Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines senior footballer Des Morris, of the famed Morris brothers, anticipates that this country’s participation in the Cosmos Copa, in June and July, would bring tremendous benefits.{{more}}

Morris spearheaded the efforts that earned this country a spot in the tournament, which will be staged in New York, USA.

The Cosmos Copa, with the legendary Brazilian Pele as its president, is considered the biggest soccer tournament in the Summer. Teams vying for the title will be competing for the Mayor’s Cup. The tournament begins with the qualifying round on June 18 and 19, with the finals set for July 24.

Morris, who has been appointed Technical Director of Team SVG/ Cosmos Copa, told SEARCHLIGHT last Sunday, at the conclusion of a screening and recruitment exercise for local players, at the Victoria Park, that there are tremendous benefits to be gained.

He said that it was his intention and that of his elder brother Pete, who is the President of Team SVG/Cosmos Copa, while they were here for the past week, to get some players to blend with those living in the USA, as it has worked in the past.

The younger Morris related the 1986 experience, when St. Vincent and the Grenadines competed in the Mini World Cup, dubbed Mundialito, and placed second, combining players based in New York and those here.

“The Cosmos Copa is a very prestigious tournament; it is about getting the players out there to some scouts, getting them some international exposure; that physical aggression, that professionalism, getting to practice on time, having to travel to the games; the players will be playing in a professional setting, it can help them mentally with their game,” Morris added.

He stated that the locally based players can in turn assist the national teams in their lead up to the World Cup qualifiers, set for September this year.

“We are looking at 10 or 12 players, as we think it is very important to bridge the gap between players in the diaspora and here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Morris outlined.

Morris, a former left back, said that only players who have played in the local Premier Division of the National Club Championships, ex nationals and others who have played at a very high level will be considered to be eligible for selection to the squad.

He added that the local players’ trip to the USA, will also serve to strengthen the Vincentian team which participates in the Annual New York Caribbean Cup.

He intimated that the effort must be total, here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and in New York.

“We are trying to form this group, CAVAS, the Committee for the Advancement of Vincentians Athletes Scholars in the diaspora,” Morris revealed.

Morris said that the adjunct support group will assist the Vincentian youths financially with social adaptation, transportation and other support mechanism in adjusting when they enter the USA on scholarships or on courses of study.

Morris said he believes that the 10 or 12 players which could travel to the USA next month, would be the biggest assignment for CAVAS. (RT)