THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JUNE 12 - JULY 12, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 13 Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK, NY: CHAMPIONS GRIFFIN Football Club and of New York and Harbour View Football Club from Kingston, Jamaica, are two of the eight teams confirmed for the youth division of the Jamaica Alumni Football Tournament (JAFT), on June 28-29, at the James L. Fleming Park, Yonkers, NY. IN ANNOUNCING the teams; Progressive Youths/Brooklyn; Young Stars/Bronx, Yonkers Deportivo, Riverdale/Bronx, Arambe Youths/Bronx and New Rochelle/NY – tournament director Bob Austin confirmed that the youngsters will play alongside the seniors, starting at 9am on Saturday. They will field teams in three age categories; U-14, U-12 and U-10 years old. In the senior division, 14 schools are confirmed including champions St. Andrew Technical (STATHS) in the Over-45 category. Munro College, winners of the Under-45 category, is sitting out this year along with Wolmer’s, St. George’s College and former champions, Calabar. With the championship matches set for Sunday afternoon including ceremonies honouring two of the sports most decorated tacticians at the youth (high school) level in Jamaica, fans attending Saturday’s first day action will see the All Manning vs All DaCosta Invitational game featuring some of the outstanding players from the decade of the ‘80s thru the mid-90s. This year, two coaches, Leebert Halliman and Jackie Walters, who are responsible for the careers of some of the best talent to progress from the Corporate Area ‘corner’ and minor leagues to the Manning and DaCosta Cup competitions, will be recognised for their outstanding body of work. Halliman for guiding STATHS to their only Cup triumph in 1987, and Walters who was at the helm when Camperdown won the triple crown in 1982. “Together, they have given close to 100 years of service to the sport, in the process touching and moulding countless lives”, asserted Austin. Austin used the June 5, virtual meeting with team leaders and captains to emphasise greater enforcement of the tournament rules and a level playing field for all teams. He said where necessary, players may be asked to very their age and school affiliation. ‘Completed rosters are a must’, he emphasised. He also noted that with limited Corporate support, fans will be asked to pay a small fee of $20 to enter the park. The tournament, a calendar event since 1996, kicks off at 9am, each day, weather permitting. Coaches Halliman, Walters to be honoured at Alumni Soccer fest in NY GRIFFIN FOOTBALL CLUB. Youth Division champions 2024 – Jamaica Alumni Football Tournament, NY. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Patrick Jackie Walters QUEENS, NY: A VIBRANT sense of renewal and unity filled the courts of Brookville Park as the Brookville Park Tennis Association, Inc (BPTA) officially launched its 2025 season opener. This year marks a pivotal moment for the organisation, as a growing movement is bringing together longtime members and new participants to work side by side in support of youth development and broader community engagement. Brookville Park was alive with activity and pride as the tennis area was transformed in the association’s signature green and yellow colours. Festive banners lined the fences, music played in the background, and the registration desk welcomed a steady flow of new and returning members eager to play, learn, or teach the game of tennis. One of the day’s most meaningful moments came during a special presentation by representatives from DICK’S Foundation, who awarded BPTA a generous $25,000 grant to support its expanding youth tennis programmes. This significant contribution will directly impact under-resourced youth in the local community by helping remove barriers to participation in tennis and promoting active, healthy lifestyles. “DICK’S understands the power of sport to transform lives,” said a foundation representative during the presentation. “By investing in community-based programmes like BPTA, we’re investing in the potential of young people to grow, thrive, and lead.” DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation has long been committed to youth sports, championing access, equity, and opportunity for children of all backgrounds. Their partnership with BPTA reflects a shared mission to ensure that every child has the chance to experience the positive benefits of sports and mentorship. Also featured during the event was a wellness talk by Dr Tocci of Family Chiropractic & Holistic Lifestyle Centre, who addressed the crowd on the health effects of inflammation and stress, offering practical tips for healthier living — reinforcing BPTA’s holistic approach to youth and community development. Dr Sharon Simmons, president of USTA Metro, added to the day’s success by sponsoring refreshments, ensuring that attendees remained hydrated and energised throughout the event. The association also proudly launched the BPTA Women’s Initiative, which will focus on the upliftment of women and girls and specific community outreach, including a winter drive to collect coats, boots, and socks for distribution to local shelters. The initiative has already received donations of new professional attire to support women preparing to reenter the workforce, and several coats and boots for the drive. With strong community support, enthusiastic new members, and powerful partnerships, BPTA’s 2025 season is off to an inspiring start. BPTA launches season opener From left; Jeffrey Lacy, BPTA president; Youth Programme Director Lawrence Gallmon; Shirley Aubin, youth programme administrative director; and DICK’S Foundation representatives; Rocky Ryan, Darren Bailey with his son, and Andy Spirou. CONTRIBUTED CELEBRATES OPENING DAY WITH UNIFIED SPIRIT, MAJOR YOUTH PROGRAMME GRANT FROM DICK’S FOUNDATION Leebert ‘ZiggyMan’ Halliman
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