Plymouth-born Karyn Forbes is on a mission to develop and promote football in Tobago.

Forbes, a prolific player and current Captain of the Senior Women’s National Football Team, hosted the sixth instalment of “Kick it with Karyn”; a highly anticipated 7-a-side football tournament at the Plymouth Recreational Grounds, Tobago recently.

Forbes, who has been a part of the Women’s National Football Team for the past 15 years, is currently playing international football in Iceland, however, she returns home annually to do her part to expand the sport on the island.

The two-day event which took place on January got underway shortly after 10:00 am. It showcased 26 matches of boys U-8, U-10, U-12 and U-14 in a 7-a-side Football competition, which also included two teams from Trinidad.

Communications solutions provider, bmobile, leapt at the opportunity to partner with Forbes for the tournament. TSTT’s Manager Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations, Anjanie Ramesar-Soom shared, “From Dwight Yorke and Akeem Stewart to the likes of La londe Gordon and Karyn Forbes, it is evident that Tobago is brimming with athletic potential. As the national provider, we are proud to partner with Karyn to host this year’s tournament as part of our continued investment in the communities and people we service. Youth Development through sport is one key areas of focus so we are pleased to start 2020 off with this partnership.” Ramesar-Soom commended Forbes for her ongoing effort to develop the sport and provide a platform for local players to sharpen their skills.

In an interview, Forbes said, “The aim of this competition is really to give back to the community and raise awareness of youth football in Trinidad and Tobago while having an organised tournament. My eyes are set on developing it into my own league where players can come to Tobago and participate in a tournament that has global reach.”

She also noted that over the tournament’s five years, it has helped bring youth and communities on the island of Tobago together and served as a vehicle to develop good sportsmanship, leadership skills, peace and harmony amongst those who participate.

The footballer, who proudly holds a Bachelor and Master degree from West Texas A&M University, explained that the tournament has gained significant recognition throughout the country. “In the first year of the event, there were only matches for men. In the second year, I introduced women matches, and in the third year I developed on those matches. Last year, the under 12 boys and girls were introduced to the event and this year (2020) is the first year of it being held for two days,” stated Forbes.

The tournament consisted of more than just bragging rights, as according. The prizes included trophies and medals, as well as a number of individual prizes including tablet devices from sponsor, bmobile.

At the end of Day 1, Forbes was able to point out a few players she observed, who she said are "full of potential".

Nine-year-old Jahmiah Gibbes; a promising athlete who hails from Bethel, said he had fun in the tournament. "It was a good game... I scored three goals and I played well. I have been playing football for over five years... I just love football." His counterpart, Kyenade Anderson, shared similar sentiments noting, "The tournament for me was good... I had fun, I scored one goal. Football is my favourite sport." Aydon Coker rounded out the trio and gave credit to his father for inspiring him. When asked about the tournament, he stated with a smile, "I had fun, it was a good game. I love football because my daddy is my mentor and he plays the game, so I am following in my daddy's footsteps."