The Department of Sports officially launched the “A Blooming Touch” Primary School Girls Football Tournament with an opening ceremony and Knockout Festival at Warner Park Stadium.
Being held under the theme “Building & Blooming Talent,” the tournament seeks to provide young players with opportunities to develop their football abilities, represent their schools and build confidence through organised competition.
The opening ceremony brought together participating schools, education and sporting officials, sponsors, coaches and supporters to mark the beginning of the tournament.
Chair of the ceremony Jeffrey Hazel delivered the welcome remarks, followed by remarks from a representative of the Ministry of Education.
Tournament sponsor The Dreamy Group also addressed the gathering, reaffirming its support for the initiative and the development of young players through football.
Ms. Techelle McLean, General Secretary of the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association, delivered remarks during the ceremony, while sponsor The Cable also made a contribution to the official programme.
Students of Dr. William Connor Primary School presented a poetry selection, adding a creative element to the opening proceedings.
The official declaration was delivered by Ms. Valencia Syder, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, who formally declared the tournament open.
Knockout Festival Opens Tournament Action
Following the opening ceremony, the participating schools took to the field for a Knockout Festival, providing an exciting start to the competition.
Cayon Primary School recorded a 4–0 victory over Maurice Hillier, while Beach Allen Primary School defeated Deane Glasford Primary School 2–0.
Connor-Gumbs earned a 2–0 victory against Saddlers Primary School, and Tyrell Williams Primary School secured a closely contested 2–1 win over Dr. William Connor Primary School.
In another competitive encounter, George Moody Stuart School defeated Tucker Clarke Primary School 1–0.
The match between Immaculate Conception Catholic School and Bronte Welsh Primary School ended 1–1 in regulation time. Immaculate Conception Catholic School subsequently secured the victory, winning 1–0 on sudden-death penalties.
Full Knockout Festival Results
- Cayon Primary 4–0 Maurice Hillier
- Beach Allen 2–0 Deane Glasford
- Connor-Gumbs 2–0 Saddlers
- Tyrell Williams 2–1 Dr. William Connor
- George Moody Stuart 1–0 Tucker Clarke
- ICCS 1–1 Bronte Welsh
- ICCS won 1–0 on sudden-death penalties
The Knockout Festival offered an early showcase of the players’ enthusiasm, developing abilities, teamwork and determination. It also set the tone for the remaining stages of the tournament as the schools continue their pursuit of success.
Through “A Blooming Touch,” the Department of Sports is creating another important avenue for young players to gain competitive experience while promoting participation and development in girls’ football.
Parents, teachers, students and supporters are encouraged to continue following the competition and supporting the participating schools as their talent continues to build and bloom.
