Include all races in TT sports teams

THE EDITOR: I read in reports in the news media of Lincoln Phillips’ speech at the awards ceremony of the PFL 2003 season held at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya. I truly wished I was present to hear him as it appears that it was a gem. His call for total inclusion of all races in the selection of TT’s national teams was significant.

He recalled when players (I suppose like in his time ) of other races represented TT at football. He must have been referring to players like Jean Mouttet, Tyrone De La Bastide, Bobby Sookram, Henry Quanvie, Ian De Bruin etc. I think all that stopped when Gally Cummings took over as national coach. White, Indian and light skinned people were not encouraged by selection and they quickly moved away from the organised game and played in Bank, Industrial and Fete Match Leagues.

I will also like to add that TT must find a way to bring back Secondary School players who are on scholarships at US universities. As a small country, we just cannot afford the talent drain that takes place every year when the top players from the Secondary Schools League migrate to take up scholarships. These are the ones who have the brains to get high marks in the SAT. Most of those who stay are unable to get scholarships. After all, soccer is also played in more than one way with the head.

ROLF BARTOLO
Football Coach