BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Aug. 18, 2016–After a long delay, reportedly due to difficulties in securing the promised prize money for the winners, the Belize District Football Association (BDFA) will finally hold its First Division Championship final this Sunday, August 21, at the MCC Grounds, starting at 3:30 p.m. It will be the much anticipated clash between Eiley FC and Lake I Bombers. A release today from the BDFA said that the champion takes home a cash prize of $2,000.00; while the sub-champ gets $1,000.00.
According to reports, the FFB bailed out the BDFA this week with a check for $3,000.00.
U-17 selection
In other news, BDFA Chairman William “Billy” Moguel reported today that:
“The BDFA U-17 played a work-out friendly against FC Belize on Wednesday, August 17, in preparation for this weekend’s U-17 National Tournament in Belmopan. The game ended 1-1.
“The Belize District U-17 selection (players from Belize City, Hattieville, Ladyville & San Pedro) leaves tomorrow morning (Friday) for Belmopan. The delegation is headed by Tyrone Muschamp, Jesus Lozano and Femi Ojo.”
(Ed. Note: In contrast to the cash-strapped BDFA, we observe that, in this very issue, the CYDP is advertising the start of its annual Peace Cup tournament with a 1st place prize of $5,000.00; 2nd prize $3,000.00; and 3rd prize $2,000.00. Most of the players in the Peace Cup have been regular 1st Division or semi-pro players; which raises two questions: (1) Is the CYDP usurping the role of the BDFA?; and (2) Is the CYDP making best use of its resources to “reach” the troubled young men who are not regular participants in sports?)