Cayman for the first time watched history making with youth football when on Sunday at the TE McField Annex field an international youth football team from England, Swindon Town Under-13, played Cayman’s Academy Sports Club youth team.
Cayman’s Sebastian Martinez is the connection between Swindon Town and Academy. His brilliance for Virgil Seymour’s Academy meant he was good enough four months ago to get an 18-month contract with Swindon, who are based 80 miles west of London. Martinez, 13, played for Swindon on Sunday and Tuesday and will also feature in the Thursday night game.
The stands on Sunday were packed and the spectators were entertained with an impressive game of football. Both teams displayed an equal amount of talent bringing lots of energy and excitement to the game. The atmosphere was awesome with a wonderful spirit of togetherness displayed by all. When asked how they enjoyed the game, fans and volunteers alike responded in terms of excellent, very impressive, inspiring, breath taking. It was witnessed by Minster of Sports Mark Scotland who has been extremely supportive.
The game which is part of a week-long tournament was the perfect opening for what has been a beautiful showcase of great talent. The second match was played at the Ed Bush stadium on Tuesday between Swindon and a West Bay select.
The West Bay Sports Foundation, headed by Founder Arden ‘Cheeky’ Rivers, in conjunction with The Ministry of Sports and many other sponsors, all came together to make this special event happen. The West Bay Sports Foundation believes that this is just the beginning of greater things to come for the youth of the Cayman Islands through football. The Swindon Town coaches are not just here to give their lads some practice games but are also on scouting mission to try to spot any other talent like Martinez.
Rivers said: “With all the negativity that our youth have been getting we feel that a tournament such as this is a positive move in highlighting that our youth still have a bright future and great prospects ahead of them.”
The final match is on Thursday between Swindon and a Bodden Town Under-13 select again at the TE McField Annex. It promises to be another great game. Rivers said: “The games have been attracting fans from all walks of life right across these beautiful islands and we’re expecting the same high calibre performance from both teams.
“Fans won’t want to miss this game and we’re encouraging them to come out prepared to be impressed again.”
Tickets are on sale at the gate for $7.
For tickets and more information, ring 927-7011 or 916-5041 .
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