Andrew Wright, financial controller at the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS), is hailing the start of the inaugural INSPORTS All-Island Community Football Championship as a success.
Speaking shortly after one of the opening matches of the competition, Wright said the crowd support was outstanding and if this was anything to go by, INSPORTS is looking forward to a hugely successful event.
"I like the support of the crowd, I like the turnout of the teams and the participation was just excellent," Wright said after the official opening match between Leith Hall and Future Youth at Cotton Three, St Thomas, last Saturday.
"This is an excellent thing and, of course, we are looking for grass roots to really unearth the talent, and not only the spectators, but the players are in support of this," he added.
The encounter, which saw hundreds attending and displaying community spirit, saw Leith Hall winning 5-0.
opened the scoring
Wright
Johnnoi Thomas opened the scoring for the winners in the second minute before Shallom Ellis doubled their lead in the 26th minute. There was then a flurry of missed chances before Bunny McDonald scored in the 44th minute for a 3-0 half-time lead.
Captain Vergil Ferguson (52nd) netted Leith Hall's fourth after the restart and the die was cast when Jermaine Ferguson struck two minutes later.
Leith Hall's polished performance was, however, smudged when Cavel Foster saw red in the 77th minute.
The competition continues this weekend with matches across most parishes.