Ashcroft Players of TCIFA Centre of Excellence score big at President’s Day Soccer Tournament
February 2014
Imagine being able to play the sport that you love at one of the most magical places in the world. For five Ashcroft students that dream became a reality. Michael Saunders, Vijay Kalliecharan, Callum Park and Jude Smith from Grade 4 and Joshua Saunders from Grade 3 were selected to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands for the Under 9’s soccer team. These five soccer players comprised half of the team. They are members of the Centre of Excellence; designed to challenge gifted players. They practice 3 times a week with their coach, Fraser Park. A lot of hard work, determination and dedication has enabled them to come a long way!The players participated in the President’s Days Soccer Tournament at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Teams from the USA, Canada, Brazil, Peru and The Turks and Caicos Islands took part in this tournament. They played their first international game on Saturday against the Florida Vikings and won 4-1. Later in the afternoon, they were successful again playing the Braden River Rage; winning 5-0. Their last game was Sunday morning; again they were undefeated playing the Detroit Canton Celtic; 5-1. Three amazing games, over two days which lead them to the semifinals on Monday February 17th at 8am. It was a nail biting game, for the players, the coaches and the parents! The game ended in a 3-3 score. Penalty shootout was the deciding factor. Both teams played exceptionally well, Team TCIFA lost in the shootout 4-3. As parents, coaches and supporters, we could not be more PROUD of this young team from TCI who made their mark in the Disney Presidential Day Soccer Tournament!! Well done!! WE look forward to more great things from these young players!!
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