Primary rewarded

The younger athletes were not to be outdone when they took to the field of play. Kadeem Brewster of the All Saints Primary Special Unit scored five goals in the competition as he and his teammates captured the Championship Trophy in the Junior Division. The Junior Division Most Valuable Player Award went to Martin Greene of the Eagle Hall Primary Annex. Six teams took part in this five-a-side play with second spot going to Alma Parris Memorial Secondary School, Erdiston Special School took third position, fourth place went to Eagle Hall Primary Annex, St. Matthews Primary Annex (Team B) took fifth position and their Team A took sixth spot.

All the participants were winners, and in addition to the gleaming trophies donated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, all Special Olympics athletes taking part in the competition received medals or ribbons. The football championship is part of the Special Olympics Barbados National Games, which began in March with track and field, bocce and aquatics. Still to come on the Special Olympics National Games’ schedule is the cricket championship to be held in October.††

Emmerson Boyce – dejected and demoted.

Just days after triumphantly lifting the English FA Cup, former Barbados football captain Emmerson Boyce and his Wigan side’s eight-season tenure in the English Premier League came to an end as they were hammered 4-1 at Arsenal this evening.

Wigan knew they had to win to keep their survival hopes alive but that never materialised.†Lukas Podolski headed the Gunners in front early on before Shaun Maloney’s free-kick levelled the game.

But Theo Walcott’s low strike, a lobbed second from Podolski and Aaron Ramsey’s angled strike ensured Wigan would be playing in the second tier Championship next term.†Arsenal are now fourth – a point ahead of Tottenham with one game to go and the Gunners know a win at Newcastle on Sunday ensures that final Champions League spot.†Wigan’s defeat also means that Sunderland and Aston Villa can now also rest easy heading into the final weekend.

All the pre-match debate was about how well Wigan could recover from their historic win over Manchester City just three days earlier, but manager Roberto Martinez picked the same starting line-up at the Emirates Stadium.†It was clear in the early stages that there were some weary legs and Arsenal were keen to capitalise with some sweeping football creating a chance for Santi Cazorla, but he headed Walcott’s cross wide.†It seemed more mental fatigue than physical tiredness that gifted Arsenal the opener.

Outmuscled

Podolski easily outmuscled James McArthur in the area and as the rest of the Latics defence stood still, the Germany international had a free header to turn in Cazorla’s floating.corner.

The Gunners were posing the biggest threat as they whizzed the ball around in Wigan’s half with Kieran Gibbs almost getting on the end of a misplaced Bacary Sagna shot.

“Believe” has been Wigan’s mantra in recent weeks and despite Arsenal’s pressure, the visitors kept trying to hit on the counter-attack. But all their efforts came to naught.

Boyce, who turns 34 in September, had stressed earlier in the week that though he was elated with lifting the FA Cup, remaining in the Premier League was his club’s priority.††

Al Falah (in green) defended stoutly against St. Giles today but they could not stop the Ivy, St. Michael school onslaught.

It was goals, goals and more goals as action in the Bico-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Championship continued across the island today.

At Blenheim, St. Michael, St. Giles Primary, on the strength of the talented Ishean Ellis, thrashed a game but over-matched Al Falah 8-0. And with a bit better finishing, perhaps, St. Giles could have added to that tally.†Ellis struck a beaver-trick while Malik McCollin got a brace and Kionte Sealy and Ronaldo Bailey netted one each.

To their credit Al Falah never gave up and actually had a few offensive forays but these broke down frequently because of inefficient organisation in forward attacking positions.†Ellis, though, was the class act on the field, showing good speed and a keen sense of finishing.

Demolition derby

The goal-scoring got even heavier at Briar Hall, Christ Church where Vauxhall Primary were given no respite by a marauding St. Bartholomew unit that blasted a whopping, unanswered 15 goals past Adrian Trotman.†It seemed that no sooner did he pick the ball out of the back of the nets, than he was repeating the action over and over again.

As if in keeping with his illustrious French namesake, speedy Thierry Gale terrorised the Vauxhall’s porous defence accounting for six of the goals. Joining in the feast were Jared Stoute (2 goals), Tyreeke Rice (2), and Tyrese Brathwaite, Treman Perch, Thierry Jones, Shakado Scott and Xavier Blanche, one apiece.

At Passage Road, Javone Skeete looked a class apart on the field scoring two goals as he led Lawrence T. Gay to a 3-1 win over Westbury Primary.

At Trents, St. James Khamal Brathwaite proved unstoppable as he accounted for all three of West Terrace’s goals in a 3-0 victory over St. Silas Primary.

In another game played at the popular Blenheim grounds, Wilkie Cumberbatch defeated Grantley Prescod 3-2 in an end-to-end thriller. The winners got their goals from Donte Greenidge, Aamir Alleyne and Tajio James, while Deshone White and Jaden Devonish found the back of the nets for Grantley Prescod.

At Bagatelle, St. Stephen’s Primary Raheem Holligan added his name to the list of multiple goal-scorers when he put three past† St James Primary’s custodian Zacharry Thorpe in a 3-0 victory.

There were two hat-trick heroes at Blenheim in the third of four games played there today. George Lamming’s Coby Mayers and the skillful Tyrique Belle did the damage in a 6-1 demolition of Charles F. Broome† for whom Nathan Pollard-Belgrave, the captain, got the consolation goal.†Chalky Mount Primary and Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary were engaged in another thrilling match-up at Shorey Village, St. Andrew that ended in a 4-3 win for Hillaby Turner’s Hall. Scoring for the winners were Jaydee Lowe (2) and Zario Small and Tyheem Mayers.†Netting for Chalky Mount were Dejuan Walcott and Kyle Leacock. There was also an own goal.

Other scores today were: Welches 1, Good Shepherd 1; Luther Thorne 1, Belmont Primary 0; St. Elizabeth Primary 3, Holy Innocents 1; Sharon 0, St. Alban’s 0.††Please also see pages 50 and 51.

Eden Lodge’s classy Sancho Springer (yellow shirt) had an excellent game against Deacons Primary.

Defending champions St. Gabriel’s are in no hurry to relinquish their hold on their football title.

And today they showed St. Winifred’s just that, defeating them 7-1 as the exciting action in the Bico-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Championship continued at venues across the island.†Playing at Blenheim, St. Michael the well drilled St. Gabriel’s unit dominated proceedings with the skilful Dillon Williams proving a handful for St. Winifred’s. He got a brace of goals as did fleet-footed team-mate Samuel Alkins. Adding to the goal feast were Kyle Ellis, Ethan Bryan and the consistent Asher Jean-Pierre.

St. Winifred’s brightest moment of the game came when Alexander Pilgrim put the ball past goalie Michael Chandler for a consolation strike.

Also at Blenheim in an evenly matched contest St Paul’s Primary and St. Cyprian’s played to a 2-2 draw with Christopher Burnett’s double strike cancelling out goals from St. Paul’s Jamani Moore and Shamko Burke.

Again at Blenheim St. Angela’s and The People’s Cathedral started out their game at a frenetic pace with both teams battling it out to draw first blood. And in the 5th minute of the first half St. Angela’s scored their first goal, but People’s Cathedral quickly responded to make it 1-1. They would go into the break with honours even.

Both teams played positively in the second half to break the deadlock and with 10 minutes to go in the game St. Angela’s broke the tie with two goals in quick succession. Scoring for the 3-1 winners were Aren Spencer with two goals and Alexander Pitcher, while Jaden Sealy netted for People’s Cathedral.

At Speightstown, Boscobel Primary thrashed Half Moon Fort Primary 5-0 thanks to a beaver-trick from live-wire Jamol Williams who gave Half Moon Fort daymares throughout the game. Shaquon Griffith scored the fifth goal.

At Passage Road Corey Hoyte’s first half goal was enough to get Wesley Hall a well deserved 1-0 win over Lawrence T. Gay. This was Lawrence T. Gay’s second defeat in two days.

Yesterday, contrary to an earlier report, the Spooners Hill school also went down 3-1 to Westbury Primary driven by a splendid double strike from Javonne Skeete.

Also at Passage Road today, Eden Lodge Primary defeated Deacons Primary 2-1 in a highly entertaining match-up.

Deacons Primary’s Shaquem Goddard found the back of the nets in the 8th minute to cause jubilation among his schoolmates and their supporters. But this was short-lived† as ten minutes later Tyreek Alleyne made it 1-1 and in the 24th minute defender Lloyd Smith gave Eden Lodge the 2-1 win with a good strike.

In action at Speightstown Gordon Greenidge and Selah Primary drew 1-1, ironically as a result of two own goals.

Two own goals again played a part in the 2-2 result between All Saints Primary and Roland Edwards at Speightstown. However Roland Edward’s Coby Hinds and All Saints Desean Boyce did manage to score in the correct goal bars.

In another game at Speightstown St. Lucy Primary’s Shaquon Hippolyte was unstoppable as he blasted four goals past the Ignatius Byer goalie Joel Bishop in a 4-1 romp. Jesonte Connell scored for Ignatius Byer.

Other matches played today were: Hilda Skeene 5, St. Philip Primary 0; St. Martin’s Mangrove 0, Reynold Weekes 0; St. Mark’s Primary 1, Society Primary 2; St. John Primary 2, Ellerton 0; Cuthbert Moore 5, Mount Tabor 2; St. Luke’s Brighton 2, Bayley’s Primary 0. (WG)

Football fans might have a lot to cheer on Foreday Mornin’ when the revellers in the Notre Dame Sports Club’s band get on the road.

This is the first year the Bayland, St. Michael based club is bringing a band for Crop-Over said recently elected President, John Hawkesworth. He told Bajan Vibes that he was trying to find “innovative ways” to make it more than just a football club and he intended to do other fetes, competitions and any opportunities that arise he will advantage of.

The sections – White Stripe, Black Attack, Defenders (green) and the Orchestrators (orange) – are all named after positions on the football field and he was hoping to have a 400-strong band.

Each person who signs up will be entitled to free drinks on the road, breakfast, a gift pack, discounts at their events and at some of their sponsors’ stores. The Club’s main sponsor Kick is also the sponsor for the band.

There will be fetes to help offset the cost of producing the band.

The band will be launched on Saturday at the Club House in Bayville. (DS)

Richard Swanson.

LINCOLN CITY — An American trying to dribble a football from Seattle to Brazil in time for the 2014 Brazil World Cup has died less than two weeks into his trip.

Richard Swanson, 42, was hit by a truck in Lincoln City, Oregon. His football was found nearby.

Swanson had set off from Seattle on 1 May aiming to raise money for the One World Futbol Project, according to his Breakaway Brazil website.

One World Futbol donates durable footballs to developing countries.

Swanson hoped to travel through 11 countries including Guatemala, Mexico and Colombia.

“It will be a trip of a lifetime where I will push myself further then I ever thought possible,” he wrote on his website.

“I felt destined that I should go on this trip,” he had said in a previous interview with The Longview Daily News.

A statement on Swanson’s Facebook Page announced Swanson’s death and said: “His team, family, friends, and loved ones will miss him and love him dearly. You made it to Brazil in our hearts, Richard.”

In a YouTube video uploaded in March, Swanson explained that he had lost his job in graphic design, after switching from a career as a private investigator. He was having “a hard time” finding another job and it had given him time to “think about what you want out of life”.

He said he’d always wanted to go to the World Cup and instead of walking there, wanted to honour the tournament by dribbling a football.

Having no mortgage, no career and two grown up sons meant that “all the pieces seemed to fit” for making the trip, he said.

“We are deeply saddened to learn about Richard’s death,” Lisa Tarver, chief operating officer of the One World Futbol Project said in a statement to AP. (BBC)

Belmont Primary’s goalie Flourish Holder seeks to protect his goal bars from this St. Giles attack as spectators wait anxiously on the outcome.

St. Giles Primary’s Ishean Ellis continued his impressive showing today with a hat-trick in his team’s 4-2 victory over Belmont Primary at Blenheim, St. Michael as action continued in the Bico-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Championship at venues across the island.†

Ellis was a constant threat to Belmont Primary and was urged on by spectators every time he touched the ball. Also netting for the winners was Demar Maloney. Netting for Belmont Primary were Veron Ifill and Theron Edwards.

Though they emerged as the losing team, Belmont Primary were not embarrassed, frequently threatening to score against the St. Giles’ custodian Jamario Nicholls.†

Also at Blenheim Grantley Prescod continued the early season misery for the eager but out-matched Al Falah with a 6-0 thrashing. Devonte Richards had two goals while Jaden Devonish, Zico Harewood, Jadan Collymore and Tristan Bancroft also netted.†In another game at Blenheim Kwame Small scored twice to give Luther Thorne a 2-1 win over Charles F. Broome for whom Dequan Alleyne scored.†

At Briar Hall goals from Javon Forde and Hallam Belle gave Blackman and Gollop a 2-0 win over Milton Lynch. In another game at the same location substitute Renaldo Daniel’s goal was the difference between the two teams as St. Christopher defeated Vauxhall Primary 1-0.†Arthur Smith Primary were also in fine form at Briar Hall, defeating Providence 4-1.

Scoring for the winners were Jadon Cave who got a brace, as well as Jabari Kidd and Niall Reid-Stephen. Miles Ruck scored for Providence.†St. Bartholomew continued their winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Wills Primary, also at the Briar Hall ground.

Netting for the winners were Thierry Gale and Kaylon Pilgrim.†At Bagatelle, Christian Belle’s strike gave Sharon Primary a 1-0 victory over Welches Primary. ††

In another exciting match at Bagatelle, Stephon Martin and Joedi Greaves each scored for St. Silas Primary but their goals were cancelled out by St. Albans Primary’s Nathaniel Knight and Shamaine MacAllister in a 2-2 draw.†

Other scores today were: George Lamming 2, Wilkie Cumberbatch 2; Chalky Mount 3, Holy Innocents 1;† St. Bernard’s Primary 3, St. Joseph Primary 1; West Terrace 2, St. Stephen’s 1;† Good Shepherd 2, St. James Primary 1; A Dacosta Edwards 2, St. Elizabeth 1.††

Seven-year-old Ronaldo Catlyn of St. Silas is about to control the ball at Bagatelle.

Neither size nor gender matters in the Bico- the smallest on the field, if not the entire competition,

sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Championships currently being played across the island. A number of females as well as first-formers have been mixing it up on the field with their “seniors” and giving a great account of themselves.

At Bagatelle, St. Thomas today little Ronaldo Catlyn of St. Silas Primary drew quite a lot of attention. He was

but he showed that size didn’t matter – at least in football. Swift, determined and with a never-say-die attitude, Catlyn was the darling of the crowd as his team drew with St. Albans. As usual, Barbados TODAY was on the football trail and brings a pictorial review of this and other action from today’s matches.

This great cross resulted in a goal for Gordon Walters.

Barbados’ primary school footballers go into their weekend break after a hectic week of action in the Bico-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Championship.

There have been some exciting performances from the likes of Hilda Skeene’s Kai Brewster who netted five goals today against Bayley’s Primary, St. Gabriel’s Dillon Williams, Asher Jean-Pierre and Ethan Bryan who have collectively terrorised opposition defences; St. Lucy Primary’s Shaquon Hippolyte who scored a beaver-trick during the week; St. Giles’ Ishean Ellis who has been creating a very favourable impression with his speed and precise shooting.

Barbados TODAY was on the trail of the youngsters again this morning and brings another pictorial review.†††

Deacons Primary goalie Shaquille Anderson made a series of terrific saves today against Wesley Hall at Passage Road.

It was not business as usual today for St. Gabriel’s Primary.Fans who turned up at Blenheim, St. Michael to witness the defending champions continue on their winning ways did not count for a sterling performance from St. Paul’s Primary who shocked the Henry’s Lane, St. Michael school with a 2-1 victory as the action continued in the Bico-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary School Football Championship.

St. Gabriel’s have looked a class apart over the past two years but that meant nothing to St. Paul’s today who ran at them at every opportunity, especially on the break. Queno Padmore and Justin Bramao netted for the winners while Samuel Alkins got the goal for the defending champs.

For once Dillon Williams was kept off the score sheets as St. Paul’s challenged every St. Gabriel’s possession.In Speightstown it rained goals in bright sunshine as All Saints Primary slammed Half Moon Fort 12-0 in one of the most comprehensive thrashings of the competition. Maliki Husbands led the way with a hat-trick but almost everyone else got on the scoresheets.

Both Kadean Brewster and Kyle Cumberbatch scored a brace each, while Shon Babb, Desean Boyce, Shewayne Burke, Darian Clarke and Je-Dane Griffith netted one each.In a thriller at Blenheim, the People’s Cathedral played perhaps their best game of the season but still were beaten 4-3 by a very speedy St. Cyprian’s outfit.Christian Burnett continued his impressive showing this tournament with a goal while team-mates Joshua Johnson, Kwame Small and Kyle Griffith also scored. McCallum Clarke and Ethan Squires netted for the People’s Cathedral while they benefited from an own goal.

Brewster at his best

At Hilda Skeene, Hilda Skeene’s Kai Brewster was in irresistible form crashing five goals past Bayley Primary’s custodian Elijah Brathwaite in a 6-0 whipping. Tyrese Crawford also scored for the winners.Also at the Ruby, St. Philip ground Gordon Walters defeated St. Mark’s Primary 5-0 in a performance roared on by several spectators on the side-lines.

Delon Prescod found the back of the nets twice, while Joshua Price, Jevon Morris and Jamario Moore also scored.At Passage Road, Wesley Hall and Deacons Primary played to a 0-0 draw in a game noteworthy for the goalkeeping of Deacons’ Shaquille Anderson. Time and time again it was his expertise between the uprights that ensured his side a share of the spoils.

In other matches today, St. Angela’s defeated Bay Primary 1-0; Cuthbert Moore beat Ellerton Primary 2-1; St. John Primary defeated St. Judes 2-1; Workman Primary defeated Mount Tabor 1-0; St. George Primary won 2-0 over St. Margaret’s Primary; Ignatius Byer defeated Gordon Greenidge 2-1; Boscobel drew 1-1 with St. Lucy Primary ; Reynold Weekes beat St. Luke’s Brighton 1-0; St. Martin’s Mangrove beat Society Primary 3-0; and Roland Edwards defeated Selah Primary 3-1.

The top five teams will all be in action tomorrow afternoon as the English Premier League returns to action after the international break, while Gus Poyet takes in his first game as the new boss at rock-bottom Sunderland.

The weekend action gets underway at St James’ Park, with Newcastle United welcoming high-flying Liverpool to the North East. The Reds are the Premier League’s joint-leaders at present, having amassed 16 points from their seven games so far. Skipper Steven Gerrard should be on a high after playing an instrumental role in England’s successful bid to reach the 2014 World Cup, and his Three Lions colleague Daniel Sturridge will also be in buoyant mood. The division’s top scorer, with six in seven games, netted twice on his last visit to Tyneside – in a 6-0 romp – and Liverpool have emerged victorious in 10 of their last 14 meetings with a Magpies side still searching for consistency in 2013/14.

Arsenal occupy the loftiest of top flight perches courtesy of their superior goal difference, and they will be determined to consolidate that standing when they welcome Norwich City to Emirates Stadium. The Gunners saw their winning run ended last time out, but remain unbeaten since the opening day of the season – a sequence of 11 games in all competitions. Inflicting a rare setback on Arsene Wenger’s troops is the challenge facing a Norwich outfit that finds itself inside the bottom three and struggling to provide a cutting edge. The Canaries have found the target on just five occasions in their opening seven fixtures, so Chris Hughton needs a clutch of forward-thinking summer signings to start delivering a return on his investment and faith.

Chelsea would be the first to admit that they have been hit and miss at times this season, but coach Jose Mourinho has a knack of grinding out results – especially at home – and will be happy enough with the progress made so far. With Chelsea having won 10 of their last 11 Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, top flight new boys Cardiff City are unlikely to be relishing a trip to west London. This is, however, the kind of occasion the club have been striving for and the Bluebirds – for all the recent shenanigans and rumours off the field – have already shown this term that they are capable of holding their own against the big boys.

It is testament to the fine work being overseen by Mauricio Pochettino at Southampton that the Saints head to Old Trafford this weekend sat above Manchester United in the top flight standings and with every reason to believe that they are capable of springing a surprise. United are in danger of losing their air of invincibility at the Theatre of Dreams, with visiting sides prepared to have a real go at David Moyes’ men. That said, on the back of a defeat against West Brom in their last home game in the league, the Red Devils have not lost successive Premier League fixtures in front of their own supporters since May 2002. They will want to preserve that record tomorrow, but standing between them another morale-boosting success will be the meanest defence around – with Southampton having been breached just twice.

It has not been entirely smooth sailing for Manchester’s other top flight heavyweight this season, withCityyet to secure back-to-back victories in the league. They will get another chance to right that particular wrong withWest Ham Unitedtheir opponents at Upton Park. City have lost just one of their last 12 league meetings with the Hammers, so history would appear to be very much on their side. Manuel Pellegrini will need to be wary of Sam Allardyce’s Hammers, though, as they are capable of brilliance on their day – as they showed during a 3-0 victory at Tottenham – and will be able to call upon the services of Ravel Morrison this weekend – a man brimming with confidence and a former United academy graduate.

Before that Everton will be looking to dust themselves down as they welcome Hull City to Merseyside. The Toffees saw the last of the Premier League’s unbeaten starts brought to an end prior to the international break, with Manchester City throwing a spanner into the works. Roberto Martinez’s men have, however, gone 12 games at Goodison Park since they last came unstuck and fancy their chances against anybody in their own backyard. They are unlikely to have things all their own way against Hull, though, with Steve Bruce having made the Tigers difficult to break down. Almost four hours have passed since they last picked the ball out of the back of their net, and maintaining that run on Saturday would help to keep them in the top-half of the table – possibly edging above Everton if they can produce something at the other end of the field.

Poyet’s bow as a Premier League manager comes at Swansea City, with Sunderland making the long trip to South Wales hoping a fresh start brings about an upturn in fortune. The Black Cats remain rooted to the foot of the table, with just one point taken from a possible 21 on offer. Poyet has been around the game long enough to know that he has a lot of work to do if the tide is to be turned, but he also proved himself to a shrewd operator during a successful stint in charge of Brighton. Hoping to rain on his parade this weekend is Michael Laudrup – a man who could well do with a win himself. The Swans have rather stumbled out of the blocks this term, as they look to juggle the demands of domestic and European competition, and have now gone eight games without a Premier League win at the Liberty Stadium.

The last of tomorrows’ fixtures takes place at the Britannia Stadium, with Stoke City set to lock horns with West Bromwich Albion. An alarming slump has piled pressure back on Potters boss Mark Hughes, with the Welshman in need of an answer to a dilemma which has brought three straight defeats. With only goal difference keeping Stoke out of the relegation zone, another reversal this weekend could see them take another untimely tumble. West Brom have every reason to believe that they can inflict more misery on Hughes, with a four-match unbeaten run bringing eight points and a mid-table standing. Steve Clarke is not the kind of man to live in the past – however recent it may be – but will be calling on his troops to replicate the level of performance they showed on their last trip out on the road – in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. (Sky) 

Fans had their appetites whetted last night as Emerson Boyce’s 5th Avenue Bajan Elite registered a thrilling 3-2 win over Nullok 360 Connection as action continued in the LIME Pelican Football Challenge at the National Stadium.

In a game that saw a number of current and former national players take the field, national captain Jeffrey Williams found the back of the nets with a mere five minutes of action played that was mostly dominated by Bajan Elite. On the stroke of half-time national player Riviere Williams made it 2-0 and that was how the score remained when the half-time whistle blew.

On resumption 360 Connection went in search of goals, making a few runs down the flanks that failed to get them on the scoresheet. Inevitably, their search for goals left holes in their defence and it came as no surprise when Romario Harewood made it 3-0 in the 55th minute.

Only the most optimistic 360 Connection fan could have expected their team to make any sort of comeback from that position but that is precisely what they did. Six minutes after Harewood’s goal national player Kyle Gibson pulled a goal back for 360 Connection against a team that seemed to take their feet off the gas, content with the 3-0 cushion.

360 Connection continued to forge ahead seeking to make further inroads on the score while Bajan Elite sat back somewhat on defence with the occasional surge into 360 Connection territory. With seconds to go in regulation Bajan Elite had basically done enough to ensure they got full points. However, the prolific Dwayne Stanford would add to his season’s tally with a last gasp goal that made the scoreline look a bit more respectable.

There was no respectability to the scoreline of the other game as TS Strikers hammered Bajan Pride 4-1 with the game basically decided in the first-half.

TS Strikers scored all their goals in the first-half with Ramar Miller (5th minute), Jamal Chandler (11th), Rico Baptiste (16th) and Jabarry Chandler (24th) contributing to the tally. Jomo Harewood’s 81st minute strike was as good as it got for Bajan Pride. (WG) 

As the world waits eagerly for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the coveted trophy (inset) for which some of the best footballing nations will be competing has been making a global tour. Today it was the turn of Barbados to welcome the World Cup Trophy, along with a number of accompanying FIFA officials. The British Airways plane (at left) carrying trophy and officials touched down at the Grantley Adams International Airport early this morning and Minister of Sport Stephen Lashley and a local contingent were present to give the party a warm Barbadian greeting

Government will do its utmost to develop the environment and facilities to advance sports in Barbados.

That was the commitment made by Minister of Sports, Stephen Lashley, while addressing the launch of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation’s FIFA World Cup 2014 sponsorship packages at the Bagatelle Great House, Bagatelle, St Thomas last night.

“Sports is a career in which the world is its stage. Many of our young people have the talent and the ability to excel at several sporting disciplines. The Government of Barbados is aware of the role that sports can play in the development of the nation’s youth. We are therefore fully committed to creating the facilities and environment that allow them to develop their skills,” Lashley said.

Lashley praised CBC TV for purchasing the exclusive rights to broadcast  the FIFA  World Cup 2014  in Barbados from the the Jamaican-based Sports Max.

The minister said he was excited about CBC purchasing the rights from Sports Max, adding that the agreement between the companies demonstrated how two regional bodies could work together to achieve a common purpose.

“This gives the CBC the opportunity to forge a relationship with a company that has been leading the charge in broadcasting sports in the region,” Lashley said.

Minister of Sports – Stephen Lashley

In a brief address president of the Barbados Football Association Randy Harris lauded CBC for acquiring the the rights for the 2014 World Cup.

Harris said the matches during the FIFA World Cup not only created excitement among the thousands of football fans on the island, but it was also an important development tool for young footballers which helped them to improve their technical skills and assist them with their analysis of the game.

The FIFA 2014 World Cup will be played in Brazil from June 12 to July 13. The CBC will be providing the viewing public with 25 days of coverage.

Matches will be live at midday, 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Barbados’ strident early efforts came to nothing last night as they were defeated 2-0 by Jamaica in a friendly football international at the National Stadium.

The Reggae Boyz, who are rated at number 80 in the world, though the dominant side in the encounter, were initially kept at bay by the Bajan lads in a match that was goalless at the half-time whistle.

The Bajan Tridents’ backline were skilfully marshaled by centre-back Rommell Burgess. He was outstanding in repelling a number of the Jamaican forays into dangerous positions but his exit from the game with a shoulder injury 30 minutes into the second half left a gaping hole in Barbados’ defence and the visitors would duly exploit it.

Within minutes of Burgess’ departure, Barbados’ goal-keeper Jason Boxhill was taking the ball out of the back of his nets – twice. Striker Darren Mattocks hammered the ball past Boxhill to give the Jamaicans a 1-0 lead in the 75th minute. Six minutes later, striker Deshorn Brown scored off a corner to give the visitors a 2-0 advantage which they never looked like relinquishing.

Prior to Jamaica opening their account, forward Jamal Chandler had sent a powerful left-foot shot that thundered off the right goal post but that would prove the closest sniff the hosts got to a goal.

For Barbados, Mario Harte was a disappointment up front, though service to him was not entirely plentiful. Carl Joseph had a good game but noticeably tired in the second-half against opponents who appeared eager to run the entire night.

Making their international debuts for Barbados in the match were  defenders Zico Philips, Teriq Highland, Akeem Browne and mid-fieder Romario Harewood, as well as strikers Chai Lloyd and Jabarry Chandler, Jamal’s sibling.

Despite the loss, the 168th ranked Barbados team were not disgraced and with a bit more creativity in the midfield and perhaps some overlapping runs from their defenders, they might have created an even better impression. They were coming up against a young, fit Jamaican squad with a number of players plying their trade professionally in the United States’ Major League Soccer (MLS).

Among the MLS players who turned out for the Jamaicans were the goal-scorers Mattocks and Brown along with their 17-year-old prodigy Michael Seaton  who plays for DC United in the MLS and recently attended a training stint at Inter Milan in Italy.

The game between the Tridents and the Reggae Boyz heralded the start of the 2014 Barbados Football Association season. It was the first time for two years that international football was played at the National Stadium.

Barbadians are not particularly impressed with the remuneration package the Barbados Football Association is offering for the post of general secretary and that organization has been forced once more to look overseas for someone to fill the post.

That’s the word from BFA president, Randy Harris, who told Barbados TODAY in an interview that the association would be recruiting someone from overseas to fill what was essentially a job of chief executive officer of the Barbados Football Association.

BFA president Randy Harris

“The vacancy came up from November last year and we had a fair amount of applications from Barbados, and while we had at least two great candidates that would have been suitable for the post, I think the basic salary was not what they were expecting,” Harris explained.

The top post in the local football fraternity became vacant when former general secretary, Chris Graham, resigned on September 6. Since that resignation the BFA has been unable to fill the vacancy which Harris said was advertised in the media since late last year.

Harris said: “Many of the persons who have applied believed it was a secretary recording minutes and keeping appointments. But this is the CEO of the BFA and we had two great candidates but sadly we were not in a position to pay them the kind of salary they are looking for.”

Harris explained that apart from keeping records the general secretary had to have a knowledge of financing, had basically to be a quasi-diplomat where he or she would be liaising with government and international bodies like FIFA and the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). He explained that in essence a general secretary was an individual who would run the BFA on a day-to-day basis.

“So obviously we have now advertised to get somebody outside of the country that is versed in football matters, who is in a position to assist the players and the BFA and who basically has experience managing football associations,” Harris said.

The BFA president noted that FIFA was responsible for the salaries paid to the general secretary and the post needed to be filled by the end of April as far as the world governing body for football was concerned.

“FIFA has given us certain criteria for the appointment of the general secretary and they are paying the wages and we would have to get one as soon as possible so our mutual projects can start. If the post isn’t filled by that time, then we have to go again so more or less we would be on our own,” he said.

Harris said the BFA already had an overseas applicant who was vying for the post but at this stage the association would not be saying who that person might be until the association had taken care of certain legal matters where immigration was concerned.

“I don’t want to say anything about it at the moment because we have to deal with immigration after these notices have been posted so I don’t think it makes sense to say who we have in mind for the post but the person has applied to the BFA,” Harris said.

The BFA ran into administrative trouble with its last general secretary, Canadian Joyce Stewart. She took up the position last October but was stopped from fulfilling her duties in January this year after it came to light that she was working in the island without a work permit in keeping with Barbados’ Immigration Act.

French football great Michel Platini found out today what most Barbadians already know.

The National Stadium is not exactly the best place to develop footballing skills.

Platini, who is president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), president of the Barbados Football Association Randy Harris, and other officials, toured the Stadium as well as the Wildey Astroturf, St Michael, where he got a first-hand look at some of the physical infrastructure available to the island’s footballers.

“I have seen better fields but it is not the worst. I am amazed that the field here is also part of a cycling track and I have never seen that before,” the legendary midfield general told Barbados TODAY.

Platini stressed that his visit to the region was  to look at the state of football and not to make comments about the game.

“I have come to take a look at the state of the game here not to make comments about it,” Platini said when asked for further comment on the quality of playing facilities.

He added: “There is a vast contrast between how football  is played  in CONCACAF  countries  and Europe. The purpose of my visit here is to discuss what role UEFA can play in assisting the game,” he explained.

Harris told Barbados TODAY that  the main reason he invited Platini to the island was for him to get a personal view of  the state of local football which would allow him to judge the level of assistance required to develop the game in Barbados.

“I invited Michel to visit Barbados while we were attending a FIFA congress in Panama  and he accepted my invitation. We need help to develop local football and UEFA is one of the associations  that can help us,” Harris said.

Harris  disclosed that he is hoping that FIFA would help  the government to develop a proper football field at the National Stadium.

“The National Stadium is the only venue where international football is played. If we can get FIFA  to help them lay a proper field there it would play an  enormous part in helping the development of our football,” Harris said.

Platini said that generally football had developed at a rapid rate in the years since  his retirement from the game.

The former French captain said he was impressed with the skills of several of the current players. He stressed that women’s football was dear to him and expressed his joy at the manner in which the women’s game had developed in the past decade.

Platini said he was looking forward to the World Cup in a few months time in Brazil and expressed the wish that all of the stadia there would be finished on time.

The 58-year old disclosed that he fell in love with Barbados when he first visited the island in 1985.

“Twenty-nine years later, I am very happy to be back to hold talks about the state of football here,” Platini said.

The UEFA president arrived in the island last evening on a private jet. During his one-day visit he met with  Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and  Minister of Sports Stephen Lashley.

President of CONCACAF, Jeffrey Webb was also slated to visit Barbados along with Platini but he had to postpone his trip at the last minute.

During his playing days Platini was a member of the French team at the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups, reaching the semi-finals of the latter two. Along with Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana and Luis Fernandez, he was part of the famous French mid-field formation that was dubbed the magic square in the 1980s. He scored 41 international goals in 72 matches between 1976 and 1987. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Platini attended a luncheon today hosted by the BFA president and subsequently left the island for Antigua this afternoon.

Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme (BDFSP) reminded Mackeson Brittons Hill that they were the defending champions when they defeated the St Michael-based club 2-1 when the Digicel-sponsored Barbados Football Association’s Premier League continued at the National Stadium last night.

Brittons Hill began the game with 16 points, the same as Gall Hill and four more than the defending champions who up to Sunday night had been playing like mere shadows of the previous year.

Defence has been the strongest factor in Brittons Hill play in their five previous games. Their back-line marshaled by Paul Straughan, Andre Gibson and Robert Charles appeared to be as strong as a bank vault along with goal keeper Orlando Carew who had conceded just two goals for the season.

The Brittons Hill players began the game in an attacking manner with their forwards penetrating BDFSP’s defence time after time
in the first 20 minutes of the match.

In the 29th minute a  Brittons Hill defender failed to clear the ball on the right side of the box and Raheim Sergeant pounced on it like a cat, and hammered a right-footed shot past Carew to give the soldiers a 1-0 lead.

After that goal the Brittons Hill players became a bit ragged and the soldiers took charge of the game. The BDFSP penetrated Brittons Hill defense and bombarded their goal-keeper with several shots forcing him to make a number of outstanding saves.

In the 40th minute,  a foul was committed in Brittons Hill area and the referee awarded a penalty which was converted by Zidkigah Samuels to level the score.

After half-time, the BDFSP continued to dominate the game with only the skill and talent of Carew preventing the soldiers from going on a goal feast. But in the 72nd minute Shaquille Stuart received a gem of a pass in front of the goal and placed the ball into the back of the nets.

In the first game of the evening Direct TV Paradise hammered Pharmaceutical Plus Cosmos 4-0. Armando Lashley scored in the 19th and 37th minutes, Frederick Mulligan in the 57th minute and Rakim Lashley in the 86th minute.

In the night cap game Weymouth Wales defeated old rivals Clayton Kola Tonic Notre Dame 2-0. Carl Joseph scored the first goal in the 20th minute while Kemar Headley sealed Notre Dame’s fate with a second goal in the 83rd minute.