Soccer tournament brings Westbury together
WESTBURY – The Jowest Football Association hosts their biggest soccer tournament in 10 years.
Community members and soccer fanatics gathered to witness 20 soccer teams compete in a one-day tournament in Westbury.
This Supreme Build It was hosted by the Jowest Football Association U13 soccer teams during their tournament. The tournament took place at the Westbury football field during the weekend.
Supreme Build it managing member in Martindale, Manny Patel, said that each store hosts one tournament once a year. Members of the community were provided with entertainment, food and drinks for the day.
“This is the 10th year we have hosted the tournament and so far this is the first time we have hosted such a big event with this many teams. The Westbury community faces a number of challenges such as drug abuse, gang violence and crime. We believe at the age of 13 most young people are exposed to and tempted by engaging in crime, Patel said, adding that soccer is a great way to take them off the streets and give them something positive to do.
He added that teams played in four groups in the group stages, before semi-finals and finals take place. The teams competed on four fields to accommodate the number of matches. Patel said although they hosted the day, they were assisted by a few local businesses and individuals whose donations and time made the day possible.
“Each child who participated received a hamper and the final two teams won soccer kits for their teams,” said Patel.
Treasurer of the association, Errol Francis, said the teams played very well, but the Argentinos were the overall winners. Most of the players compete under local teams every Saturday and play in a league on Sundays.
The scores were as follows:
Semi-finals
- Argentinos beat Qhakaza 2–0
- Ficky All Stars beat Mighty Young Stars 2–1
Finals
- Argentinos beat Ficky All Stars 2–0
Jowest chairperson, Reidwan Sallie, commended the Argentinos and Ficky All Stars for reaching the final and congratulated the Argentinos for winning the 2016 Build it tournament.
“I would like to thank Manny and his team for an excellent tournament, it was all worth it for the children. Thanks to all the sponsors and individuals who came on board to make this happen,” said Sallie.
