NAAA press release

NAAA Press Release

 

After three weekends of successful Juvenile, Junior and Senior Championships the mass exodus of National track and field athletes begins. The first team leaves for Barbados at 8.00.a.m. on Friday 29th June to attend the Caricom 10k. While on Monday 2nd July the World Youth team departs for the Czech Republic. The very next day both the CAC age group and Pan Am Junior teams fly out of the country, the CAC team to El Salvador and the Pan Am Junior team to Sao Palo Brazil. The NACAC senior team departs on Friday 13th July for El Salvador, after competing at these games most of this senior team will fly directly to Rio De Janeiro to be part of Trinidad and Tobago contingent which will be attending the Pan Am Games. Although selected for the Pan Am games Sheridan Kirk will have to pass a fitness test prior to the games in order to secure his selection. Junior athletes Deandra Daniel and Jeanille Ovid were both selected for the Pan Am junior Championships after making the qualifying standards, but after entering these athletes the NAAA were informed by the Organising  Games Committee that they were to young to compete at the games. Top hurdler Josanne Lucas would be missing both the NACAC and Pan Am games in order to recover from a hamstring injury and hopefully being fit enough fot the world Championships in Osaka Japan at the end of August.

 

 

Please find below all National Teams leaving the country over the next week.

 

 

Peter Samuel

PRO

NAAA

 

CARICOM 10K

 

WOMEN (2)

Shermin Lasaldo

Tonya Nero

 

MEN (2)

Dezil Ramirez

Richard Jones

 

MANAGER/COACH

Dexter Voison

 

 

 

WORLD YOUTH

GIRLS

Jessica James

Michelle Lee Ahye

 

BOYS

Garvin Nero

Joel Dillon

Quincy Wilson

 

OFFICALS

Manager

James Dedier

Coach

Nadine Hamid

 

 

WORLD YOUTH

 

GIRLS

Jessica James

Michelle Lee Ahye

 

BOYS

Garvin Nero

Joel Dillon

Quincy Wilson

 

OFFICALS

Manager

James Dedier

Coach

Nadine Hamid

 

OFFICALS

Manager

Durly Lucas

Coaches

John Andalcio

Reynold Porter Lee

Verna Edwards

Chaperone

Michelle Stoute

 

 

PAN-AM Jrs

 

GIRLS

Afiya Walker

Britney St Louis

Cadajah Spencer

Janeil Bellille

Nyoka Giles

Sade St Louis

Semoy Hackett

 

BOYS

Abiola Glascow

Ade Alleyne-Forte

Ansil Nicholson

Durell Busby

Dwayne Nicome

Jamaal James

Jovon Toppin

Kashef Daniel

Kellon Marshall

Kendal Bacchus

Kerron Browne

Kervin Morgan

Keston Bledman

Kyron Blaise

Zwede Hewitt

 

OFFICALS

Manager

Peter Samuel

Coaches

Althea Busby

Heathcliff Thorn

Ismeal Lopez

Ken Barton

Kenny Bermudez

Chaperone

Lucretia Warner-Burns

Physio

Carlton Samuel

 

 

NACAC

 

WOMEN (12)

Annie Alexander

Ayanna Alexander

Ayanna Hutchinson

Candice Scott

Cleopatra Borel-Brown

Fana Ashby

Melissa De Leon

Nandelle Cameron

Natoya Baird

Reyare Thomas

Rhonda Watkins

Sasha Springer-Jones

 

MEN (11)

Aaron Armstrong

Denzil Ramirez

Emmanuel Callender

Jacey Harper

Kevin Huggins

Le Juan Simon

Melvin Nero

Mikel Thomas

Niconner Alexander

Renny Quow

Richard Thompson

 

OFFICALS

Team Leader

George Comissiong

Manager

Durly Lucas

Coaches

Clayton Williams

Edwin Skinner

Gunness Persad

Joyce Thomas

Michelle Pennie

Wade Franklyn

Physio

David Cumberbatch

 

 

 

PAN-AM GAMES

 

WOMEN (17)

Annie Alexander

Ayanna Alexander

Ayanna Hutchinson

Britney St Louis

Candice Scott

Cleopatra Borel-Brown

Fana Ashby

Janeil Bellille

Melissa De Leon

Nandelle Cameron

Natalie Dixon

Natoya Baird

Reyare Thomas

Rhonda Watkins

Romona Modeste

Sasha Springer-Jones

Semoy Hackett

 

MEN (13)

Aaron Armstrong

Ato Modibo

Darrel Brown

Emmanuel Callender

Jamaal James

Jarren Solomon

Keston Bledman

Le Juan Simon

Marc Burns

Mikel Thomas

Renny Quow

Richard Thompson

Sheridan Kirk

Zwede Hewitt

 

OFFICALS

Team Leader

George Comissiong

Coaches

Clayton Williams

Edwin Skinner

Gunness Persad

Joyce Thomas

Michelle Pennie

Wade Franklyn

Physio

David Cumberbatch

Caribbean Football Union Release - T&T gets three FIFA appointments

Yorke, Corneal, Fuentes get FIFA appointments

Trinidad and Tobago has received three appointees on the latest standing committees announced by FIFA for period beginning July 1 2007.

As FIFA declared appointed its new General Secretary Jerome Valcke, and its new Deputy General Secretary Markus Kattner, chief of the persons appointed on committees from CONCACAF and coming from T&T include Alvin Corneal on FIFA Technical Committee, Shaun Fuentes on FIFA’s Media Committee and Dwight Yorke on FIFA’s Football Committee which is chaired by Franz Beckenbauer.

Some of the other players on the FIFA football committee alongside Yorke include Cameroon’s Roger Milla, Brazil’s Pele, England’s Sir Bobby Charlton, Mexico’s Hugo Sanchez, Liberia’s George Weah and Portugal’s Eusebio. Yorke, 35, is coming off arguably his most successful year on the international stage. He subsequently led the T&T team in remarkable fashion at the 2006 World Cup and was adjudged the best defensive player of the group phase. He is also set to make a return to the English Premiership after helping Sunderland to the English Championship Division title last season. His records says it all.

The 69-year-old Corneal, a past T&T National footballer and cricketer as well as past head coach, is also a FIFA instructor and CONCACAF sports consultant. He was also a member of FIFA’s technical study group at the 2006 World Cup

Among the others on the Media committee of which Fuentes is now one of 15 members globally, includes Tunisian Slim Chiboub who is the chairman, Guatemala Rafael Salguero (deputy chairman), CONCACAF’s Jason Hughes, FIFA’s Markus Siegler and Emmanuel Maradas who served as the FIFA media officer for T&T’s World Cup playoff with Bahrain in 2005.

Fuentes has served as media officer for the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation since 2000 but has a career in the media before that which was kick started at the Trinidad Guardian. Along with serving as the Press Officer for this country’s National team at the 2006 World Cup, he also carries out similar responsibilities for the Caribbean Football Union. The 26-year-old Fuentes was noted as the youngest of the team’s press officers at Germany 2006.

All three appointees, while based on recommendation were duly considered and agreed upon by FIFA before final appointments were made. The announcements were also commended by CONCACAF President Jack Warner on Wednesday.

A full schedule of the various Committee appointments will be issued by the FIFA early next week.

Issued from the offices of CONCACAF, June 28, 2007.

RUGBY ADDRESS

Feature Address delivered by Brian Lewis, Honorary Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee at the Jamaica Rugby Union, 2007 Award function held on Saturday 23^rd June at the NijaCub  Restaurant, Kingston, Jamaica.

 

Good Evening,

Let me first acknowledge the head table. Mr. Jacob Thompson, of the JRU, Mr. Foster representing sponsors Locker Room, Mrs. Garel, CEO of Kinetic Sports Management and President of the Jamaica Volleyball Association, Mr. Rohan Stewart, Secretary of the JRU, players, coaches, club officials, parents, well wishers and specially invited guests.

 

It is a privilege and an honour for me to be invited on this very special occasion to give the feature address. Your kind gesture is appreciated. I am delighted to see so many young men in the audience. Your presence augurs well for the future of rugby in Jamaica. I am well aware of the challenges you face and the choices that you have.

 

  There are those who consider rugby as a minor sport, nonetheless rugby is the sport for the future. Jamaica is the reigning Caribbean U 19 and Women’s rugby 7 and 15s champions. Your men’s team is the second ranked team in the Caribbean. Undoubtedly you have done very well in recent times. Your successes did not happen by chance. I am sure it came about because of hard work.

 

I know this evening is a happy occasion and you are celebrating you achievers, but I beg your indulgence while I share some personal thoughts with you. I am here in your beautiful country primarily to facilitate a strategic planning workshop hosted by your rugby union. - It was an excellent two days of candid and genuine discussions about the future of Jamaican rugby. Unfortunately some clubs thought it best to stay away. Those who did missed out on an important opportunity to contribute in a meaningful and constructive manner to the future of Jamaica rugby.

 

Earlier today I heard Mr. Thompson passionately voice his frustration. I appreciated the intensity of his feelings, but I also sensed his fear and I dare say his anguish. He seems to be deeply concerned that after 30 years and 15 million (Jamaican) dollars of his personal funds, his efforts could very well come to naught.

 

 Say what you want about Jacob Thompson; focus on his faults and what he may have done wrong. There is no doubt that he is strong willed and opinionated. I have not always agreed with him, but I have always recognised his deep and genuine concern not only for rugby in Jamaica but more importantly for the welfare of the young men and women who play the game here in Jamaica and for the underprivileged and inner city youth.

 

  I assure you not many persons in Caribbean Rugby - I say that with out fear of contradiction -has done financially for rugby in their country what Jacob Thompson has done for Rugby in Jamaica.

 

So I can well imagine what life for the Jamaica Rugby Union(JRU) without Jacob Thompson would look like if many of you present here tonight do not accept responsibility for the future of rugby in Jamaica. The JRU must grow up. Thirty years is a long time to take care of a child.

 

 A glance at the early history of Rugby in Jamaica reveals that like most Caribbean Countries the sport in its earlier incarnation was an elite sport. In this regard many of you here tonight would not have had the opportunity to play and benefit from this wonderful sport  were it not for Jacob’s vision and efforts. But I am not here to plead a special case for him as I am not aware that he seeks political office in your upcoming General Elections.

 

It is just that I have great respect and admiration for his selfless and tireless endeavour for Rugby in Jamaica. Mindful as I said earlier that he has his weaknesses but don’t we all.

 

Having said that, it is important for Jacob to recognize that he must assist the evolution by allowing the younger heads to take on more responsibility and in so doing allow them to make mistakes. That is the only way they will learn and grow. Experience is the greatest teacher. We learn best by doing.

 

I envy the young rugby players. This is a great time to be playing rugby. There are opportunities to travel the world and achieve personal and financial success as a professional rugby player. Prior to 1995 rugby was a strictly amateur sport.

 

Money however is not the sole answer. Money is a tool that can help you do things but it is not a panacea. The lack of money is not an obstacle, but it is a lack than can be used as an excuse.

 

Trinidad and Tobago-because of  its  stronger economy- may not face  the  financial challenges that you do .For over 20 years T&T dominated Caribbean rugby, second at times only to Bermuda. There is a long and proud rugby history in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

But for the Last three years Jamaica and Guyana have defeated Trinidad and Tobago. So!!  If money is the answer, what is the reason for T&T’s recent failures? Difficult as it has been to accept, it is perhaps the best thing to happen to T&T rugby. Sustained success can be the breeding ground for a sense of entitlement, arrogance, complacency and mediocrity.

 

 Achieving success is not for the faint hearted or the uncommitted.  A burning desire for success, hard work , the willingness to do whatever it takes (legally of course), pride, patriotism, commitment, discipline and determination  are priceless, more valuable than all the money in the world .

 

You may not know it or even want to accept it. But the USA and Canada under 19 rugby teams have to contribute to their travel although they are from developed and rich countries. Don’t assume it is a bed of roses for other NAWIRA countries. It bears repeating, the lack of money is not an obstacle it is an excuse.

 

You have the potential and the talent. Seize the day. Take responsibility for the future of rugby in Jamaica. Collectively the Jamaica rugby fraternity can achieve great things. But a chain is as strong as its weakest link.

 

 Put aside your differences and work to create a compelling and positive image for rugby in your country. Jamaica has a proud and glorious history  of success in sport, examples abound, Donald Quarrie, Asafa Powell, Merlene Ottey,Lenox Lewis, Mike Mc Callum, Your netball team and the Reggae Boyz footballers, Veronica Campbell just to name a few.

 

Let your Nation’s great history and tradition inspire and motivate you to be all conquering in Rugby.

 

Thank you for the courtesy of your attention.

TTFF News - TTFF sets up coaching exchange program with Dutch Academy

TTFF sets up coaching exchange program with Dutch Academy

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, June 26, 2007

 

The recent initiative involving the hosting of the three part Coaching symposium by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation with the Dutch KNVB Academy has signaled the beginning of a coaching exchange program between both organizations.

 

This was the revelation coming from TTFF technical director Lincoln Phillips as he reflected on the symposiums which took place last month under the full patronage of the local governing body

 

Out of  large number of local coaches who participated in the symposiums, two of them, Jefferson George and Reynold Carrington were offered the opportunity to attend further coaching courses in Holland.

 

“In the very near future opportunities will be opened for T&T coaches, not only to attend courses/symposiums, but also for our professional coaches to visit with their Dutch counterparts in coaching as well as team exchange programs,” Phillips told TTFF Media.

 

 The Technical Director is currently also engaging in discussions regarding special courses for the coaches of the Pro and Super Leagues during the off season.

 

The T&TFF/KNVB License Courses   will provide a logical progression to those coaches who have been successful on the D level courses. These courses (C,B and A Level courses) will be conducted by the KNVB in collaboration with the T&TFF Technical Department. 

 

Phillips,who gave credit to Special Adviser Jack Warner as well as the Sportt Company for its support in the recent venture,  explained that: In 2007- the C License will be taught by instructors from the KNVB; In 2008- the C license will be taught by all local coaches of the T&TFF National Coaching Staff as the instructors of the KNVB conduct the B license;  In 2009- the T&T local Staff coaches will conduct the C and B level courses as the KNVB instructors conduct the A license and In 2010- the local coaches will be coaching all three national courses at the C, B,  and A levels.

 

The Trinidad & Tobago Football Coaches Association (TTFCA)  which is due to come on stream within one month is poised to develop into a vibrant organization designed to meet the needs of Trinidad & Tobago coaches.  All members of the TTFCA will be entitled to attend coaching courses subsidized by the T&TFF and the Sports Company of T&T at a drastically reduced fee. In addition, Coaches Association members will have access to the T&TFF national film library consisting of well over three hundred books and coaching DVD’s on all aspects of the game.  It is envisioned in the very near future that the T&TFCA will be responsible for submitting names of coaches for national selection to the T&TFF.

 

The administrators of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Coaches Association will reach out to Coaches Associations worldwide to share best practices for developing coaches, players and management. Contact has already been made with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and the Black Soccer Coaches Committee (BSCC)…..this association is falls under the umbrella of the NSCAA.

 

In addition, the T&TFCA will honour coaches, volunteers, administrators and players for their contribution in football on an annual basis.

 

Specialized Coaching Workshops will be conducted in areas such as Sports Management, Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Football Fitness, Goalkeeping, Life skills and how to Choose the Right University (for football scholarships: location, style of coaching, nationality of coaches, size of classes etc)

 

All licensed coaches will be strongly encouraged to attend these specialized workshops as part of their continuing education program.  In this way the TTFF’s  certified coaches will always remain current with the up to date methods of coaching.

 

Note: The Royal Dutch Academy (KNVB) was chosen by the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation to work in conjunction with the T&T Technical Department in developing and improving the coaching methods of coaches working with individuals at all levels of participation.  Nico Labohm a KVNB Instructor out of Holland and Kenneth Juliens – KNVB Instructor from Surinam were the instructors for the course.

WIPA

MEDIA RELEASE

 

 

The West Indies Players’ Association has expressed concern over the statement issued by WICB Inc. headlined: WICB Meets with Limited Overs Captain Gayle Refuses to Apologise for Behaviour, and is of the opinion that it is just one more instance of WICB using an opportunity to widen the relationship gap between the players and the administration, when the matter could have been dealt with in a more constructive manner.

 

Dinanath Ramnarine, President & CEO – WIPA, stated – “Having spoken to Chris Gayle, I understand the facts to be as follows:

 

1.         Chris, as is customary, submitted his diary entry to the WICB (Mike Findlay the Team Manager who is head of the touring party and the WICB representative) for approval.

2.         The diary entry in question was edited (parts deleted) by Mr. Findlay.

3.         The rest of the entry (as was released to the media) received full approval and clearance from Mr. Findlay both verbally and in writing.

 

“In the event that the above is how the matter unfolded, it seems difficult to understand why the President, Ken Gordon and Michael Findlay, Team Manager would meet with Chris Gayle and demand an apology for comments approved by said Michael Findlay.

 

It is also interesting to note that it was the President – not the CEO, Bruce Aanensen who is also in England – who met with Gayle on Monday, June 25th. Is it because Mr. Aanensen publicly referred to the players as “incompetent” on Saturday, June 23rd, and felt he may have lost the respect of Chris Gayle and the team and in fact owed them an apology?

 

Ramnarine added: “We all say things we may regret later on, but a President and a CEO have to be especially sensitive to their public utterances like labeling the players “incompetent” and encouraging them to be economical with the truth. The recent action of the WICB President and its CEO does very little to reflect the recommendations of the Arbitration Panel that agreements must be honoured; procedures must be followed; and an attitude of mutual respect and sincerity must pervade”.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

(not signed as electronically sent)

………………………………..

Dinanath Ramnarine

President & CEO

TTFF News - Trinidadian Ferguson to serve in Gold Cup Final

Ferguson is match commissioner for Gold Cup Final

 

Issued on June 23, 2007

 

Trinidadian Neville Ferguson will serve as match commissioner of Sunday’s CONCACAF Gold Cup Final between United States and Mexico at Soldier Field, Chicago.

 

Ferguson, a longstanding official in local football and also secretary of the Eastern Football Association, performed duties admirably during the current tournament and was also match commissioner for the semi-final match between Guadeloupe and Mexico.

 

Another Trinidadian, Francis Caesar, a former FIFA referee and member of the Referees Association of T&T, served as match commissioner for the other Gold Cup semi-final outing between United States and Canada.

 

The fact that both men hail from the Caribbean and moreso Trinidad was pleasing for CONCACAF President Jack Warner.

 

“This is pleasing as it shows a form of representation for the Caribbean and Trinidad and Tobago in the semi-final and final of the regions most prestigious football event,” Warner said.

 

“They both served with distinction and will continue to serve for the benefit of the game  in the region.”

 

Warner will be joined by FIFA President Sepp Blatter in Chicago today and both men will also meet with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley on Sunday to discuss various matters of common interest including the Olympic movement for the 2016  Olympic Games. Next month Chicago will also host an international tournament involving Sevilla FC of Spain, Mexico's Club Deportivo Toluca, Wisla Krakow of Poland and a top Italian team to be announced.

 

“These events showcase our city before an international audience. That's very important to Chicago's profile around the world as we compete in the global economy and work toward winning" IOC approval to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, Daley said.

 

Chicago 2016 Chairman Pat Ryan noted that the soccer federation is "very powerful in the Olympic movement" and therefore, that "getting large crowds for this event will mean a lot."

 

The Stadium which has a capacity of 61,000 plus has been sold out for Sunday’s affair.

CFU News - England's 2018 W/Cup hopes could rest on Warner

England’s 2018 W/Cup hopes could rest on Warner

 

Issued on June 23, 2007

 

ENGLAND'S hopes of staging the 2018 football World Cup could rest on winning the support of Trinidadian FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.

 

High-level talks about the bid have taken place between Government officials and FIFA figures, and the feedback is that the English will need to persuade Warner and his ally Chuck Blazer to support the 2018 finals returning to Europe, a report in the Edinburgh Evening News last week stated.

 

If strict rotation of the World Cup were to continue, it would be the turn of Warner and Blazer's CONCACAF federation to be hosts - in effect one of Mexico, USA or Canada - so the Football Association will have offer a pretty big carrot in return for their backing when FIFA's executive committee make the all-important decision in November.

 

Europe's chances of being given the tournament again and ending strict rotation do look good however - as high as 80 per cent, according to one source.

 

The importance of FA chairman Geoff Thompson's election to be Britain's FIFA vice-president following the John McBeth fiasco could be a plus for England.

 

Warner is a fan of Thompson has said he may abandon his campaign to abolish the British FIFA vice-presidency until his four-year term is over. Warner said: "Geoff is the one man for whom I may temper my enthusiasm for changing the FIFA statutes."

 

Last month,   McBeth was axed by his own associations as FIFA vice-president as one member of football's world body claimed good had prevailed over evil.

 

At a meeting of the four Home Nations in Zurich the outgoing SFA president, who is accused of racist remarks, was stripped of his post.

 

Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland decided to act before FIFA could take action against McBeth whose comments have caused world-wide outrage.

 

He had been nominated for the high-powered FIFA role but after he suggested African and Caribbean nations were tainted by corruption and greed, condemnation had been widespread.

 

Warner is in Chicago along with Blatter for Sunday’s Gold Cup Final between United States and Mexico.

TTFF News - Dutch Coaching courses end up as win win for T&T football

Dutch coaching courses end up as win-win for T&T football

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, June 22, 2007

 

 

The recent coaching symposiums hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation in conjunction with the Royal Dutch Academy has been hailed as completely successful, signaling the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between the TTFF and the KNVB academy.

 

That was how TTFF technical director Lincoln Phillips summed up the three symposiums which took place at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence and Marvin Lee Stadium last month.

 

The Royal Dutch Academy (KNVB) was chosen by the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation to work in conjunction with the T&T Technical Department in developing and improving the coaching methods of coaches working with individuals at all levels of participation.  Nico Labohm a KVNB Instructor out of Holland and Kenneth Juliens – KNVB Instructor from Surinam were the instructors for the course. Boris Punch serves as general manager and Muhammad Isa and Rajesh Lachoo were the local instructors while TTFF staff provided other services.

 

The big question, according to Phillips, was why the Dutch and not the Brazilians, the French or the English. The fact of the matter is that the Dutch method is tried and proven as one of the best in the world. For a small country, Holland has not only produced some of the best players in the world but also outstanding coaches as well.  On the world cup level, more Dutch coaches head up national Technical Staffs than any other nationality. In addition to their dominance in World Cup coaching, well over 100 Dutch coaches are plying their trade on the international circuit. Yes indeed, the choice of the KNVB to be our coaching development mentors did not occur by happenstance but by careful detailed research on the top football countries in the world.

 

The idea of the three 5 day symposiums came as a result of lengthy discussions between the Technical Director Phillips and the KNVB Technical Director Johan Van Geijn.

 

“It was felt that age-specific symposiums would be the best way to get a large number of coaches exposed to the Dutch method of coaching. At the end of the program (symposiums) the more experienced coaches were selected to attend the C License course in July 5-16, 2007,” Phillips explained to TTFF Media.

 

The general idea of the symposium was supported by the TTFF and special adviser Jack Warner.

 

Several local coaches participated and two well known names, Reynold Carrington and Jefferson George were selected to attend further coaching courses in Holland later this month and in August.

 

“The approach to the 3 symposiums was very professional and I must give credit to the TTFF and the Sports Company of T&T for their efforts in making this initiative a complete success. In addition, the Pro and Super League administrators, the Ministry of Education and directors of various football schools and academies were all supportive of the program from its inception. This collaborative effort by all the stakeholders in T&T football signals a positive step in football relations and coaching development….a win-win situation for T&T football! “ Phillips commented.

 

The curriculum of each symposium was tailor-made to address the deficiencies of football in Trinidad and Tobago: possession, penetration, speed of play, finishing and defending. 

 

“Several of the experienced coaches were very impressed with the new approach to coaching taught during the senior symposium and left the course with a burning desire to attend future courses conducted by the KNVB. The camaraderie among the candidates was so profound that several coaches have already began scheduling friendly games with their respective teams. In many ways the symposiums have kindled a new fire among the stakeholders in the football fraternity.”

 

Among the coaches who participated included Ron La Forest, Leonson Lewis, Dion La Foucade, Selris Figaro,Winston Phillips, Brian James,Brian Williams, Clayton Morris,Ian Clauzel, Jerren and Kathy-Ann Nixon, Michael Grayson,Kerry Jamerson,Derek King, Everald Cummings and Ralph Nelson among several others attached to Professional League and amateur clubs, coaching school and secondary schools.

TTFF News - Theobald and Jan Michael on trial in Hungary

Theobald and Jan Michael on trial in Hungary

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, June 22, 2007

 

National team captain Densill Theobald and goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams are currently out on trials with Hungarian First Division team Ujpest FC.

 

The duo, just back from representing Trinidad and Tobago at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, arrived in Budapest last Friday to begin their trials with the club.

 

Theobald had been tipped to head off on trials prior to the Gold Cup but decided to remain at home and seek his interest outside following T&T’s stay at the tournament. Williams, of Vibe CT 105 W Connection earned the trials after his impressive  showing between the sticks in each of T&T’s matches against El Salvador, Guatemala and United States.

 

“So far we have settled in at the club with the training and everything,” Theobald told TTFF Media on Friday. “We have been here for about a week and it’s just a matter of putting our best foot forward and see what happens from here. The club has treated us well so far and we have been welcomed by the other players who are all technically good and physically strong.  It’s all down to hard work and we are no strangers to that because we have been in these situations before,” added the Caledonia AIA midfielder.

 

Williams also has a trial lined up with English club Sheffield United next week but is prepared to give his best during the current stay at Ujpest which includes a training match for both players against a Romanian club on Saturday.

 

“Firstly I want to say that the other goalkeepers before me like (Kelvin) Jack, Shaka (Hislop) and (Clayton) Ince have definitely showed their class… they are world class and for me now to have this opportunity makes me realize how much hard work and commitment is necessary to play professionally outside of home. I am thankful for the time at the Gold Cup because it opened up my look on things and right now I will push myself to the limit and hopefully something positive will come through,” Williams added.  Hislop was also on the phone with Williams after his showing in the second match versus the Americans, saying that he was encouraged by the promising showing of the former National U17 and St Anthony’s College custodian from Couva.

 

Ujpest have won 20 League titles and 8 Cup titles making them one of the most successful clubs in Hungary while their long history makes them the oldest still existing one

TTFF News - US-based trio joins National U17s

US-based trio joins U17s

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes,TTFF Media Officer, June 21, 2007

 

Trinidad and Tobago’s National Under 17 team head coach Anton Corneal will be looking at three United States-based players who have flown into the country to join the current team in its preparations for the upcoming FIFA  Under 17 World Championship in Korea.

 

Already here are New York-based goalkeeper Kern Caesar and Los Angeles-based forward Cameron Roget and they will continue training with the team which goes into camp this weekend after a trip to Venezuela was called off on Thursday.

 

Also coming in next week is forward/midfielder Aaron Maund who was a member of the United States squad of 40 players prior to the team’s participation at the final qualifying round.

 

Corneal was firm when saying that the incoming players will have to rightfully earn their places in the team.

 

“One of the main things we will ensure is that they must come with the right attitude. That is the key to whether they will be selected or not,” Corneal told TTFF Media on Thursday.

 

“We don’t have time to fiddle around and spend extra time with players. Playing for Trinidad and Tobago must be their priority. Once they can fit in and are prepared to work hard then it gives them a better chance of remaining with us. At this time we already have a squad of players who are dedicated and committed to our cause and are very hard in training at this point. No player will be given any advantages when it comes to selection for the national team.”

 

Three other players from the local Pro League, United Petrotrin’s Stephan Campbell and W Connection duo Michael Quashie and Corey Cyrus have also joined the squad.

 

Arsenal player Gavin Hoyte also responded negative to another inquiry on whether he would be willing to join the  T&T U17s following its qualification for the World Championship, indicating that he still has ambitions to play for England.  The 16-year-old centre back made the Arsenal first team bench for their FA Cup fixture with Blackburn Rovers last season. His brother Justin is also a defender with the Arsenal first team.

 

Carib RFC defends Ruggerama title as Sportflex 2007 Rugby Season gets underway

Caribs rugby club winners of the TTRFU season opening ruggerama tournament in 2006 will be leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to hold on to the Sir

Solomon Hochoy Cup.

 

Caribs will throw down the gauntlet on Saturday (23 June) in the  2007 TTRFU Season opener.

 

The Sir Solomon Hochoy cup and the Marcus Minshall knock out cup were the only major titles captured by the local rugby powerhouse last season.

 

On the other hand arch-rivals Stag Trinidad Northern struck a rich vein of form and took home the lions share of titles.Included in the "blues" haul was a

second lien on the coveted Sport flex championship division crown.

 

All the local rugby clubs will battle for the Hochoy Cup.The ruggerama will be held at the Queens Park Savannah,first whistle will be at 11 am.

 

Notwithstanding the Ruggerama tournament ,the TTRFU will enter the National men,women and Under 19 national rugby teams in the TTOC Olympic Day relay run

scheduled for the King George V Park at 4pm. Meanwhile Action in the TTRFU Under 19 division will kick -off on Sunday(24 June) at various venues.

 

TTRFU President Dave Wong said the 2007 rugby season is an important one for T&T ."Our National teams(Men,women and U19) will all be competing in

upcoming regional championships and we are determined to reclaim regional titles at all levels.The standard of our club competition however must continue to

improve if we are to achieve our goal in the regional competitions".