The inaugural World Veterans Masters Tournament starts today in St.Croix and will wrap up on Sunday.
Teams from the United States, Denmark, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Trinidad, and the VI will be competing in the tournament.
The tournament is supported by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism as a lead up to the centennial celebrations of the transfer of the territory from Denmark to the US, which will be celebrated in 2017.
“This means that for the next three years we will be seeing masters football at its best in St.Croix,” said tournament coordinator Earle Robinson. “The BVI Masters has built up a name for themselves throughout the region, so we are pleased that they would be here to test their skills against some former world stars.”
VI player and organiser Kenrick Grant said the BVI Masters team is comprised of players who have surpassed the age of 40 and are still actively playing the game.
The tournament will feature prizes for the winners, as well as individual awards, including an award for the oldest player. Alvin Corneal, 70, of Trinidad, is a top contender for that award. The VI’s oldest player is Beauston Brown at 60 years old.
“The most difficult part of the team’s preparations has been raising the necessary funds,” said Mr. Grant. “So, we are still appealing to anyone who might want to assist us financially.”
The team does receive some support from the BVI Football Association, Mr. Grant added.
The VI squad consists of coach Elroy Mandraka Mills, manager Pheobe Murrell, Haenif James, Anthony Bramble, Rohan Lennon, Bernard Grant, Mr. Grant, Gregory Grant, Richard Reid, Humphrey Leue, Courtney Johnson, Michael Dennis, Garnet Ferron, Adrin St.Ville, Kelvin Eubanks, Beauston Brown, Rodney Prince, Sheldon Harry, Franklyn Victor and Avandall Williams.
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