Davies

The once-volatile communities of South St Andrew are finally at peace following the introduction of a community-corner football and netball league. The 2009 St Andrew Corner League in its second year is aimed at fostering unity among rival communities.

The brainchild of Member of Parliament Dr Omar Davies has teams participating from across the constituency, stretching from Arnett Gardens to Federal Gardens and across to Mulgrace Lane.

According to constituency secretary Farah Marshall, since the start of the league last year, the unity is growing as persons from the communities have welcomed the initiative.

"It gives the youth an opportunity to keep out of trouble and they have something to look forward to over the weekend," Marshall said.

Persons from the Tivoli Gardens community are also involved in the league as participating teams can invite persons from other teams to play on their teams.

In this year's competition, 32 football and 16-netball teams have been entered. The matches are played at the Charlie Smith High and Trench Town High football fields on Saturdays and Sundays.

"The Trench Town football field would be a place where most persons would be afraid to go," Marshall said.

Marshall said spectator support is good.

spectators

"There is a team from 'Rema' named Buckas that has a number of Boys' Town players and those matches are full. There are many persons who come out and support it. The managers for the teams carry a whole bunch of spectators with them, especially on a Sunday evening," Marshall said.

At the end of last year's competition, the teams were presented with various incentives and according to Davies, this year has exceeded expectations.

Jones Town All-Stars are the defending football winners and Angola All-Stars for netball.

Cash prizes of $40,000 were awarded to both football and netball champions.

Medals were also given to the winning team and also the runner-up teams and also sectional prizes for the most disciplined team, the best goalscorer and the most valuable player.

Sweatsuits were also given out to the winning team, both top and bottom and the runners-up receive sweatsuit tops. Plaques were given to the best-dressed and best-organised teams.

"What we got last year in terms of funding is significantly down when compared with this year," Davies said. "But we are going ahead with the competitions," he said.

Davies said it was remarkable that all the communities came out and supported the competitions.

"Apart from the interaction and apart from having the competition, we are trying to instil a level of discipline and even to spot possible talent for the Premier League," Davies said.

The competition will continue until August 8 with the grand finals and the closing ceremony.