The St. Croix Youth Soccer Association Inc., (SCYSA) is pleased to announce its 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Youth Soccer Jamboree to be held March 11 at St. Croix Alumina from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"For the 260-plus youth players from St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John participating in this jamboree, we trust this will be an enjoyable and memorable occasion," said SCYSA President Richard Kennedy.
"We have 19 games scheduled to be played during the 8 hours of this tournament so soccer enthusiasts can expect non-stop action on the fields throughout the day," said tournament director Richard Gauthe."
New to this year’s tournament is the introduction of a Fair Play Trophy. This trophy and a $250 gift certificate for equipment will be awarded to the team that accumulates the most fair play points throughout the day. Longtime local businessman and business owner Eldon Lambert of Eldon Lambert Appraisals, Inc is sponsoring the trophy and gift certificate.
"We have been a sponsor of the SCYSA since its formation and are pleased to support this effort. This association continues to demonstrate its commitment to the long term development of our youth by encouraging and rewarding good sportsmanship amongst its players," said Lambert. "Sure, winning is important, but at all costs? I don’’t think so. Teaching kids to be good sports helps to lay a foundation for teaching them to be good citizens."
"All participants – players, coaches and spectators — in these games will take part in earning their team this trophy," said SCYSA Fair Play Chair Debra Schuster. "The referees for this tournament will award points for gamesmanship on the field; coaches’ behavior; spectators’ behavior; respect for the referee by all participants and will have a discretionary point to award for any outstanding demonstration of fair play during a game."
Schuster is a long-term resident of St. Croix who teaches fouth grade at the Country Day School. She brings a wealth of teaching and coaching experience in physical education to her role as Fair Play Chair for the SCYSA. Schuster holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts and her Masters Degree in education from the University of the Virgin Islands. In addition, she recently completed The Summer Institute of Peaceable Schools at Leslie College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which advocates the same principles of fairness. (The FIFA mission statement regarding Fair Play can be viewed at www.fifa.com.)
A new division that has been added to the tournament this year is the under-seven "Peewee" division.
"These young athletes are very excited to be taking part in this tournament and have been working hard to prepare," said SCYSA Technical Director Terry Wright. "Offering a program for youth ages four to seven is key to supporting the long-term development of youth soccer on St. Croix and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our goal in developing this age group is to encourage the beginning of a life-long passion for the game of soccer.
"While basic skills are introduced and reinforced to the peewees each week during practice, it is more important that the children have fun and begin to build confidence in themselves."
Wright has been actively involved in the sport of soccer for 40-plus years. He has played in matches all over the world including England, South Africa, Germany and Russia, earned his FA Coaching badge while in university in England, earned his Referee Certification from the Southern Transvwall Referee’s Association in South Africa and is a 12-year resident of St. Croix. Currently Wright is running an Introduction to Refereeing course for the SCYSA geared towards youth interested in achieving referee certification.
"The board of directors for the SCYSA, its players and parents thank the major sponsor of this Jamboree, Marshall and Sterling, for their continued support of this association," said SCYSA board member and fundraising chair Tracy Bingham. "In addition we thank our other sponsors: Ambient Technologies, Catalina Pools, Computer Solutions, Richard Gauthe, Neighborhood Shipping and The Mandon Family. The generosity this community has shown in supporting our efforts has been astounding at times and always very much appreciated," said Bingham.
The St. Croix Youth Soccer Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit association, formed by a dedicated group of coaches and parents to enhance the youth soccer experience on St. Croix and in the Virgin Islands. Our coaches, board members and referees are all volunteers from throughout the community. Our goal is to develop a consistent, well-balanced youth soccer program that encourages young people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in one of the world's most popular sports.
