SPORTS
Jonathan Ramnansingh
NOLAN BERNARD, coach of St Benedict’s College U-16 football team, hailed his runner-up side’s recent victory in the KFC Goodwill U-18 tournament in Guyana and hailed the trip as a “cultural experience” for the young footballers.
Despite the team losing 1-0 in Friday’s final against DC Caesar Fox High School, Bernard said the trip to South America served as much more than a lesson in sports.
The La Romaine Lions U-16 team played against opponents from neighboring Guyana and Suriname. They topped their group to advance from the first round, did well to make it through the knockout round, but were unable to win the overall title.
However, coach Bernard appreciated the experience shared by the group.
“It was a new group of boys from our school, mostly U-16. They, some of them from lower income and socio-economic families, had the opportunity to experience for the first time having their own passport and flying. It was special for them.
“We played against two American teams from the interior (of Guyana). It was a cultural experience for all of us,” he said.
Bernard is one of the school’s physical education teachers.
“The boys were surprised when they played against American teams. One team had to fly to get to the tournament while another had to travel 15 hours each day. It was truly an eye-opening experience to witness different cultures,” he added.
This past season, St Benedict’s U-16 lost the southern zone final against Presentation College San Fernando. However, their senior team won the Secondary Schools Football League title and finished as runners-up to Fatima College in the 2022 Coca Cola Intercol.
However, Bernard believes that the senior team’s recent dominant form has inspired his younger players to work harder and realize that anything is possible.
“The SSFL win was good for football in the south and for the school. It was amazing for us to experience success at the top level. I know they would like to win Intercol, but that’s how football is.
“For the new season, we are looking forward as we have a good group of guys, a new team. About six of them could not make the trip with us as they are currently training with the U-17 national team.
“Overall, I’m sure the senior team and the U-16 teams, this year, experienced something great and gained knowledge. We are looking forward to a new season in both divisions,” he added.
