CHRIS BIRCHALL and Hector Sam were honoured by football fans and cultural groups in Stoke-on-Trent, England on April 7 and 8. 

The duo, who are members of Port Vale Football Cub, are also members of the Soca Warriors Football team.

British MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, Joan Walley, in collaboration with the Union of African and African-Caribbean Organisations (UAACO) convened a gathering at Yorke House to celebrate the contribution of Sam and Birchall to the Burslem.

TnT/Germany Local Organisation Committee (LOC) executive member Terry Joseph brought greetings from the Trinidad and Tobago’s football fraternity, while Attache at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission to London, Ashton Ford, similarly hailed the achievements of the Warriors on behalf of the High Commissioner, Mrs. Glenda Morean Phillip.

Walley expressed hope that the connection established by contributions of Birchall and Sam would lead to another level of co-operation between Port Vale’s host city and Port of Spain, pledging to pursue the concept through football and diplomatic avenues. 

“We are sending you guys out onto the world stage as ambassadors for both Trinidad and Tobago and Stoke-on-Trent and we have every confidence you will do us all proud,” Walley said.

JENNY BIRCHALL addressing the audience in
Port Vale.

From left: CARLOS EDWARDS, MIKE BERRY
and High Commissioner Mrs. GLENDA
MOREAN-PHILLIP.

Also speaking at the event was Birchall’s mother, Jennifer who, along with husband Phillip were also on hand to witness the crucial match, that determined his team’s survival in League One and in which he played a pivotal role in securing against relegation of his club.

Birchall’s mom spoke about her growing up in Trinidad and was an ideal ambassador for TnT, hailing the country of her birth.