The Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella will transform into a hub of youthful athleticism from December 19-21 as it hosts the rebranded NLCL Nations Cup International Holiday Fun Festival. Formerly known as the Community Cup, the tournament has been revitalized by Next Level Consulting Limited (NLCL) to feature four competitive age brackets: Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 divisions.
The competition will showcase emerging football talent from clubs across Trinidad, with international representation from Northern Stars United of St. Lucia, marking the event’s growing regional appeal. The official launch on December 11 generated significant excitement among club representatives and young athletes eager to conclude their year with competitive matches.
Tournament organizers Brian Jordan, chairman of the Next Level Foundation, and NLCL chairperson Janine Jordan emphasized the dual nature of the event, highlighting both its competitive structure and its primary focus on enjoyment and community engagement for players and families alike.
The launch event featured inspirational addresses from Trinidad and Tobago national team player Andre Raymond and renowned sports broadcaster Gyasi Merrique. Raymond shared his personal football journey, stressing the transformative impact of supplemental training beyond team practices. “Doing additional work with my father fundamentally improved my skills,” Raymond revealed. “My schoolmates noticed dramatic improvement when I returned after form one – evidence that individual dedication produces tangible results.”
Merrique offered alternative perspectives on sports involvement, encouraging attendees to remain alert to opportunities beyond traditional athletic paths. Drawing from his own transition from player to sports journalist, Merrique advised: “Keep your head on a swivel searching for opportunities when one door closes. Always be ready and alert to avoid missing chances that could positively impact your life.”
The tournament’s successful organization was credited to numerous sponsors including NLCL, Next Level Foundation, Bermudez (Dixee), Ramsingh’s Sports World, Oasis Water, TECU Credit Union, Frutopia, hydration partner Gatorade, and several local businesses and individual contributors. Chairperson Jordan articulated the event’s broader mission: “Our objective through NLCL is saving our youth through football. If we can guide even one individual toward success, we have fulfilled our purpose.”