Paradise footballers rewarded

By Morissa Lindsay 

The most outstanding players of Paradise Football Club for the 2022 season were feted and rewarded following an exciting football match that ended 3-2 in favour of the seniors against the Under-23 players last night in Dover, Christ Church.

Among those that took home trophies for their fantastic performances were Tyrique Bailey-Edwards, named Most Valuable Player as well as best defender for both the UAFA Under-23 Competition. Paradise won that competition and placed third in the Barbados Football Association Republic Cup tournament.

During the awards ceremony, President of Paradise Club, Adrian Donovan presented a ball – signed by the players of that club – to BFA President, Randy Harris in honour of the late legendary Brazilian footballer Pele. Donovan in his brief remarks said he hopes that the BFA will put the ball in their showroom in honour of the great man.

As Paradise Club continues to build on its footballing legacy, the most notable achievement for the club in 2022 is that six of their coaches are now fully licenced including former senior national captain Mario Harte, who is currently in Trinidad and Tobago doing his Concacaf A licence. Fellow Paradise coaches Kent Hall and Kenville Layne are holders of the Concacaf B licence awaiting their opportunity to commence the A licence.

Paradise Club places a lot of emphasis on coaching education whereby all their coaches are required to be highly qualified, says Donovan.

From left, Barbados Football Association President, Randy Harris presented with a football signed by Paradise players in honour of the late legend Pele from President of Paradise Club, Adrian Donovan.

The players also lived up to expectation with their performances during last night’s match with Tyrel Rayside scoring a brace and Elijah Downey adding another in the second half to lead the Paradise seniors, captained by Armando ‘Suga’ Lashley, to victory.  Paradise Under-23 team led by Bailey-Edwards played well with Jamaal Cummins and Malique Rollins scoring a goal each but it was not enough to stop the seniors.

Following the match, there were several awards handed out starting with the UAFA Under-19 Champions top performers and they were, best goalkeeper Jireh Malcolm, best defender Bailey- Edwards, best midfielder Akeem Chandler, most goals Jonathan Sealy, most improved Darian Blackman, most disciplined Korey Reid and a special award went to Romario Blackman.

In the Republic Cup competition, the honours went to Most Valuable Player Ramon Manning, best goalkeeper Jason Boxill, best defender Bailey-Edwards, best midfielder Ranaldo Trim, most goals Armando Lashley, special award Shamari Harewood and most improved Renico Taitt-Best. 

It was a night filled with much comradery among players, parents, family members and tourist alike who were treated to much food and drink. 

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb