Berger Field Comes Alive

Mundialito - Min. Mahler’s Success

April 22, 2023 - The political realities of Berger Field on Vernon Street, Belize City were today forgotten by the social realities of sport and youth and entertainment Mundialito style. The Brown Bombers, Ladyville Rising Stars, Belize United, Tut Bay Yabra and Face of Belize boys all enjoyed big wins, when the 2nd annual Belize Tourism Board’s Hon. Anthony Mahler Under-13 Mundialito football tournament kicked off at the newly refurbished Berger Field in Belize City on Saturday, April 22. Said refurbishment is the brainchild of Pickstock’s very own Anthony Mahler. It must be noted that this field is in the Albert division, whose representative has ignored this development. She also ignored the shenanigans of her Albert predecessor and the then BWS chairman in ghost ground breakings that only broke the heart of the young in the area and pockets of BWSL subscribers. But, it is ghost no more, the construction is still underway but that is not stopping a tournament for the future to kick off: BTB-Anthony Mahler U-13 Mundialito.

The tournament has engaged over 300 children registered in 11 boys’ teams and 6 girls’ teams in healthy clean fun, as they develop their football skills in the next 13 weeks of the tournament, explained

Minister of Tourism Hon. Anthony Mahler. The BTB has also provided complete uniforms, socks, shin guards and football boots for the teams. The BTB refreshments for the players to rehydrate while playing can easily be overlooked but it is mightily important.

The BTB collaborated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council in a $450,000 project to upgrade the Berger field, which broke ground on March 28, 2022. The field now has a state of the art, all-weather artificial turf, and the concrete bleachers are nearing completion. Minister Mahler said the project also includes plans for concession stands to be built, to encourage small entrepreneurs and food vendors to offer refreshments at the games.

In Game 1, the 2022 defending champions Belize United triumphed 1-0 over the Reality Youths, when Norman Muñoz 34’ scored the winning goal.

In Game 2, the Ladyville Rising Stars won 4-1 over Hattieville 4-1, with goals by Tyrese Henry 2’, Zion Gibson 5’, Frederick Garbutt 19’ and Mario Espinna 25’. Only Ronald Smith 30’ scored a late consolation goal for Hattieville.

In Game 3, the Mundialito rookies - Leaders of Tomorrow held the Sampson Academy to a scoreless draw: 0-0.

In Game 4, Tut Bay Yabra schooled Queen Square FC: 7-0 with goals by Khagri Martin 10’, JerContinued on page 9