The semi-final stage of the Hearts and Minds Inter Agency Task Force Football 7s tournament will take centre stage this Thursday at the St Paul Street Recreation Ground in Port of Spain with Laventille United, Netshakers, Beverly Hills and John John all competing for a place in the Final.

Following Four rounds of matches, Laventille United are currently top of Group A with nine points, losing just one and winning three of their outings to be sitting on nine points. They are followed by Netshakers on seven points, with Beetham on four points and Mentour Alley on one.

Beverly Hills are top of Group B with nine points and a superior goal difference to second-placed John John which also has nine points. Both Duncan Street and Sogren Trace are locked on four points with Sea Lots on two points,

In the latest set of games played on Tuesday, Laventille got goals from Joel Alphonso and Leon Nurse to overcome Beetham 2-0. In the other matches, Duncan Street and Sea Lots battled to a 0-0 draw with Netshakers and Beetham also playing to a scoreless stalemate.

On Thursday, Laventille United will face off with John John from 3:45 pm in the first semi final encounter and Beverly Hills will tackle Netshakers from 4:30 pm.

Laventille United’s Leon Nurse and Isaiah Lewis of Beverly Hills are currently joining top scorers with five goals each while Corey Isaac of John John and Keron Boyce of Beverly Hills follow with four goals each in the race for the top goalscorer award.

The tournament, titled the “Hearts and Minds” Football Tournament is geared towards providing long term benefits in the social development of young people and immediate, positive outcomes. Gang activities have decreased and barriers have been broken down.

This initiative was established to help curb the high level of crime within the various communities and to assist the young people to cope with life’s challenges and to channel their energies into a positive and healthy lifestyle. Our intention is to enhance the abilities within our youths in the areas of sports and physical activities and to remove borderlines within our area of operation. It is being held in collaboration with the Football 7 Association of T&T and the Miscellaneous Group.