12 • Teams • Sponsors • Volunteers • Fans Contact: www.griffinfootballclub.com, t. 347.623.8198 OPEN FOR REGISTRATION • Youth Development Program • Evenings & weekends • Fundamental & Advance Skills Mastery • Certified Coaches & Administrators ON SATURDAY, June 25, and Sunday 26, the Griffin Football Club staged the 18th edition of the Jamaica Alumni Football Tournament (JAFT) at two locations in The Bronx, the Haffen Valley Park (Saturday) and Ferry Point Park (Sunday), due to the unavailability of Evander Childs High School Stadium. A total of 16 schools participated: Defending Champions Calabar High School, Excelsior High School, Clarendon College, Camperdown High School, Herbert Morrison Technical, Jamaica College, Dinthill Technical High School, William Knibb Memorial High School, Kingston College, St George’s College, St Andrew Technical High School, and Munro College. This year we had four newcomers: Ardenne, Dunoon, Edwin Allen, and Bridgeport. The fun-filled football festival was well supported by the players, their families and fans of the sport. This year’s tournament had a new format: Over 45 ‘Masters’ and U45 ‘Open’. The Master’s bracket/division comprised: St George’s College, Camperdown High School, Jamaica College, Kingston College, Clarendon College, St Andrew Technical High School, Ardenne High School, Edwin Allen, Herbert Morrison Technical, Dinthill Technical High and Excelsior High School. The Open division featured Calabar High School, Jamaica College, Kingston College, St George’s College, Munro College, Camperdown High School, Dunoon Technical, Bridgeport High School, William Knibb High School, and Excelsior High School. On both days, the parks were bubbling! Tents were erected and all schools donned their jerseys with pride and confidence. Fans represented their alumni associations by parading in their school colours: light blue, dark blue, and green & black, maroon & gold, green & gold, maroon & blue, blue & gold, maroon & beige and red & blue. This informal outdoor family style setting was just what the doctor ordered! Nostalgia was in the air, as fans came out to see their favourite players from yesteryear. The attendance was very encouraging. Ashani ‘Maestro’ Walker (JC) was named MVP for the Open division and Keith ‘Baddas’ Tomlinson (HMT) was named MVP for the Master’s bracket. The leading goalscorer went to Troy ‘Pepsi’ Pinnock of Camperdown High School for the ‘Open’ bracket. Vascoe ‘Fox’Duhaney (JC) was the leading scorer for the Master’s bracket. The best-dressed teams were Camperdown and Dunoon for their respective divisions. The most disciplined team award went to Herber t Morrison Technical for the second year in a row. The two-day tournament was successful and incident free, and this was echoed by all who were in attendance. A very special thank you to the players and supporters of the various schools involved, especially referees Troy Gardner and Andrew Richards. Of course, the success of these events is usually hinged on the level of sponsorship and for this reason, we want to give a big ‘shout out’ and thank you to the following: Williams Jewellers, Optimum Dental, Law Office of Adrian A. Ellis, LLC; Les Q Caribbean Restaurant, Jamaica College Old Boys’ Association, Johnny’s Cheesecake, Faithy’s Restaurant , Di r ty Gloves Drain Services, Cornwall College Old Boys’ Association – NYC, Godfrey U. Mitchell & Associates, Grooving Radio, Second BaseMedia & Consulting, LLC and Brasilian Soccer School. The overall responses and feedbacks have motivated the organisers as we look forward to a bigger and better event in 2023. Bobby Austin, Tournament Director Griffin Football Club says thank you… Football administrators Orlando ‘Bunni’ Byfield (second left) andWinston ‘Cosmos’ Buddle (second right) are flanked by tournament volunteers Zola Lallo Pinto (left) and Janet Henry (right), after they were presented with awards for outstanding and dedicated service to the sport of football during the JAFT event at the Ferry Point Park, Bronx. Members of the Calabar Alumnus football team. CONTRIBUTED PHTOS Most Valuable Player Keith Tomlinson shows his trophy. THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JULY 7 - AUGUST 6, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT
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