Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown edition most valuable player (MVP) Bevney Marks was presented with a pair of football turfs on Wednesday by Colours Boutique at the entity’s Robb Street location.
Mark was awarded the individual accolade after leading Laing Avenue to their maiden championship following a 2-1 victory via penalty kicks in the final over North Ruimveldt at the National Park tarmac, Thomas Lands. Speaking to media operatives following the conclusion of the presentation, Mark thanked the company for their timely gesture while expressing joy in winning the coveted title, noting, “It’s [the tournament] a great impact in the community for the young ones coming up and the supporters. For me, they know I do play good football, so they are depending on me.”
He further revealed that the team will continue its training regimen for the impending national championship, disclosing, “Well, we are not waiting; we have a church yard, and the boss does allow us to have a night session, so the same thing we do in the Guinness is the same thing we do among ourselves.”
Mark further revealed that the event was a great initiative and that the team donated a portion of their winnings to the community. He explained, “We invested in the community, so we separated and took a couple of youths, bought kites, and took them out on the field, and they feel very grateful about it.”.
Meanwhile, Captain of Laing Avenue, Terrence Nero, said, “It feels great, especially to me, my players, and also the community. It gives us that extra boost to elevate and go and win more in the years to come, or the future, as you may say. Also, it gives us a little more recognition in the community and with other players and teams out there. We know that it will be harder for us going forward because the bigger teams and the underdogs, as they would call them, will be gunning for us, but we will be prepared.”
Asked about the reception received by the team from the community after the triumph, he said, “I can’t explain that; it was so nice to know the entire community supported us throughout everything, and we had a very good turnout in terms of support. For the youths out there, we are like idols to them because ever since we won, they are like we are next and we are going to take your place. I feel very nice to hear that from the youths coming up under us.”
When asked if the overall social cohesion within the community has been fortified since their victory, he disclosed, “I believe so because it has already started because, eleven years after we won the Guinness of the Streets, we are getting a lot of opportunities, and people are asking what you guys need and those things, and if we need any help.”
He further said, “I would like to say that it’s a very good job they’re doing, and I hope that they keep it up. Let it be bigger so that more teams will be recognized. All we know is that when football comes, especially this, the youths out there keep themselves out of trouble, and it keeps a lot of togetherness with them in the sport. I would hope and pray that banks continue doing what they are doing, which is doing a very great job, especially for the youth, and I expect them to continue.”
Probed about the team’s aim for the impending national championship, Nero said, “We will be training to get even better, working harder to keep our fitness in so that we can become the national champs.”
