Under-17 football girls stalk history

The twin-island republic became the smallest country to have played in the FIFA World Cup when the “Soca Warriors” qualified for World Cup Germany 2006 and at a launch at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, CONCACAF president and Special Advisor to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) Jack Austin Warner said it will be another history-making moment should we be among the first group of countries to play in the inaugural Under-17 Girls tournament, scheduled for October 28- November 15. But first the young women, including Jessica De Leon, daughter of local football icon Leroy De Leon will have to get past the qualifiers which are to be held here between July 17-27.

From the qualifiers the top three countries will advance to the World Cup. The local girls are in Group ‘‘A’’ along with Costa Rica, El Salvador and the United States to be played at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna.

They will open their campaign against the El Salvadoreans July 18 at 7pm before facing the Costa Ricans two days later. They will wrap-up the group round against the Americans on July 22.

The other Group “B” will feature Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada and Jamaica, and will be played at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Tobago. To qualify, the top two teams from each group will advance to a play-off at the Marvin Lee Stadium.

And from this play-off the top two teams will move on to the World Cup, while a third and fourth-place play-off will determine the other team from the CONCACAF region to contest the New Zealand World Cup. Warner urged the young players to do their best and qualify for the tournament.

He told the gathering that the football federation, despite the difficult times it is facing, was able to get the money by God’s grace to prepare them. Warner also reminded the team of the biblical phrase “To whom much is given, much is expected” and warned the players that they should eat and sleep football.

He pointed out the qualifying tournament is costing the federation $3.7 million to stage.

The local football boss also expressed the view that should Trinidad and Tobago qualify for the World Cup, they will be spared the heartache of entering the “Group of Death” at the World Cup which is Group “D” which will comprise Brazil, Korea Republic, England and a yet-to-be crowned African champions.

National coach, American Randy Waldrum said his team resumed training yesterday following a successful camp in Tampa Florida.

He told the media gathering that the team has been in training since May 5 and thanked former national coach Marlon Charles for taking the girls to a standard for him to work with. A squad of 28 players including 11 from the United States, five from Canada and 12 from Trinidad and Tobago will be trimmed to 18 within the next week.

Warner also revealed that his federation has hired a high-profile competent staff to take the girls to the World Cup. And he added that another specialist goalkeeping coach from Wake Forest University was expected in last night to help out.

Coach Waldrum has been touted as the best female coach in the US, coming from the Notre Dame University and brings an able assistant in Robert Butch Lauffer. Ex-national player Ricarda Nelson is manageress while Dave Isaac is trainer and Dexter Williams equipment manager.

TT SQUAD: Goalkeepers- Saundra Baron, Ashleu Mullin, Chrystal-Anne Taylor Lewis. Defenders-Tiana Bateau, Rhea Belgrave, Rebecca Cuthbert, Latiffa Kelly, Arin King, Karyn Forbes, Taylor Mims, Sharice Arthur, Camille Borneau, Rheana Omardeen.

Midfielders: Sidonia Hoareau, Cassey McKenzie, Camille Pereria, Natasha Prentice, Shakirah Salandy, Stephanie Williams, Afiya Matthias, Kayla Taylor, Tanieka Welch.

Forwards: Jessica De Leon, Janelle McGee, Danielle McPhun, Shahamin Nunes, Mariah Shade, Natasha St Louis.