2011 winners, Hill Top, celebrate following their victory at English Harbour Playing Field. The Second Division contenders will defend their title in 2012. (Photo courtesy Colin James)
St. John’s Antigua- Several clubs have already indicated their interest in taking part in the Warriors Cup 2012 football tournament as the July 30 registration deadline approaches.
National Under-13 champions SAP, as well as newcomers Urlings, have confirmed their participation for the Youth Cup which will be played from August 9 to 19 at Buckley’s School Field.
Last year’s Under-13 champions Empire are expected to confirm their participation soon, while Villa Lions, who won both the Under-15 and Under-17 categories in 2011, will be defending their titles. Villa will also field a team in the Under-13 division.
Seaglans, Ovals, Young Cubans of All Saints and host club, Young Warriors, will also field teams in the Youth Cup.
Regarding the prestigious Championship Cup, Hill Top will be defending their title during the tournament which takes place from August 25 to September 2. It will be played at Buckley’s School Field and John Hughes Playing Field with the semi-finals and finals slated for Antigua Recreation Grounds.
Last year’s finalists Swetes, semi-finalists Hoppers and Jennings Grenades; Fort Road, John Hughes and hosts Young Warriors have also confirmed their participation.
Organisers say they are expecting other clubs will confirm their interest before the deadline date. Invitations were sent to all clubs in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) programme.
At least two overseas clubs have indicated strong interest in coming to Antigua and Barbuda for the tournament and confirmation is expected next week.
Warriors Cup, dubbed ‘Summer’s Best Soccer Tournament’, also features a Youth Development Camp for boys and girls aged six to 16 years from August 20 to 24 which will be conducted by overseas and Antiguan coaches at a fee of EC $100 per participant.
The camp will involve tutoring in the fundamentals of the game; education in lifestyle and healthy choices; how to become a professional athletes as well as lectures on various youth development issues.
Sessions will run from 10 am to 3 pm with a break for lunch. Interested parents can call Colin James @ 786-0115 or 726-2165 for more information.
