Old Harbour businessman calls for support of youth programmes

Organized by its Youth Community Development Foundation (YCDF) which he founded, Cargill and a team of local volunteers hosted the YCDF Primary School Football Rally which involved 10 schools and engaged 140 students, including both genders. 

The one-day football tournament was held at the Port Esquivel Sports Complex last Friday, with Old Harbour Primary claiming the title after a 1-0 win over Friendship.

Though there were hiccups on the day, Cargill gave the organizing committee a passing grade and wants to see more businesses support the programme.

“The inauguration of the Youth Community Development Foundation (YCDF) Primary Schools Football Rally was geared at reaching youths from the most vulnerable stage in their lives,” said Cargill, managing director of the West Street-based Parden Mini Mart and Wholesale, and one of the sponsors of the event.

“We are also seeking sponsorship from the business community as the movement is a free event to improve the quality production of youths of our society.”

Based on competition rules, each team must register at least one girl. A female player must be on the field of play during the entire match. It is a standard rule adopted nationally in age-group sporting events to foster gender equality.

Cargill, who is a minister of religion, added: “The YCDF movement will be a recurring event every three months and we are looking to expand on all forums of sports such as netball, cricket, cheerleading etcetera, as the aim is to reach the minds of the children of the Old Harbour community at large.”

While the day outside of the classroom was an exciting one for the players, the YCDF chief organizer said many of its objectives were met as the tournament did not “only allow them to have fun but to do so collaboratively and also to grow in their gift,” which the committee observed.

Alexavier Bailey of Old Harbour Primary was named most valuable player of the tournament.

Editor's Note: visit Old Harbour News social media pages to view highlights from the tournament.