SXMElections.com

MARIGOT—In an unusual start to the new football season Champ of Champs competition on the French side, the first two “curtain raiser” games on Sunday at the Alberic Richards Stadium both finished in draws.
  The U15 match between 2014-2015 champions Juventus against Flamingo and the Seniors match with champions Junior Stars versus President’s Cup winners Attackers both ended in a 2-2 draw.
  Préfète Anne Laubies attended the opening ceremony wishing St. Martin Football Association (SMFA) and players much success for the season before symbolically kicking the ball to initiate the start of the first match between Juventus and Flamingo.
  Opening remarks were also made by SMFA President Fabrice Baly and former Sports Commissioner (2007-2011), Jean-David Richardson, a former player with Black Stars.
  Richardson praised the parents for keeping their children focused on sports when there are so many other distractions, not all healthy, and congratulated the referees, coaches, trainers for their contribution to football.
  Fabrice Baly in his address, said: “My wish for players is to remain respectful and humble; my wish for you is to be proud of your identity and flag/country you are representing; my wish for you is to never give up, to excel and be ambitious, and never to forget that football can make you a better person.
  Lou Baly of the Arbitration Commission noted the 2014-2015 competition had eight teams in the U13 division, eight teams in the U15, five teams in the U17, and six senior teams. The same amount of teams is participating this year.
  Junior Stars swept the tournament last year, a fitting result seeing as it was their 50th anniversary. They lost only to Juventus in the U15 competition and were knocked out by Attackers in the President’s Cup.
  Three competitions are being played this year; St. Martin Cup, the regular championship in all categories, and the President’s Cup. The veteran league will not start before January 2016.