The inaugural Marc of Excellence football tournament embodied the dream of former PHC Zebras captain Marco Warren to unite the community through sport.

The seven-a-side competition last Sunday at the former TN Tatem school in Warwick was a resounding success and featured players aged five to adults.

“The event was so successful and amazing,” Zianna Warren, tournament organiser and sister of Marco, told The Royal Gazette.

“It was a remarkable day to see the community come together and enjoy this thing called football as well as socialise with family and friends to celebrate Marco's life.

“It was bittersweet but more sweet than bitter. Of course we would want Marco to be here to witness his dream of bringing the community together and enjoying the love of football. It was so much of that event that embodied what Marco would have wanted. The Marc of Excellence Tournament truly embodied the dreams Marco often spoke about.

“We weren’t sure what to expect, but we knew Marco was cherished by so many. The event's success was inevitable because of who Marco was, both as a player and as an individual.

“For it to be a success the first time around was so fulfilling and an amazing feeling. When I got home I cried because I would have loved for Marco to see this happening and to see all that he had set out was a success.

“Despite losing such an incredible son, brother, father, boyfriend, family member and friend, we gained a stronger community than we could have ever imagined all thanks to Marco’s vision.

“Thanks to the team, thanks to the sponsors and vendors, the community that came out and especially all the men and young children that came out to play.”

Wolf Packs emerged victorious, with 21 Sam’s finishing runner’s-up and Day 1s third.

“Everyone who played came and conquered just like a winner, but the ultimate winners were the Wolf Packs,” Warren added.

“It was particularly meaningful that Marco’s family team, the Wolf Packs, emerged victorious, as Marco would have had playful banter with them had they lost.

“At the finals, I decided to change the rules from penalties to an additional five minutes each way, knowing Marco would have found penalties too easy and unchallenging. Marco thrived on challenges, and everyone who knew him can attest to that.

“Each team sported a Marc of Excellence jersey in the colour of their choice, designed by Marco's mother, Wendie, and his sister Chelsea.

“The love and passion for football were vividly displayed at Marco’s first Marc of Excellence Tournament,” Zianna Warren said

“As I told my team, it was a ReMarcable day and everyone who attended can attest to that.

“The community's enthusiastic support, celebrating each team, laughing, dancing, eating, and embodying the spirit of community, was truly heart-warming and enjoyable to witness.”

Individual prizes were awarded to tournament MVP Zadao Dill, leading goalscorer Seke Spence and most valuable goalkeeper Antwan Russell. The coach’s award went to Randy Bean, Warren’s grandfather.

Organisers are already looking forward to next year’s event.

“The overwhelming positive feedback from our first tournament has deeply fulfilled our team and honoured our personal connections with Marco,” Warren said.

“We’ve learnt valuable lessons that will help us improve next year’s event and look forward to welcoming even more teams, sponsors, vendors and most importantly our community.

“Love and passion was shown for football on that field and I hope it continues that way as Marco would have wanted.

“This was not just a tournament to see who's the best, but a tournament that displayed the talents and the bond that each individual shared together.”