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28
Thu, Mar

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North East Stars Football Club hosted its annual Youth Awards and Appreciation Dinner on Saturday at the National Flours Mills conference hall, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

The function got underway with opening remarks from the team’s manager Denise Lawrence whose comments were well received by the parents and players from both the Under 16 and Under 18 teams.

Feature speaker was the Under 16 team coach, Alexis Charles, who expressed his appreciation for firstly being given the opportunity to lead the youngsters, but more so, he was grateful for the commitment he received from his players. 

Commenting on the fact that his team was often put at a disadvantage due to some players having national team duties, he praised those that worked hard to fill the gap. Gratitude was also extended to the players who stayed back for training after school which he described as loyalty and utmost commitment and discipline for the team and the sport. In closing, he urged and encouraged his young footballers to utilise the current vacation period to continue training and maximise the use of the internet to enhance themselves. 

Though North East Stars finished third in the Flow Youth Pro League behind Jabloteh (winners) and second- placed Caledonia, the Under 16 captain Keon Boney expressed his satisfaction with the team’s growth and dedication throughout the league. Also a national under 17 player, Boney walked away with three prestigious individual prizes - Most Goals, MVP and Goal of the Season. Upon receiving the Goal of the Season trophy, he was met with great applause by those gathered as they relived the moment he scored a screamer from half line. 

In a video shown by Boney, he showed great power and precision as he netted another scorcher from long distance in a hard-fought 4-3 win over W Connection. Boney, who dominated the scoring with a season high 18 goals, is a bit timid off the field but thinks his toughest challenges still lie ahead as he awaits CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) results to determine what is his next move career wise and on the field of play. 

Representatives from the under 18 team collected trophies and medals on behalf of the players that were absent due to other commitments. 

Special individual awards were given out to persons who provided assistance to the team’s management throughout the duration of the season. 

Under 16 Awards Most Valiant – Romario Mahabir 
Goalkeeper of the season – Josiah Johnson 
Most Disciplined - Bradley Taitt 
Best Defender – Darnell Charles Best Midfielder – Kobe Douglas 
Best Striker, Most Consistent – Jamal Baksh 
Goal of the season, MVP, 
Most Goals – Keon Boney 
Under 18 Awards Most focused – Shane Sandy 
Best Goalkeeper – Javaughn Watson 
Most improved – Kishon Hackshaw 
Best defender – Tafari Clement 
Most disciplined – Hakeem Lee 
Best midfielder, Goal of the season - Renaldo Francois 
Most Goals, Best Striker – Isaiah Lee