The Youth in grey and black beat the Veterans in green and white 4–1 on December 31, 2025. Photo courtesy of Cesar Mendez.
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Youth defeated the Veterans 4–1 in Benque Viejo del Carmen’s traditional End-of-the-Year Veterans vs Youth football match on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium.
The annual match, which pits the older generation against the new, was played this year in memory of Deacon Cal Cathers and Edgar “Pollo” Garrido, who passed away last year.
The first edition of the game was held 30 years ago. Though the Veterans have historically won more encounters, the Youth have been the stronger side in recent years.
Only players who were either born in Benque or currently reside in Benque are eligible to participate.
Over the years, players such as Erwin Contreras, Errol Coleman, Cesar Mendez, and Rene Montero have taken part. This year, Mendez did not play; instead, he served as the referee. Former standouts returning to the field included Shamir Pacheco, Jamil Cano, Habib Cano, Emanuel Martinez, Hector Martinez, and Yusef Guerra.
The Youth squad featured Verdes’ Nahjib Guerra, Desmond Wade, Owen Sosa, Darren Mis, Kadim Tut, and Randy Chavarria.
Desmond Wade led the way with a brace, while Nahjib Guerra and Elias Iglesias added one goal each. The Veterans’ lone goal came from Jamil Cano, who converted from the penalty spot.
Mendez said that despite the 4–1 scoreline, the match was entertaining and competitive, with both goalkeepers forced to make several good saves.
The post Youth win Benque’s traditional End-of-the-Year football match 4-1 over Veterans appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
The Youth in grey and black beat the Veterans in green and white 4–1 on December 31, 2025. Photo courtesy of Cesar Mendez. By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Youth defeated the Veterans 4–1 in Benque Viejo del Carmen’s traditional End-of-the-Year Veterans vs Youth football match on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium.
The post Youth win Benque’s traditional End-of-the-Year football match 4-1 over Veterans appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.