FUTEBOLCRIOLO.COM DINNER GALA

By MAteus "Muhammadah"
On Friday April 02, 2010, Cape Verdeans Soccer fans and supporters came from various parts of New England to show their love to the game and their support to Futebolcriolo.com first Dinner Gala at Restaurant Cesaria. In an interview with the CEO of Futebolcriolo.com Salomao Afonseca stated that the event was very important for the website and he was contented to see the amount of supporters who took the time out their busy schedules to come out and support the website. Mr. Afonseca also stated that it was important to see that people are supporting the beautiful game and are interested to see what is going on in NELASA and in Cape Verde in general. In the audiences, there were NELASA’s President Carlos Amado, FIFA agent Tonny Araujo, and most of the NELASA clubs representatives, form Brockton, Rhode Island and Boston. The night was for the most part a tribute to some of NELASA’s Clubs and staff for their outstanding contributions, dedication and hard work they put in throughout the 2009 NELASA season.

In addition Mr. Afonseca said “It’s sad to see these talented individuals, and organizations work and efforts been wasted and that’s the main reason they’re been honored tonight”. Mr. Afonseca started the night by thanking the audiences and those who had show their supports but couldn’t make it. He shared with the audiences his vision and purposes to have a website that brings information about Cape Verdean sports around the world to the community. He also informed the audiences that his vision going forward is to make sure he connects the Cape Verdean communities around the world. He also addressed the importance of the youth in Brockton, Boston and Rhode Island to stay connected with the older guys and to learn the values and roots of their culture. Soccer gives young adults the opening to interact with the older adults and it gives the older guys the opportunity to teach the youngsters discipline, respect, and brotherhood. Mr. Afonseca’s vision is to use soccer as a method to connect the community with the youth and the older generation with the young generation.

Furthermore, Mr. Afonseca asked the audiences, clubs and NELASA in general to continue to support the website and to continue to do everything they can to promote Cape Verdean Soccer in the United Stated and abroad. He stated that it is extremely important that the clubs work together and support each other going forward. “Few years back, not many knew about NELASA, not many went to the games and not many cared about the game. Now when you go to the games you see people from all over supporting their teams and having a good time, that’s what is all about. As a member of the community when you see someone invite him to the game, when you see an young adult try to convince him to come to the game so he can interact with others. ” (Afonseca)
As a member of the community I’m very pleased to see this type of initiative and I believe that we all should take this chance to encourage those who do not know about what’s going on around them to come to the games with us. I think if we all do our parts we can really use soccer to get some of our youths out of the streets. Mr. Afonseca cannot do it alone and he cannot change every youth’s lives but if the community as a whole do support him and embrace him change will be made and some of our youth’s lives will be saved.

Futebolcriolo.com did not forget to recognize those who did a marvelous job last season Carlos Amado received a “Thank You” plaque in appreciation of the relationship that the league and Futebolcriolo.com has over this short period of time. Mr. Amado, took the time to thank everyone and he informed the audiences that this season NELASA will be a great success and he encouraged everyone to show their supports to the league and to others who are doing tremendous job bringing us information about the beautiful game. He also stated that the open day for this season will be on April 16, 2010. Mr. Amado dedication and integrity to NELASA is undeniable. His commitment to a better league and a better environment is beyond every ones imagination, we should support him and embrace him as The President of NELASA.

Clube Tabanka was honored as Team of the year and Offensive Team of the Year. Clube Tabanka had an outstanding 2009 season, their success last year showed us how important it is to have a strong group of people who are willing to work together. They are a perfect example for the younger teams that are trying to reach higher. They leaded the league in goals scored with 58 goals in 19 games. They won the NELASA Championship and the Supper-Cup. Job well done and good luck this year.

Aliança CV from Brockton was awarded Futebolcriolo.com 2009 Defensive Team of the Year. Aliança CV had the best defense in the league. They managed to concede only 15 goals during the regular season. The group had a good run last year and they are ready for the new season. Keep up the good work and good luck this year.

Curral Grande received 2009 Comeback Team of the year award. During 2008 season they were one of the worse teams in the league. They ended the season with two wins and 10 points last place in their respected group. But their pride, dedication and hard work turned everything around last season. They managed to make the playoffs and not one wanted to play them during the season or in the postseason. They ended the season with 26 points and made the postseason for the first time.

Sporting RI coaching staff Jorge and Tiago Monteiro received 2009 Coach of the Year award for the job they did with Sporting RI and for the amazing 2009 season. Jorge and Tiago helped Sporting RI won a very difficult group that had Emigrantes, Dinamo, and Strela Negra. They tied Aliança CV for the league best record 12-5-2, (41 points). Sporting RI, had an outstanding home record with not loss, they were the only club with a perfect home record during 2009 season. The two coaches also helped Sporting RI to the league’s Championship game for the first time. Good job coaches, good luck this season.

Futebolcriolo.com 2009 MVP went to Nilton “Pirochu” Pina. In his first year in NELASA Pirochu played for Strela Negra where his team finished 4th in their respected group and the 4th best team in NELASA during 2009 competition. Pirochu scored 12 regular season goals according to NELASA stats, and he was also honored by Soccer Schedule committee as New England Champions League (NECL) 2009 MVP.

Emigrantes Das Ilhas received Futebolcriolo.com Recognition Award for their outstanding 2009 season. Emigrantes won Back to Back Mass State Cup Champions, 2009 USA amateur soccer Region I Open Cup Champions. They were the first Cape Verdean’s team to ever qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and they were 2 games shy of facing New England Revolution in the Open Cup. These are just some of the accomplishments that Emigrates were able to achieve during their 2009 season, and we wish them luck as they try again this year in the Open and Amateur Cups.

Mr. Afonseca closed the night with these words “ with these awards that Futebolcriolo.com has giving out this year I hope I have encouraged NELASA players, coaches and staff to dedicate more to this game that we all love, and I look forward to do this again next year.” With that the night was concluded with Live DJ music.

Futebolcriolo.com and everyone who were honored with the Awards are to be congratulated on a job well done and GOOD LUCK DURRING THE 2010 SEASON.