A Recap on the Fierce First Match of The 28th Republic Cup and the Importance of the Cup for the Youth of Trinidad & Tobago
By: Joshua Forte, February 2024
This year marks the 28th edition of the Republic Youth Cup, an annual competition held in collaboration with the TTFA and Gateway Athletics. This Nationwide tournament consists of 5 divisions: North, East, South, West and Tobago. The categories comprise Girls' Under 20 as well as Boys' Under 14, Under 16 and Under 20.
This weekend was the opening weekend for the event and I attended the day's first match between the North Zone's Under 14 teams:
Dibe Dragons FA (coached by former national team footballer Radanfah Abu Bakr) and First Kick Football Academy (coached by Marlon Phillip). The game ended with a 5-2 scoreline to First Kick Football Academy.
As any opening game would go, especially amongst "Under 14s", it was a chaotic display of football from the opening minute, with tackles flying in and the boys yelling at each other for the ball. All running after the ball at the same time. It was evident that the boys were excited to be out on the field together. Amongst the opening adrenaline rush, a goal was registered by First Kick in the 6th minute, who pretty much dominated the affair from the jump and had a more physically imposing team.
Number 3 (Jawon John) of First Kick was impressive in particular, with his ability to drive through the midfield using his size to his advantage. Ten minutes into the affair however, the boys were absolutely gassed as a water break was quickly called.
When asked about the weather conditions in a post match interview, coach Phillip said
" The early kickoff is good because the kids are excited and eager to come out."
Upon the resumption, the goals continued to fly in as the half time break approached with the score at 4-1 to First Kick Football Academy. Halves were 40 minutes and the coaches used all their substitutions as the fixture resumed in the second half with almost completely different lineups. #29 for Dibe Dragon was impressive in his appearance as the backup goalie making numerous saves and kept the opposition down to only 1 goal in the second half. The game finished 5-2 to First Kick Football Academy. However, it must be noted that #13, Kemuel Forte for Vibe Dragons FA bagged a brace for his team. Not a bad surname to have there Kemuel.
After the game, I was lucky enough to catch an interview with the coach of the winning team, Marlon Phillip. I asked him about his plan for the long season ahead to which he responded,
"This tournament is about the development of the youth, the longer it goes the better for the young players. The coaches would have more opportunity to develop the kids to reach to a national level."
I also asked about his thoughts on the overall game. He replied,
"At Under 14 level you always looks for how your team can improve, even the opposition, so, we as coaches can pass on knowledge to each other. Not really focusing on the result, but rather the development of the players."
Overall something Phillip emphasized in his comments was "development" which is important because it keys into the overall vision and purpose behind the Republic Cup, which is to give the children a platform to play their sport in a competitive environment to improve.
Going forward I think the more that this is emphasized the greater the value the tournament will contribute.
Conclusively, the turn out for the event was excellent. Families filled the stands to support their young boys and the venue had medical care and several other amenities. Going forward, the tournament expands until June 2024. There are several other venues and a full description of the event can be found on Republic Bank's website.
By: Joshua Forte
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