The Tribune

MORE than 150 footballers, boys and girls aged 13 and under, played 40 matches of competitive football at Lyford Cay International School’s (LCIS) fifth annual KPMG Football Fest last weekend.

Teams from all over the Caribbean took part: Cedar International School (British Virgin Islands), American International School of Kingston (Jamaica), Cayman Prep and High School (Cayman Islands), Cayman International School (Cayman Islands), Lucaya International School (Freeport), the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association and LCIS. Most participating teams are members of the Caribbean International Schools Association (CISA), an organisation designed to enhance sporting competition between international schools in the region.

Director of Athletics at LCIS, Craig Massey, said this was the largest number of players yet, signifying the success and growth of the tournament year after year.

“We have players and teams who return every year because of the high level of competition, as well as the enjoying the hospitality of our community. All visiting students and coaches were hosted by LCIS families, highlighting the deep community involvement that goes into making this event a success,” he said.

The competition culminated on Saturday afternoon with four sets of finals - Bowl, Shield, Plate and Championship.

The Championship final for the girls featured Cayman Prep and Cayman International School, with Cayman Prep winning 2-0. The boys’ Championship final was won by Cedar International School against Turks and Caicos on a penalty shootout after the teams were level at 1-1 at full time.

LCIS Principal Dr Stacey Bobo believes the tournament’s greatest significance lies in the international exposure it provides for LCIS students.

“Events such as our annual KPMG Football Fest exemplify the truly transformative experiences we provide at LCIS,” she aid.

“As we move forward with plans to build a new, state-of-the-art Upper School campus, we will continue to develop opportunities for our students to become not only better skilled athletes but internationally minded, global citizens as well.”

KPMG Bahamas has served as the event’s main sponsor from its inception while Subway Bahamas, Abaco Markets Ltd and Thompson Trading also contributed to the event, providing food and snacks throughout.

Doctors Hospital provided an EMT team who worked alongside the LCIS school nurse to ensure that all players and spectators were well looked after.