Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has officially launched the Commissioner’s Cup Football Tournament, an initiative ained at fighting crime.
The tournament is a collaborative effort of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) through its Community Policing Unit, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and the Football Factory Foundation.
It kicks off in July 2019 and is designed to incorporate sport as an essential crime-fighting tool.
“Sports especially football, can serve as a catalyst for creating stronger and closer communities and create a pool of talent for future TTPS football teams and by extension the nation,” Griffith told the launch on Tuesday at the Police Headquarters in Port-of-Spain.
He said this initiative will assist in minimizing nefarious activities within communities, encourage self-development while encouraging greater discipline among players and fostering camaraderie among teams.
Former national football captain, Kenwyne Jones, who has also played in the English Premier League, said he was honoured to be a part of such a timely initiative said football clubs are pillars in communities and play an integral part in motivating youth to becoming better players, while helping to build their character to deal with the adversities they face at home.
A statement by the Police Service said that the Commissioner’s Cup will play an integral role in fostering national development given that players attached to 46 youth clubs across the country will participate in 75 matches which will culminate in one major final.
Among the top prizes is the opportunity to receive football scholarships in the UK through the Football Factory and the MVP of the finals will be afforded the opportunity to travel with the TTFA to an international friendly match abroad.