‘We’re a few minutes away from the end of what has turned out to be an interesting encounter on the final day of a remarkable season. Enough time for a final chance at goal as the ball falls favourably for the young Caymanian lad who turns sharply, eludes a defender and rifles his shot past the flailing keeper… Barcelona has done it. Champions of Spain for a record sixth successive time.’
This is what all football dreams are made of – the opportunity to play at the pinnacle of the footballing world. Would it not be wonderful to watch one of Cayman’s native sons, garbed in the colours of his boyhood idols, power across some of the most hallowed football grounds in the world – the Nou Camp, Old Trafford, San Siro – and play his part in history?
This is CUC’s ultimate dream, says spokesperson Neil Murray, to see one of Cayman’s own given the opportunity to display his talents at the highest level. It may be a long time in coming but in keeping with CUC’s commitment to Grand Cayman’s youth, the Company, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports and Culture, has embarked on a six-year sponsorship of the primary school football league commencing in October 2005. The league, which will be branded the Primary Football League (PFL), has been an ongoing success over the years serving as a breeding ground for many of Cayman’s greatest footballers. In recent years, a welcomed influx of young female players has emerged through the primary school ranks of this predominantly male-oriented youth sport. The emergence of these talented youngsters, both male and female, can only be advantageous for the future of our local leagues and ultimately, our national football programmes as they strive to improve their standing on the Cayman and international sports scene.
‘As we emphasized at the recent education conference, the Ministry understands very clearly that we cannot do it all,’ said Alden McLaughlin, Minister for Education and Sports. ‘The education and the all-round development of our people are areas in which we need all hands aboard. I am therefore extremely encouraged that CUC has so generously sought to involve itself in partnering with us in the very important area of sports. This six-year sponsorship is a major commitment for CUC, and I am personally very grateful for this pace-setting commitment that I hope will inspire more members of our corporate fraternity to come aboard.’
‘It has always been CUC’s goal throughout the years to assist with improving youth-oriented sports on the Island,’ explained Murray. ‘For this reason, the Company is heavily involved with various local sporting organisations such as the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA), the Cayman Islands Athletic Association (CIAA), and the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association (CIASA), as well as assisting other organisations in their endeavours. We have seen the steady improvement of local track and field athletes and swimmers over the past few years and have shared in the pride and joy this success brings to the people of the Cayman Islands. At the same time, the Company sees a special need to assist with our national sport of football.
‘To play our part in assisting with the rebuilding of our country’s football programme to the heights we attained during the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, CUC has selected the Primary Football League as the ideal place to begin, Murray continued. ‘Our aim is to assist the Education Department with administering the league by advertising the games and results utilising local media, providing necessary equipment to all schools including uniforms and balls, preparation of fields prior to games and supplying uniforms and equipment to referees willing to officiate games.’
Commenting on the Company’s newest venture, Richard Hew, President & C.E.O., and a former Senior National Football Team regular said: ‘These games are not merely sporting events, but serve as important building blocks for the development of our youth. Participants will learn the importance of teamwork, commitment, dedication and respect when playing with a team; valuable characteristics that they’ll keep with them throughout their school lives and beyond. In addition, players will build confidence and pride as they strive to do their best for themselves, their team and their school. We look forward to working with the Education Department and the schools on this project and are certain that the participants, as always, will enjoy themselves to the fullest.
‘CUC is extremely excited about this venture and encourages parents, teachers, football and sports enthusiasts of all ages to be at the games come Saturday mornings commencing in October, cheering on your favourite teams as they take to the fields. This wholesome family event will not disappoint and it might be the best two hours you’ll spend all weekend. CUC is proud to play a part in keeping football ‘the powerful game!”.
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