Dynamic forward Kelsy Benjamin netted a superb hat-trick to power Santos Football Club to the under-17 title of the third annual Caribbean Children’s Charity Shield Soccer Classic on Monday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground after defeating Eastveldt 4-1.
Benjamin, who looked to be a step above his players on the field, created havoc on his favoured left wing, netting in the 16th, 47th and 62nd minutes while Ryan Hackett score in the 58th; Mosses Gritten netted a penalty in the 12th for the losers.
Kelsey Benjamin who was voted Most Valuable player and highest goal scorer collects his prize from MinisterThe wining under-15 team, Trinidad’s Gairy John Academy
In the under-15s, Trinidadian side Gairy John Academy won the title after defeating Barbadian side Paradise 2-1
Minster within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry speaking at the closing ceremony said that the government would like young people to be fit and healthy and events such as this help promote that consciousness.
Henry added, “Success in sport has been far too focused on participants and medals but now it will be used as a force for development as it helps transcend cultural values”.
The other teams which participated in the under-15 were: Gall Hall, Waterford, Paradise, Empire (Barbados) Morvant Academy, Elcock Academy (Trinidad) and Guyana’s Wales, Den Amstel and Victoria Kings Camptown, RP warriors and Grove Hi-Tech.
At the U-17 level, Fruta Conquerors, Grove Hi-Tech, Alpha and Santos, East Veldt and Pele sides are Guyana’s representatives, Cosmos, Gall Hall, Paradise (Barbados) and Creek, Morvant Academy and Black Waters of Trinidad.
The next edition of the championship will be held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines next year.
