CLQ02122021 - Page 45

New soccer club finds ‘common bond’ in Antigua �� Caribbean Life, FEBRUARY 12-18, 2021 35 By Azad Ali The Sri Lanka tour of the West Indies hangs in the limbo after head coach, Mickey Arthur and batsman, Lahiru Thirimanne were tested positive for COVID-19. Arthur and opener Thirimanne are following government health protocols after discovering they had contracted COVID-19 in the latest round of testing last week. The Sri Lanka team is due to leave for the Caribbean this month, but the tour may be pushed back. A Sri Lanka Cricket Board statement said, “Following PCR Tests carried out on the provisional squad, which was preparing to take part in the national team’s upcoming tour of the West Indies, head coach, Mickey Arthur and Sri Lanka player, Sri Lanka’s Lahiru Thirimanne in action against the West Indies at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street, Britain, July 1, 2019. Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith, fi le Lahiru Thirimanne have tested positive for COVID-19.” “Considering the current situation, SLC is exploring the possibility of rescheduling the Tour scheduled to commence on Feb. 20, 2021,” the statement said. By Nelson A. King A newly-formed soccer club, which targets boys and girls in the Niagara Region is collaborating with a club in Antigua and Barbuda to provide opportunities for kids in both locations. Bert Lobo, executive director of Generation Next F.C. Rebels, told CBC News that there are exciting plans in the works for the kids, but it could be weeks before they can get the ball rolling. Lobo was recently introduced to Ricky Santos, president of Generation Next Football Club (GNFC) Rebels in Antigua, according to CBC News. “We immediately found our common connection as we both have been providing opportunities for girls and boys to pursue their dreams through the playing of soccer, or football as it is known around the world,” Lobo told television network. “With this newly found association, we have moved forward with various initiatives including the formation of tournaments, university and professional showcases to display the talents of players looking to achieve successes in soccer, and also their academic lives,” he added. Lobo said GNFC Rebels will offer participation in local and worldwide leagues and tournaments, according to CBC News. He said GNFC Rebels players both in Canada and Antigua will have the added pathway of not only a possible university scholarship but also an opportunity to pursue professional options worldwide. Lobo said he was “very pleased to work with Ricky and GNFC Rebels and especially the expanding brand that they have built not only in Antigua but also in Spain and England,” reported CBC News. “GNFC Rebels, Niagara, will be unlike any other organization in the Niagara Region as options and opportunities provided by the GNFC brand have been successful not only in Antigua but other major soccer playing countries,” he said. But Lobo said the club has been forced to put all activities on hold because of the COVID- 19 pandemic, according to CBC News. Sri Lanka tour of the Caribbean in limbo ��