Young footballers make history

CUC -PFL): History was made last Friday evening at the T.E. McField Sports Complex when a Cayman Under 13 select team, representing the Primary Football League (PFL) Youth Football Programme, played the visiting Under 13s from Harbour View Football Club from Jamaica. Not since the days of legendary Coach Winston Chung and the Miami Classic Tournaments of the 1980s has the Cayman Islands been represented by a “national” Under 13youth team consisting of players from all the major football clubs across the Island.

The matchup marked the first game of the Academy SC International Friendship Cup played between hosts Academy SC and Harbour View FC. The youngsters from the PFL Youth Football Programme were invited by the Academy SC to play the visitors from Jamaica prior to the start of the Friendship Cup, which continued on Saturday and Sunday with two games between the hosts and Harbour View FC in the Under 13 and Under 16 age groups.

Taking the field for the first time in an international game, the Under 13 team from the PFL Youth Programme was clearly at a physical disadvantage when compared to their bigger, taller visitors from the neighbouring Caribbean island. But, as is so often the case in any sporting competition, the old adage of never underestimating or over estimating your opponents is a powerful motivator for those expected to wilt under the pressure.

From the opening kickoff, what the local boys lacked in size they made up for in grit, tenacity, spirit and determination. Easily outmatched physically, forwards D’Andre Rowe and Kameron Mendez utilised their speed to pester the Jamaican backline. Zipping in and out of spaces created behind the defence opened up a few shooting opportunities for the speedy pair but Harbour View’s towering golakeeper was in fine form.

At the other end, the PFL Youth Programme’s talented back four were doing everything in their power to stem the flow of the black and gold clad attackers. Just when it looked as if a Harbour View attacker was in position to unleash a shot, a swarm of defenders were there to thwart the effort. When a shot finally wentgoalwards, goalkeeper Albertini Holness collected easily.

Midway through the first half with the score deadlocked at 0-0, the PFL Youth Programme lost both influential central defenders Ajani Harris and Ricardo Wright to injury in separate incidents. Both players had played extremely well up until this point.

In normal circumstances, losing two central defenders would be disastrous for any team but the PFL Youth Programme was created on the premise that there are always two or three players available for every positionon the field. In stepped the talented duo of Rico Bodden and Cody Ebanks, who transitioned exceptionally well into the heart of the defence and with Joshua O’Garro on the left and Kailan Miller and Alex McLaughlin on the
right, all seemed safe.

In midfield, captain for the day Gonzalo McLaughlin along with Alex Logvinov, Kareem Foster and Nicholas Chung were finding it tough going as the more experienced Jamaicans were making it difficult for the local boys. When the Cayman boys did break forward, it was a joy to watch as they spread the ball wide and then across the goal oftentimes only inches away from the feet of their onrushing forwards. Chances fell for both sides but the deadlock remained as the halftime whistle sounded.

In an effort to give all their players an opportunity to play in this historic game, local coaches Antwan Seymour, Gonzalo McLaughlin and Gillie Seymour opted to make several changes throughout the second half with several substitutions being made and players moving to various positions around the field. The emphasis was not on winning but seeing how their players adapted to playing together as a unit as well as communicating with each other, supporting each other and attitude.

With the makeup of the Cayman team altered, Harbour View finally found their shooting boots and Tajani Fairclough, Gasford James and Rashan Mackinson each found the back of the net to make it 3-0 in favour of the visitors. As the second half came to an end, Cody Ebanks came close to notching one for the local boys as his excellent free kick struck the crossbar with the goalkeeper clearly beaten only to see the follow-up blasted just over the bar by substitute Kamani Ebanks.

Late flurries by both teams nearly resulted in a change to the score line but it was not to be as Harbour View FC claimed a 3-0 victory. For many spectators at the match, it was a welcome relief to watch a young Cayman side hold their own against a strong and experienced Jamaican outfit. Spectators were excellent in their support of both sets of
youngsters and were pleasantly surprised at the level of play from the local boys.

Plaudits and accolades rained down on the local boys and coaches as they went through their customary “warm-down” routine following the match, which was great to see. The expressions on the players’ faces was one of pride and appreciation.

Coordinator of the PFL Youth Programme Neil Murray said: “It was a wonderful showing from all our players. This Under 13 squad has been together for a little over a year-and-a-half and has made great strides in their play, commitment and attitude. They understand what we are trying to do. This is only the first step in a long journey as we have huge plans for this team and the Programme. Thanks to the coaches, parents and supporters of the PFL Youth Programme as they are committed to seeing this team.

"Thanks to Academy SC for including us in the tournament and giving us the opportunity to play Harbour View FC.Special thanks to the Programme’s sponsors including CUC, Cayman Airways, Cayman National and the many parents and supporters."