Financial support from Digicel was critical to the resounding success of Barbados’ Under 19 Mavericks Sports Club football team in placing second among some 440 teams which competed in the recently ended international tournament in the United States.
Team coaches Arnold Brathwaite and Carlos Jackman expressed this sentiment when the team returned home recently to a boisterous welcome and congratulations at the Grantley Adams International Airport after competing in the 38th annual East Meadow International Soccer Tournament in New Jersey.
They thanked Digicel for its sponsorship of the team, which they said ensured that vital logistical aspects of the trip were taken care of and thereby allowed Mavericks to cement themselves as a viable football team not only in Barbados but also at the amateur level in the world.
Brathwaite noted: “Digicel had us covered and we are grateful for their assistance. There is now great pride surrounding the efforts of the team, which did exceptionally well in spite of the high level of competition. Mavericks also competed in and won the under 18 division last year.”
Digicel’s chief executive officer, Connor Looney, congratulated the team for its success and noted: “Digicel has a strong relationship with the football community via the Barbados Football Association as well as through hosting our annual Digicel Kick Start Academy and we are proud to be able to support this sport through another avenue which is also very developmental for youth in Barbados.”
Thai Moore, one of the top scores for the team in the United States, and team mate Cliff Gooding-Edghill are both products of the Digicel Kick Start programme. Another top scorer was Omani Leacock.
Mavericks Sports Club Inc. is a local non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment through sports, mentorship and education. It currently has a membership of approximately 250 persons, with 45 volunteer personnel.
