Cornelius Stewart Joins U23 Camp for Olympic Qualifiers

By: Jamal Browne

When the National U23 Football team of St. Vincent & the Grenadines hits the pitch against Caribbean rivals Jamaica, Suriname and The Cayman Islands in Group A of the Caribbean Football Union’s Olympic qualifiers, the team would not be without its perceived talisman – 21 year old striker, Cornelius Stewart.

Stewart, who is currently on contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps of US Major League Soccer, rejoined his local team-mates last Thursday July 7, on the Astroturf of the new Liverpool Football Club Soccer School located at the exquisite five star Buccament Bay Resort.

Considered by many as having a very successful professional football career ahead of him, ‘Cornie’ as he is affectionately known, has been described as fearless, skilful, extremely creative on the ball and possibly the new Rodney ‘Chang’ Jack.

Such tributes have become somewhat uncommon for young outstanding local athletes in recent times, as it is suggested that this creates a false sense of accomplishment – leading to underachievement and the eventual demise of near-rewarding careers.

However, one is easily encouraged and inspired by Stewart’s response to his many titles and accolades. In plainly genuine humility, he never fails to attribute his success thus far to absolute focus and discipline.

While confident that his team would do well on the upcoming CFU match-dates, the young forward does not discount the heartbreaking consequences of complacency and disorder. He however does not believe that this should be an issue for his team this time around.

Stewart is a likely candidate to wear the captain’s armband for the Suriname tournament, which runs August 3^rd to 7^th, 2011.

Comrade, Teach Them a Thing or Two

By: Vincy Football Insider (www.vincyheatposse.blogspot.com)

According to Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves in his most recent publication, ‘The Making of the Comrade’, the social democratic outlook embraced by his party and relevant to St. Vincent & the Grenadines is one that embraces the idea of the people being the most important resource in the country. He proceeds to state, “Accordingly, the greatest efforts must be made to develop their talents, abilities, and skills and to ensure their health” – (page 384, paragraph 3).

Political ideologies are never to be embraced dogmatically, however, there are those “propositions, ideas, beliefs, and tenets” comprising these ideologies which are occasionally worth prime real estate in the depths of our hearts.

It is in reading this book that I now have a clearer portrait of our Prime Minister’s very high standards and expectations, particularly as they pertain to performance and productivity. I can now confidently say that the Comrade’s development paradigm and professional standards justify my disappointment in the performance of the current Executive Committee of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF).

Any sincere social commentator would seek to strike a balance between highlighting both the upbeat and downbeat aspects of a particular subject: This is precisely my story, yet many consider me “overly critical”, but I have truly exhausted my capacity for objectivity. So in my analysis of the SVGFF’s performance over the past five years, I substitute my personal standards with that of a neutral figure – ‘The Comrade’.

The Grassroots

The introduction of “The Grassroots Programme” which focuses on youth football development on a zoned basis is quite praiseworthy. Unfortunately for those of us who are still keenly anticipating the fruits of the programme, it seems to have already fallen significantly short on its result indicators – speculated to be the result of poor organization and inadequate funding.

In fact, while the zones now seem to be operating on an ad hoc basis, some zonal coaches are already showing signs of disillusionment with the programme’s disorganization and monotony. However, we must admit that the zonal approach of the programme remains for the most part unprecedented – earning the SVGFF a 60% grade on this particular initiative.

The Secretariat

The appointment of Mr. Ian Hypolite as the SVGFF’s first full-time General Secretary should also be applauded. The gentleman has worked very hard in my opinion, and has shown great proficiency. However, it is far more meaningful to be stellar in the execution of one’s specific duties than to under-achieve in seeking to fill-in for everyone else. I am convinced that Mr. Hypolite’s contribution as General Secretary could be far more meaningful within a more robust and organized executive unit. So in grading Mr. Hypolite’s appointment, his inability to perform optimally within his environment leaves the SVGFF with a grade of 50% on this particular matter.

Noble Intention, Pitiful Plan

With regards to the organization’s procurement and purchase of a single mobile floodlight unit costing well over EC$100,000, it is now quite difficult to make any sense of the investment, especially since it has been uselessly sitting at the Buccament Playing Field in the same position for the past ten months – citing an apparently irresolvable electro-mechanical problem. The SVGFF is therefore left with a dull 20% grade on this foolhardy investment – noble intention, pitiful plan.

New Sheriff in Town

Finally I proceed to the matter of the appointment of a Technical Director of the SVGFF. The name Sammy Carrington is now nothing but a vague memory, as there is a new Sheriff in town – the name, Mr. Colwyn Rowe.

The Comrade remains a staunch advocate for great emphasis being placed on the development of talents, abilities and skills. As it pertains to football in SVG, this should be the direct responsibility of the Technical Director as appointed by the Executive Committee of the SVGFF.

The duties of the Technical and Development Committee of the SVGFF is clearly outlined in Article 23 of the organization’s constitution. While the duties of a Technical Director are not explicitly outlined in the constitution, Article 23 provides sufficient guidance for this responsibility. However, it appears that the newly appointed Technical Director has been granted duties and clout far beyond that guided by Article 23.

The execution of the duties outlined in Article 23 would under any circumstance be considered as extremely tedious – tedious enough to keep any Technical Director awfully busy. It therefore means that the combination of the roles of the country’s sole Technical Director and coach of two national teams is nothing short of impractical and a recipe for continued under-development. This is precisely the case with Mr. Rowe’s current portfolio, and it is advised that the Executive Committee of the SVGFF move swiftly to correct this recurring imprudence.

Mr. Rowe must be given the opportunity to focus on his primary duty suggested to be the coordination of those activities outlined in Article 23. This SVGFF’s dismal grade in this instance is by no means based on the appointment of Mr. Rowe, rather the outline of his duties and the limits of his authority. The Executive Committee has totally lost its bearing on this matter, and there is now no way of telling exactly who is in control – The Executive Committee or Mr. Rowe.

I am at this point reminded of The Comrade versus Stanford debacle, and we all know how that went – apparently all except the Executive Committee of the SVGFF. So Comrade, for the sake of the unimpeded development of talents, abilities, and skills and the general welfare of the national football programme, can you please teach them a thing or two?

Vincy Heat Posse: ROAD TO LONDON – NATIONAL U23 FOOTBALLERS BRACE FO...

Vincy Heat Posse: ROAD TO LONDON – NATIONAL U23 FOOTBALLERS BRACE FO...: "By: Jamal Browne ( http://www.vincyheatposse.blogspot.com/ ) National U23 Football Team players absorb the instructions of Assistant Coach..."

ROAD TO LONDON – NATIONAL U23 FOOTBALLERS BRACE FOR THE JOURNEY

By: Jamal Browne (http://www.vincyheatposse.blogspot.com/)

National U23 Football Team players absorb the instructions of Assistant Coach, Cornelius Huggins in their training session on Monday 27^th June, 2011.

Amidst all the turmoil surrounding world football – CFU, FIFA, Warner, Bin Hammam, Blatter and the likes – The National Under 23 football team of St. Vincent & the Grenadines forges on with one goal, one ambition.

On your marks, and off we go. The London 2012 Olympic Games might be an entire year away, but the journey of this small nation’s Olympic football team officially kicks off with three Group A matches running from August 3^rd to 7^th, 2011. Group A includes perennial Caribbean giants Jamaica, the ever competitive Cayman Islands, and host country Suriname, where the winner takes all – including a spot in the CFU final round among the winners of four sub-regional groups.

However, the challenge of facing sub-regional opponents might be considered negligible in comparison to that of hitting the pitch in competition with the confederation’s more established teams. The likes of Mexico, The USA, Honduras and Costa Rica, remain a thorn in the flesh for Vincentian national football teams. The statistics are truly unflattering. However, the question can very well be asked: Are we in for a change of fortune this time around?

By the estimation of many, including former National U20 coach, Mr. Kendale Mercury, The National U20 Team of 2008 missed an opportunity of a lifetime as it failed to qualify for the 2009 U20 World Cup held in Egypt. The teamed seemed well primed for an outstanding showing at the CFU final round. Unfortunately, the team’s 2 nil loss to a technically, tactically and physically strong Jamaican outfit forced the young lads into a playoff against Honduras on neutral ground in Central Trinidad. Having made an early tally in the game, St. Vincent led by one goal to nil until a questionable 72^nd minute booking of Captain Cornelius Stewart reduced the outfit to 10 men on the pitch. Honduras capitalized on this and snatched a 3 – 1 victory in the dying minutes of the game. Honduras also qualified for the 2009 finals in Egypt.

For many of the players on the current National U23 Team, it is their opportunity to recompense themselves and their country for what they have since considered “a missed opportunity”.

Former National U20 Captain, 21 year old Cornelius Stewart is expected to join the squad within the next two weeks. Stewart who is currently a part of the Residency Programme of the Vancouver Whitecaps of US Major League Soccer (MLS) is expected to play a key role in the squad, particularly upfront along with 18 year old Myron Samuel. Samuel who recently returned to the state having completed what many have considered a fruitful trial with the Seattle Sounders FC – also of the MLS – has had a phenomenal year with his local club, Avenues United. Both Stewart and Samuel have captained their respective National U20 teams – one can therefore expect a great amount of leadership upfront.

Also prepped to make his way into the squad within the next two weeks is 20 year old UK-Based defender Akil Howard. Howard is currently enrolled in the Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) in the United Kingdom. He has represented St. Vincent & the Grenadines at the U20 level – both in 2008 and 2010 – and is poised to make a smooth transition into the U23 and Men’s Senior Teams.

The team recently journeyed across to Barbados for two friendly matches. The first match which was played against the Barbados National Senior Team ended in a stalemate. The second matchup saw the young lads coming up against the Bradley University Team out of the US – this also ended in a scoreless draw.

While the technical staff expressed their satisfaction with the team’s performance in the Barbados friendlies, it is accepted by all that such results would all prove futile unless they are translated into match winning performances when it truly matters.

The team has been in training since December 2010, but officially kicked off their preparations in March of this year under the direction of Mr. Colwyn Rowe – the newly appointed Technical Director of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Football Federation. Mr. Rowe’s official appointment was quickly followed by a series of changes which included the replacement of Mr. Kendale Mercury as interim Head Coach of the National Under 23 team, along with a number of official appointments. 

The team’s new technical staff includes Mr. Colwyn Rowe as Head Coach, Mr. Cornelius Huggins as Assistant Coach, Mr. Earl Paynter as Second Assistant Coach, and Goal Keeper Coach Mr. Kevin Richardson. The team is being managed by Mr. Othnell Douglas. Former national youth and senior footballer Mr. Theon Gordon is also expected to join the U23 team and other youth programmes in a technical/ developmental capacity. Gordon recently obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management and is expected to play a critical role in the advancement of a new youth football agenda for St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

So as this date with destiny approaches, let us rally around our National U23 Football Team. They need our support, they need our prayers, they need our best wishes, for the journey has just begun.

 

Akil Howard Stands Out for RIASA at Villa Real

By: Terry Dolan

The starting 11 for the RIASA squad: Martens (GK): Back four of: Norththrop, Rayner, Howard, Stray-Gunderson, (Midfield) Brown, Spivack, Balderramos, Lyle, (Strikers) Roane, Eissele
On a warm sunny day in Villa Real, RIASA started the game in a very confident mood. The team began playing in a 4-4-2 formation but after 15 minutes switched to a 4-5-1 formation as Villa Real started to dominate possession putting the RIASA players under pressure. The RIASA squad struggled to get enough qaulity possession for long enough periods as the Spanish side demonstrated the quality of their passing game.

After 15 minutes the keeper Karl Martens was called into action for the first time and made a brilliant save tipping a 20-yard shot over the crossbar. RIASA had their first shot at goal in the 19^th minute but Brandon Roane couldn’t get enough power and direction to trouble the Real goalkeeper. The change in formation certainly stemmed the flow of Villa Real’s attacks but RIASA found it hard to penetrate the Villa Real defence. However, the RIASA squad finished the half strong keeping Villa Real to two half scoring chances and developed some neat passages of play of their own.

With a large squad travelling Mark Ellis could change his team around at the start of the second half, to give players opportunity. Alex Brisbane replaced Kjell Stray-Gunderson at left back and after 55 minutes, Tyson Newell replaced Patrick Balderramos.

RIASA started the second half as they had finished the first gaining some momentum early. With just 3 minutes gone RIASA had their first clear cut chance of the game when Delano Brown skilfully cut inside by the goal-line and played the ball across the 6 yard box. Unfortunately no RIASA player could capitalize on Delano Brown’s good work in the last third to get on the end of ball and finish the move.

Eden Spinks replaced Christian Eissele in the 60th minute after the striker had tirelessly led the line and then in the 64^th minute Brandon Roane had a shot saved during which time RIASA were having their best spell in the game. Villa Real rallied with their best spell of the game during which Karl Martens was called upon to make four excellent saves to keep a clean sheet. All of a sudden the RIASA squad were having to defend resolutely and were under serious pressure. After 75 minutes, Devan Taylor replaced Delano Brown on the right flank, and Fong Her replace CJ Lyle on the left flank meaning every member of the squad had played some part in the game.

Just when it looked like RIASA going to get a deserved draw out of the game, Villa Real scored in the 88^th minute with what could only be described as a lucky goal. This came when Rayner got a slight touch from a cross on the left and the ball deflected onto the near post, bounced of the post and hit the keeper on the back and went into the net, which could only be described as a lucky goal. Just before the Villa Real goal RIASA had their best chance of the game to go in front, when Eden Spinks ran through and got beyond the defence but his first touch let him down and the keeper was able to smother the ball.

Terry Dolan, said, “RIASA certainly did them proud playing against full time professionals and a draw would have been a fair result. Akil Howard and Rayner stood out at the back. Joey Spivack showed enterprise in midfield and Brandon Roane adapted well when he dropped deeper to give more support in midfield. The whole squad can take great credit from the performance and they will all have benefitted from the experience greatly”.

Mark Ellis was especially pleased for Akil Howard who played in a central defensive position. He said, “While the whole back four played well special mention should go to Akil who really came of age in this game – his covering was excellent and he showed me some things I had not seen before. Certainly, he is beginning to understated the game better now from a tactical perspective and this is showing in his overall performance. He is a different player than when he first arrived. I’m very pleased with the whole squad and the boys can be proud of how they performed today”.

Vincy Heat Posse: The Time is Now

It has been a while since our last post; but quite honestly, very little - at least on the positive side of things - have transpired in Vincy football since our last post. So congratulations once again to our first annual VHP award winners (2010): Cornelius Stewart - Senior Male Footballer of the Year; Myron Samuel - Junior Male Footballer of the Year; and Mr Kevin Richardson - Coach of the Year.

All in all 2010 was a dismal year for football in St. Vincent, and while the executive of the SVGFF continues to chit chat about its dreamy plans in closed circles and behind closed doors, it seems poised to hold us all ransom to a familiar fate in 2011. The question therefore is: Are the affiliates of Vincy football prepared to experience yet another year of potential dissapointment?

The word on the ground is that a new Technical Director has been hired by the SVGFF; and one would imagine that this is with the intention of bringing Vincy football "up-to-par".

Now I am not one for propoganda, but a little mocking bird described to me what this new TD's pocket should look like at the end of the month - with that in mind, there is no doubt that the SVGFF has gone high profile. But where are all the systems to support this high profile appointment? What's the marketting and sales strategy for 2011? Certainly Vincy football would now need to sustain its "high profile" reputation. What would be done to regain the visible support of the general public? Support for junior and senior Vincy Heat outfits has dwindled significantly, and so has the following for local club competitions. What is the SVGFF prepared to do to attract even the most die-hard of fans who have simply "given-up"? When would the SVGFF quit playing games with the preparation of teams for regional and international competitions? And when would the SVGFF get out of its ad hoc, now-for-now mentality?

We take for example the National Under 23/ Olympic football traning squad. These younsters have been in training since the end of November 2010, and to this point, the SVGFF has not made a single committment to this programme. In fact, the programme is currently running unofficially under the direction of coaches Kendale Mercury (Head Coach), Cornelius Huggins (Assistant Coach), Kevin Richardson (Goal Keeping Coach), and Manager Jamal Browne. None of these individuals have been appointed, and neither were they asked to render this service. They however saw the need to get the programme up and running to avoid the usual occurence of teams being pulled together two or three months prior to tournaments.

Under 23/ Olympic Qualifiers kick off in June of this year - that basically gives us three months to get primed for a competition that most Caribbean teams have already begun training for. The Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation for example would have made its appointments of coaches and managerial staff for its Under 23 team as early as the end of November 2010. The SVGFF on the other hand has made none to date. This is inexcusable, and is nothing but a true reflection of the performance of the executive over the past five years.

However, the SVGFF should be thankful to these four individuals who have been working assiduously to keep alive a programme that as far as the FF is concerned has not even been given birth to.

It is time enough that the local football affiliates stand up and let their voices be heard. Affiliates are far too silent for most of the year. Many however choose to make personal rather than professional objections about the functioning of the administrative machinery of the FF during the open forum of the AGM - that's just once a year; and otherwise, silently criticize every aspect of the local football structure. Are the affiliates even aware of their right to a vote of 'No Confidence' in the instance of true/ justified and persistent lapses in representation? I am not too certain.

In closing, we sometimes need to hang up our egos before we even become capable of  rational and productive thoughts. Apparently, a lot of this needs to take place within local football before we can even consider moving forward. However, as unlikely as it seems, the change should begin at the top.

VHP Accolades 2010

Coach of the Year (2010):

Name: Coach Kevin Richardson

Expertise: Goal Keeping

Teams coached in 2010: National U20; National U21; Women’s National Senior; Men’s National Senior.