The third annual Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/Banks Beer Cup which concluded on Wednesday at the National Stadium, Providence has once again been a major success.
Though the debate will divide the pundits with regards to the tournament’s creation and overall intent, few can question the support garnered by the youngest annual national event since its inception three years ago.
Still in its infancy, the event has truly captured the national platform as crowds flocked to the respective engagements to witness ‘local’ football’s current zenith.
This was further evident as a large viewership witnessed a five-goal thriller which saw first time participants Slingerz FC emerge champions over Santos by a 3-2 score line.
While the praises will be bountiful for yet another successful hosting, the event’s biggest conundrum was heaven sent as rain ravaged the playing surface, reducing most matches to a battle of strength and not of skill.
Accommodation continues to be a problem due to the lack of proper seating arrangement at the respective venues and coupled with the aforesaid weather pattern, viewership can be uncomfortable assignment.
Another blip that is certainly man-made is the growing concern with regards to officiating. Whilst it is a problem that can be rectified through a coordinated and systematic approach, indifference and inconsistency was at the forefront as some fixtures were piloted in the wrong lane.
While not a game changer in the truest sense, the tournament has solidified its status as the hallmark event on the football calendar going forward. Overall the minor inadequacies stated and experienced cannot eliminate the fact that the GFA/Banks Beer Cup is nothing short of a fantastic event.
For their continued efforts and sustained vision in the development of the sport, Banks DIH Limited must be applauded.
GFA Vice President of Administration and tournament coordinator Lavern Fraser-Thomas stated that while the professionalism of these events needs some improvement, overall the tournament was a tremendous success.
“It was a successful tournament, all things considered being able to access the stadium for the final really put the cream on the cake,” said Fraser-Thomas.
Asked about the areas that could be improved upon going forward, she said: “The marketing strategy is still not the best. It’s really an area we have to sit and a take a hard look at.”
Coach of the victorious Slingerz FC unit Charles Pollard said: “It was good tournament because two new teams got to be in the final which is a breath of fresh air for football. One of my main concerns though was the facilities which kind of made the organizers look bad.
“There is a lot of work to be done, they did their best. Experience is the only thing that is beating them. I think the opening, the semi-finals and final should be played at the national stadium,” added Pollard.
