More than just football for Green Pond

Western Bureau:

Despite suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Cornwall College in the ISSA/Digicel daCosta Cup football competition yesterday, Green Pond High School coach Gregory Daley said having a successful season is more than just football for the school.

Despite dominating from the opening whistle, Cornwall College needed a penalty after 34 minutes to take the lead. Deshawn Evans slotted to the right of Green Pond's custodian David Scott. Braxton Richards doubled the lead for Cornwall six minutes later to give them a comfortable lead at the break.

Cornwall's intensity dropped in the second half and it gave Green Pond the chance to come forward. The losers eventually netted a consolation goal after Devoi Douglas sneaked in at the far post to tap in from close range following a free kick.

"I can't explain how big of an impact it is. Just having these boys together we are saving lives. I won't even get into the stories but we have a lot of sad stories here. This is what keeps a lot of them in school. The impact is great, it is more than just football for Green Pond," Daley said.

"We have a lot of mentors in our mentorship programme that interact with most of these players. We try to help them, not only in football but in every aspect of life and their overall development. Not only are they from volatile areas but also from poor families. We are trying to save lives and teach life skills," he added.

Daley also weighed in on the result and how much it could impact their chances in the competition.

"Losing is always going to have an impact, especially in Zone A. However, we still maintain second place. All we need to do is carry home the other games and we will be safe," Daley said.

Cornwall College coach Dr Dean Weatherly said it was good to return to winning ways after back-to-back losses last week.

"Yes, it's definitely a good result. Today is the first day of our season, and that's the approach we are taking. We have four more games to put under our belt. This (campaign) is one where we can't afford to drop a point. That's the position that we've put ourselves in where every game is a final," Weatherly said.

Other results

Black River 1 Petersfield 1

Godfrey Stewart 0 Mannings 0

Grange Hill 0 Belmont Academy 1

Lacovia 0 Munro College 0

Maggotty 0 STETHS 2

B.B. Coke 3 Sydney Pagon 1

Holmwood 2 Alphansus Davis 1

Alston 0 Christiana 5

Ocho Rios 1 Oracabessa 1

York Castle 2 Browns Town 0

Horace Clarke 0 St Mary High 1

McGrath 1 Charlemont 0

Enid Bennett 1 Dinthill 5

Ewarton 1 Guys Hill 0