Opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity provide talented men and women an opportunity to express themselves in a most productive and creative way.
The Clarke Road Football Club (CRFC) annual 8-A-Side is an example of how football is being used in the Penal community to develop football talent in South West Trinidad. In addition to the on the field activities, the competition challenges the participants to constantly improve their club structure and organisation which can contribute to winning more titles. Also, many communities are brought together as they set out to support their clubs in the most visible and vociferous manner.
The league was launched in 2006 after the organising committee realised that there were no hockey-size football competitions in the Penal community. Since its inception in 2006, the number of participating teams has increased from 12 to 24 teams in 2014. Currently teams from Siparia, Moruga, Princes Town, San Fernando and Penal take part in competition.
The teams participating in 2014: Clarke Road Development Team, Mohess Road, Wilson Road FC, Quarry United, Serial Strikerz, Valley Line FC, Strivers Sports Club, Quinam Road, Lily Trace FC, Woodland FC, Largoon United, We Boys FC, Commonwealth Sports and Jus 4 kics.
One of the major challenges facing the organisers over the years is sponsorship. Initially, the competition was operated without a sponsor. However, the SPORTT Company came on board in 2008, Petrotrin in 2010 and in 2014 the Ministry of Sports has committed itself to assist in sponsoring the competition. Despite the many financial challenges, the hardworking organising committee have had several fundraisers each year to ensure that the competition operated without any major hiccups. Additionally, support has been provided by well-wishers in the community, the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation and the Clarke Road United cricket team.
In eight years of competition there have been seven different winners, with Aquart Village being the most successful team winning in 2008 and 2009. Defending 2013 champions FC Blazers from Siparia will be looking to join Aquart Village with their second title in 2014.
The competition is kicked off with a one-day tournament where the winner takes home $1,000.
To show recognition of the country's Republican status, an annual competition has been held where teams vie for trophies and cash in a grand community affair. Despite their financial challenges the league prizes range from $4,000 for the winner, $2,500 for second place, $1,500 for third and $1,000 for fourth.
The winners of the Knock-Out Cup (Clarke Road Cup) receive $3,000 and the runner up $2,000 in addition to a trophy and medals. Both the winners and runner's up receive medals and a trophy.
President Rajendra Ramnarine and his organising committee are determined to see this competition continue to grow.
Their vision is to encourage more teams to participate as well as to increase the prize structure.
The organising committee's goal is to make the competition the premier 8-A-Side league in T&T. Anyone interested in finding out more about the competition and contributing to its growth can contact Rajendra Ramnarine at 360-4073.
League Winners
2006 Iere Ball Players (Princes Town)
2007 Twin Palms (Dibidial Road) Penal
2008 Aquart Village (Penal)
2009 Aquart Village (Penal)
2010 Quarry United (Siparia)
2011 Rock Road (Penal)
2012 Powergen FC (Penal)
2013 FC Blazers (Siparia)
Winners of the Knockout (Clarke Road Cup):
Quarry United, Commonwealth, Powergen, Strivers Sports Club and FC Blazers.