Gilbert eyes expansion of Tarania Clarke Girl Power Invitational
Published:Tuesday | February 4, 2020 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Xavier Gilbert, organiser of the Tarania Clarke Girl Power Invitational football tournament, held at Excelsior High School last Saturday, said they intend to make the event an annual one with plans to expand and include schoolboys in future editions.
Gilbert described the inaugural tournament, which included winners Excelsior, Denham Town, Holmwood Technical, Garvey Maceo, Meadowbrook, and Greater Portmore, as a success, noting it had the desired impact.
“We had six teams. Things went well. We started later than we would have liked, but after speaking to all the coaches, the young ladies all enjoyed it, and the opportunity was given to these young ladies to get as many of them scholarships to move on,” Gilbert said.
“We want it to be an annual event, but we might be forced to have more teams and more than one venue, and even add a male component to it, because this is the time that scouts are looking for players and there is not much of this opportunity in Jamaica for scouts to come and look at players. So we want to provide that platform and avenue for the young men as well.
“But, of course, we want to start with the girls first, but looking long term, that is where we might end up with it,” he added.
Excelsior, Greater Portmore, and Holmwood were drawn in one group, while Garvey Maceo, Meadowbrook and Denham Town comprised the other group. Excelsior and Garvey Maceo emerged the respective group winners and progressed to the championship final, which Excelsior won 2-0.
“We streamed live (via Facebook and Instagram). Scouts were there. The former national [women’s] coach Lorne Donaldson was there, so it was a very good day. We also honoured some past players, (national player) Deneisha Blackwood, (former national netballer) Simone Forbes and (former national player) Peta Gaye Soman. All these young ladies went on to represent the national programme and we want to remember what they have done for the Excelsior programme,” Gilbert shared.
Clarke, the former Excelsior High captain and national player, was stabbed to death during a dispute with another female in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, on October 31, 2019.
The 20-year-old defender was a part of the national senior team in its buildup to the FIFA Women’s World Cup and was part of the team to the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, last year.