North Village coach Arnell Thomas has backed his side to win the first ever RUBIS Charity Cup today when they lock horns with Vasco in the Corona League curtain raiser at BAA Field.In their first season in the league, Village picked up the Bistro Cup, beating Lock ‘N’ Key in the final to grab the title.Their season was secondary, however, to Vasco’s undefeated campaign that saw them set a record for goals scored and points earned in a single season.Although that was last season, Thomas wants his side to pick up where they left off and start with a win, something they couldn’t do in their two matches against Vasco last year.“My team are preparing not only for the Charity Cup but whatever cups that are going to be available this season,” said Thomas. “I think this year North Village will be the Barcelona in Bermuda.“The average age of the team is quite old at 41, so the key thing for me would have to balance the team with young and old legs.“We have picked a few new players which has added some depth in our team, and I believe we have the best team on paper but you know when it comes to playing it is definitely different.“We have a solid programme from youths right through their ranks to Corona, so our expectations for this season are to finish in the top two.”Vasco’s coach Joe Barbosa will also be looking to get off on the right foot and re-assert his side as the team to beat again this year.“We will field as strong a team as we can but we are expected to be missing some key players as a result of work commitments, injuries and some players transferring to other clubs,” said Barbosa.“Whilst it is the Charity Cup, it is the first official game of the season, so my guess is that both teams will take time to feel each other out and get used to competitive football again.“We will certainly be using this game to see where we stand against another top team within the Corona League and what changes and improvements we’ll need to make in order to defend our title.The match is scheduled for a 3 pm kick-off.