TTFF News - Final T&T Squad named for FIFA Under 17 World Cup

Photo of start team vs Peru.

Final T&T squad named for FIFA U17 World Championship
Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, July 29, 2007

Trinidad and Tobago’s National Under 17 squad for the upcoming FIFA Under 17 World Championship in Korea next month was announced by head coach Anton Corneal on Sunday, a week before the contingent departs for Holland for a training camp ahead of its opening match against Ghana.

Corneal and his staff met with the players on the weekend and revealed the squad with 21 players being selected, four being named as reserves and five players missing out after weeks of preparation following T&T’s qualification for the Championship after a 1-0 win over Jamaica in Kingston in early May.

Defence Force midfielder and TTFF’s young player of the year for 2006 Leston Paul will captain the team which includes all but three players who were part of the squad during the final round of qualifiers. There are also three new additions in US-born duo, goalkeeper Kern Cesar and midfielder Aaron Maund while United Petrotrin Stephan Campbell also broke into the team. Forward Daniel Joseph, who missed the qualifiers due to injury is also in the final squad going to Korea.

“It’s always a tough decision to release players who have been together with you for such a long time. It goes past just the coach/player relationship and is more like a coach/son attachment,” Corneal’s first statement to TTFF Media was following the initial announcing of the squad.

“I think the group of thirty players we had worked hard and very well together but it’s unfortunate that we cannot take them all to the tournament. In the end we decided to utilize players who were compatible with each other and most ready at this time. Whatever players who were released today will rejoin us as soon as we get back from the tournament,” Corneal added.

The former national player explained that the selection of the 21-man squad was a process over a period of time, particular the past three weeks and done collectively with the other coaches attached to the team. Hutson Charles is an assistant with Ross Russell as goalkeeper coach. Senior Team head coach Wim Rijsbergen has also worked with the team.

“We had been looking at various compositions over the past few weeks. The other coaches all gave their full opinion and we came together with very similar names so it was therefore something across the board that led to the final squad. It was also difficult for the other coaches as we have been looking at these players for a while in practice, game situations and all other aspects such as their mental readiness, fitness level, tactical awareness and their understanding of the game. And this is what we thought was best for our country at this time going into the tournament.”

Finally, Corneal was firm when asked whether he felt the team could gave a respectable showing at the Championship and return with the benefits that would auger well in the future of T&T’s football, particularly on the international scene.

“Yes! I think this team is capable of achieving that. I think they can do it because they all have the right to be there. It’s a first time experience for all the teams at the Under 17 level. No team has more experience than us at an Under 17 World Cup. We have countries in there with maybe more of a footballing reputation. But I think we have had good enough exposure and we are also a World Cup nation. Our players are ready, they are looking forward to it and it’s now a case of going out there and performing to the best of our ability.” Corneal concluded.

T&T, in Group F, will play its first two games in Cheonan on August 20 against Ghana and against Colombia on August 23 before it’s closing Group fixture against Germany on August 26 in Changwon.

T&T 21-man squad for FIFA Under 17 World Championship
Goalkeepers: Glenroy Samuel (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Jesse Fullerton (Weston Fury High School), Kern Caesar (Victory Christian Academy)
Defenders: Ryan O’Neil (Defence Force), Robert Primus (Jabloteh), Shelon Bateau (Jabloteh), Akeem Adams (W Connection), Jean Luc Rochford (B Mobile Joe Public), Brenton Balbosa (Defence Force)

Midfielders: Leston Paul (Defence Force, captain), Chike Sullivan (Jaboteh), Sean De Silva (Superstar Rangers), Kevin Molino (Jaboteh), Micah Lewis (Jabloteh), Aubrey David ( W Connection), Aaron Maund (FC Greater Boston), Marcus Joseph (United Petrotrin), Stephan Campbell (United Petrotrin).

Forwards: Stephen Knox (Jaboteh), Daniel Joseph (Jabloteh), Daneil Cyrus (Stokely Vale FC, Tobago).

Reserves - Stephan Chang (Jabloteh), Wesley Douglas (unattached), Cameron Roget (LA Jolla Nomads), Chad De Freitas (Superstar Rangers).

Gold Cup "MVP tips hat to Latapy and Hart

Gold Cup “MVP” tips hat to Latapy and Hart

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, 2007

 

Canadian star midfielder and 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup “MVP” Julian De Guzman has paid a stirring tribute to Trinidadian-born coach Stephen Hart who was at the helm of Canada’s National Team at the recent tournament.

 

Hart guided Canada to a semi-final placing, including a 2-1 first round win over Costa Rica in a match which saw De Guzman score both goals. Hart was also recently in charge of Canada’s National Under 17 team which competed against T&T for a spot at the FIFA Under 17 World Championship

 

De Guzman, is Canada’s first player to play in the Spanish La Liga with Deportivo de La Coruña and the 26-year-old was also a member of Hannover 96, making him only the second player to play his trade in the German Bundesliga.

 

He credited Hart for getting the best of Canada at the Gold Cup and sees him playing an integral role in Canada’s football future.

 

“The Gold Cup campaign was a very positive one for the program and

 Country,” De Guzman told TTFF Media on the weekend as he looked back at the Gold Cup. “For me personally, it was the best team I’ve played with since I made my debut. Stephen did an amazing job keeping a talented team together and forced us to use our qualities at the highest level. We played an unusual style of football that Canadians and the rest of CONCACAF are not used to. A lot of that influence came from Stephen and he will be a big help to the  program in the future.”

 

His style of play which led him to be described as a ““dynamic and polyvalent defensive midfielder”  was a big eye catcher to those who watched Canada during the Gold Cup. He was  a force throughout in Hart’s team which led him to the “MVP” pick by the CONCACAF Technical Study Group. No wonder he is a big admirer of T&T duo Russell Latapy and Dwight Yorke.

 

“Yorke is a legend and will always be respected world wide. The guy is  world class. Latapy is also world class in my books for what he's  accomplished at his age. That’s a dream for myself. To stay healthy and fit for a very longtime. I love the sport too much to stop anytime soon. It’s the greatest thing to play the best sport in the world at any level and day and so I tip my hat to Latapy,” De Guzman stated.

 

De Guzman’s younger brother Jonathan also plays professionally with Feyenoord Rotterdam in Holland.

 

The older De Guzman was spotted by scouts from Olympique Marseille while playing for Toronto’s North Scarborough Youth club in 1997 at age 16. He then went on to play for Marseille’s Reserves before moving to Germany and then signing with Deportivo in 2005.

 

De Guzman, rated by many football correspondents as one of the best midfielders in CONCACAF today, was born in Toronto and is of Jamaican and Filipino descent. He mentioned that he considered representing the "Reggae Boyz" but never received interest.

 

“I considered representing Jamaica when I was turned down  from the provincial program and national program in Canada earlier on. But nobody showed  interest. So there was no reason for me to force it.”

 

Now he’s looking forward to challenging T&T and Jamaica for a spot at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

 

“It’s always a great thing to play against a Caribbean team. I haven’t  played against T&T as yet but I am looking forward to a match against  them.” (Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, July 23, 2007)

 

Tell us a bit about your upbringing in football.

 

I started kicking a ball at age 5. My mom threw me into to soccer because I

 was a wild and extremely active kid. My dad spent a lot of time improving my

 skills and abilities and afterward got involved with club teams he

 coached. At 13 I got invited to the provincial team but was cut from the program

 a couple times at age 13 and 15. What actually forced me to take the sport on a

 serious note was my little brother Jonathan. I figured he needed a role model and

 I felt I was responsible. So I kept up my work ethic and still had passion for

the game.

 

 What’s the experience like playing in Spain? What are your

 ambitions there?

 

Playing in Spain is like playing in paradise. The culture is beautiful,

 the people, food, weather and whole life style always amazes me. And for

 me, it’s the best ‘futbol’ out there. I would love to play here for the rest of my

 career and try to win a trophy. Also to play at the international level

 such as the Champions League or UEFA is a goal for me.

 

How’s it been playing for Canada and having made such a heavy

 Impact. You also have a brother who plays professionally in Holland. Tell us a bit

 about him.

 

My first call up to the national program was with the U18 team in 1998.

 I was 18 and a couple months old. Two years later I made my senior

 debut in the Gold Cup. Up until now it’s been good. I hope I can help the team

 make it to South Africa. That’s the ultimate goal. My brother is starting his 3rd professional season with Feyenoord and still is a teenager. He has done well in his first two years playing over 70  matches for them and scoring and setting up goals. He's lived in Rotterdam  since he was 12.

 

 How do you see Canada shaping for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers?

 Excited about facing T&T and even Jamaica?

 

So far I believe that we are on the right track. It’s very important we  get as many games possible. Spending time together to mold is a huge factor  Canada has failed to do this in the past years. Hopefully we will not make the  same mistake. It’s always a great thing to play against a Caribbean  team. I  haven’t played against T&T yet but I am looking forward to a match against  them.

 

Have you played alongside  or against any T&T players.

 

 I’ve  never played with anybody from T&T but I am close to Evan Wise. I  kept in contact with him during my stay in German and he is a very good  player.

 

What’s among your ultimate ambitions?

 

 

Futbol is life and I want it to last forever. I want to help put my  country on the futbol map. So I hope to have a long, successful career in  Europe and play in a World Cup.

a long, successful career in  Europe and play in a World Cup.

News - T&T U17 footballers not afraid of "big dogs"

Photos shows from l-r Chad De Freitas, Ryan O'Neil, Kevin Molino, Aubrey David, Akeem Adams, Leston Paul and Jean Luc Rochford. Secon photo shows team warming up.
T&T U17s footballers not afraid of “big dogs”

Issued on July 28, 2007


“It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight… but it’s about the size of the fight in the dog.”

That’s a saying that Anton Corneal works by and reminds his players ever so often as they gear up to take the stage at the FIFA Under 17 World Championship in Korea next month.

As the days before the team’s departure for Holland next Sunday quickly approaches, the members of the team continue to work feverishly towards ensuring that they are adequately ready to take on the likes of Ghana, Germany and Colombia.

Corneal is expected to name his 21-man squad for the Finals by Wednesday and has been encouraged by the support given to the team by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation and the parents of the players in the team, according to team manager Christopher Gouveia.

“The Federation has kept the faith with this team, delivering on everything that they said they would for the team,” Gouveia said in a recent address.

“The federation has kept the faith and the hope that this team will continue to be the future of Trinidad and Tobago football and set an example for the other teams coming after it and we thank the TTFF for that.”

Gouveia made special mention of the parents who hung in there with the team since its inception two years ago.

“When Anton shared with us his vision for what this team can achieve and we went through the screening stages and got to the selection, the parents were there and their support have been magnificent”

Gouveia maintained that the current team is focused on closing the gap with the other teams on the CONCACAF and world stage.

“These players have worked very hard and they have their sights set on that. Anton is driven, he’s a man of purpose and passion and he set the bar very high from day one for this team. Anton indicated that there were three levels for us to cross, we had to by pass the Caribbean and Mr Warner was firm on that because we are most times the first to qualify from the Caribbean and first to go out from the Concacaf. We have gone a long way to closing the gap in CONCACAF and now we are working towards closing the gap on the world stage. The staff in particular has done a tremendous job thus far and at this time we are working towards trying to ensure that we get the best possible form of representation next month in Korea,” Gouveia concluded.

T&T World Cup goalkeeper Shaka Hislop was also extending best wishes to the team as he pointed out the fact that it was fortunate to have goalkeeper coach Ross Russell on its staff.

“I have always been a fan of the local goalkeeping talent. From my time
working with Ross Russell, who I seem to mention in every interview I do, to the current crop. He continues to work and I’m proud to see this team has gone on to make a youth World Cup which can only be a positive step for our football. I truly hope that we can continue in this fashion towards future success and development,” Hislop told TTFF Media.

CFU News - England to try and woo Warner for 2018 W/Cup support

Photo caption: Warner is seen here last week alongside Argentina Maxi Moralez who won the Bronze Shoe award for third highest goal tally in the FIFA U20 World Cupwith four goals. Next to them is FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

England to try and woo Warner for 2018 W/Cup support

Issued on July 28, 2007

England's World Cup bid ambassador Richard Caborn is to try to woo two of FIFA's more controversial figures in an effort to secure their support for the 2018 finals returning to Europe.

Caborn, who stepped down as sports minister last week, is to set up meetings with Trinidad's FIFA vice-president Jack Warner and his American sidekick Chuck Blazer, according to a report in the Belfast Telegraph.

Warner and Blazer are both on the FIFA executive committee that will make the crucial decision in November whether the World Cup should continue on a continental rotation basis or whether it should be opened up again for any country to bid.

Under a strict rotation basis, it would be the turn of the CONCACAF federation of north and central America and the Caribbean.

It Caborn can persuade Warner and Blazer to side with the Europeans, it would prove a huge advantage.

Even so, England would face strong opposition from Russia, while the Benelux countries (Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg) will submit a joint bid and Spain are also considering entering the race.

Meantime, coach Ladan Bosso has apologised to referee Howard Webb for the negative comments he made about the Englishman.

Bosso accused the match official of showing racial bias during his team's 4-0 defeat at the hands of Chile at the under-20 World Cup in Canada last week.

Fifa subsequently referred the case to its disciplinary committee, but Bosso says the comments were made in the heat of the moment.

"After analysing my reaction I realised that it was inappropriate and I wrote a letter of apology to Fifa and the referee in particular," said Bosso told BBC Sport.

"I understand the situation and I think the appropriate thing to do is to apologise.

"Immediately I got back to Nigeria, I wrote an apology letter and sent it to the Nigeria FA who then passed it on to Fifa.

"My comments were based on what I saw in the match and it was done in the heat of the moment.

Bosso, who is also the coach of Nigeria premier league side Wikki Tourists, is awaiting the response from Fifa.

Warner, the tournament's organising committee chairman, said he has instructed the Fifa Disciplinary Committee to open a case against Bosso because of the allegations.

Photo caption: Warner is seen here alongside Argentina Maxi Moralez who won the Bronze Shoe award for third highest goal tally in the FIFA U20 tournament with four goals. Next to them is FIFA President Sepp Blatter
Shaun Fuentes

Results of Semi-Final Matches in Guardian Life of the Caribbean sponsored Eastern Football Association U-17 Competition

YOUNG LIONS S.C. & CREEK S.C.C CLASH FOR THE
GUARDIAN LIFE OF THE CARIBBEAN U-17 CHALLENGE
TROPHY

Results of Semi- Final Matches are forwarded.

Young Lions vs Fulham S. C.
4 1

Antonio Girod(2) Daniel Reid
Duane Cedeno
Michael Sam

HALF TIME SCORE: 3.1

St. John's vs Creek S.C.C.
1 6

Brendon Madray Joseph Brown(3)
Kareem Lewis
Leroy Small

HALF TIME SCORE: 0.1

The Final shall be at the Marvin Lee Stadium
on Sunday 29th July, 2007 from 3.00p.m. for the
Guardian Life of the Caribbean U-17 Challenge
Trophy and 20 Gold Medals.

Loosing Semi Finalist will receive 20 Silver
Medals.

Twenty Bronze Medals shall be distributed to
each of the loosing Semi- Finalists.

Subitted,

Neville Ferguson
General Secretary.

____________________________________________________________________________
________
Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit
the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.
http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

TTFF News - Phillips: No guessing for selection of local coaches

Phillips: No guessing for selection of coaches

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, July 25, 2007

 

Technical Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation Lincoln Phillips has stated that the preparation of local coaches and the selections for national and international duty is not a guessing game.

 

Phillips was drawing the conclusion as he summed up the recently conducted “C” license coaching course conducted in collaboration with the Dutch KNVB.

 

For eleven days between July 5-16 , twenty-five local coaches selected from among the 108 coaches from the previous Dutch Academy symposiums, completed the TTFF’s Coaching license course Category C.

 

This C license Course was the final coaching development initiative in conjunction with the Dutch KNVB. The Lead Instructor of the course was veteran KNVB Staff member, Nico Labohm. Assisting Nico were fellow KNVB instructors, Harry Sinkgraven and Kenneth Jaliens.

 

Several T&T instructors added some local flavor to the course by presenting the following topics: Lincoln Phillips, Technical Director- The Art of Goalkeeping (Ball Handling); Keith Look Loy, Technical Director, Joe Public- Team Management

Dr. Terrance Babwah, National Team Doctor- Care & Prevention of Injuries and

Oswald Downer, T&T Referee Assessor- Laws of the Game.

 

“We are now moving into a period where national coaches will be selected according to their performances and not by guess. A change which is welcomed the TTFF and its special adviser Jack Warner.This will open up the way for young coaches who never had the opportunity to move on to the national scene due to a myriad of reasons,” Phillips told TTFF Media.

 

From the previous symposium, Reynold Carrington and Jefferson George topped the course and went off to Holland to undergo a further course which included a presentation by former T&T head coach Leo Beenhakker. Carrington was also recently made head coach of the T&T Under 15 team and George recommended as goalkeeper coach of the T&T Olympic team.

 

The course curriculum for the “C” license  focused mainly on three specific areas of Coaching development:

 

1.Game analysis-  Candidates were exposed to several games featuring teams from the Pro, Super and Reserve Leagues. Each candidate had to make an oral presentation regarding the formation of the teams as well as   answer questions regarding to their observations of issues that came up during the games. 

 

2. Identification of football problems - Candidates were asked to identify deficiencies (in attack, Defense and Transition) and design appropriate training sessions on the field the following day.

 

3. Practical Coaching - The candidates, after observing Model Training Sessions by the KNVB instructors, were given 2 to 4 opportunities to present topics for their evaluation. The top candidates presented twice while the others who struggled a bit presented 3-4 times.

 

Phillips also gave an account of the Dutch Method being implemented in the development of local coaching.

 

The Dutch coaching method as observed by the coaches differed markedly from that  which we are accustomed to: technical training for most of a training session and a game towards the end of the session. This coaching philosophy is also mainly used in English football. They (the Dutch method) focused mainly on teaching through game situations throughout their sessions. All aspects of the game  were presented through small group  (2v2; 4v2; 4v4; 5v3) and large group games (7v7; 8v8; and 11v11).

 

The Dutch believe that technical and tactical training should not be practiced separately. They believe that young players develop a keener insight (understanding and vision) to the game when they are exposed to more game situations during practice sessions.

 

The Dutch coaching methods during the course focused mainly on appropriate and spontaneous reactions to the three main moments of the game:

 

1.Attack - Width and depth was always stressed during training sessions.  Small sided were always used   to stress the following: Possession....good 1st touch, proper angle of reception; Changing the point of attack; Speed of play/counter-attack and Finishing.

    

2.  Defense -  Individual, Group and team defense was stressed in small sided

   games. It was also stressed that proper defending  increased the percentage of time a team will be in possession of the ball during a game, thereby,  controlling the course of the game. 

 

3. Transition -  Spontaneous reactions regarding roles when the ball changes

     from attack to defense and vice-versa.

 

Phillips explained what the local coaches would have gathered during the course.

 

“The coaches attending this C license course were exposed to the Dutch method of training players. This means that 25 of our top coaches at all level of participation will be exposing their players to modern method of coaching....the Dutch way.

 

 There was a grading system in the course. The candidates were evaluated in three areas:

 

Practical Teaching-  Each candidate had to present a topic on the field. He/she was observed in the following areas:

 

Knowledge of content- Must understand the game and how it is played.

Recognizing moments- Knowing when a mistake is made and having the ability to offer appropriate information to correct the deficiency; Creating a positive learning environment - motivating players, improving confidence, proper use of voice

Demonstrating and explaining tasks clearly and briefly; Proper use of space- is the field of play too small or too large for the particular exercise.

 

Coaches selected for the course were chosen from the respected areas and associations by their representatives: The Pro league, The Super league, The Zonal Associations, The Secondary School Leagues, The Primary school, The Football Academies

The 25 coaches for the C license were chosen by the Members of the Technical Department and the KNVB coaches based on their involvement in the symposiums. Since all the coaches chosen for the symposiums and the “C” license course are currently coaching, The TTFF will depend on their respective association to assist in monitoring their progress.

 

List of 25 coaches who took the “C” license course.

 

Abdul Rashid

Allister Ramdoo

Anderson Veronique

Anthony Harrington

Anthony Keith

Chris Bailey

Derek King

Elizabeth Swift

Gairy John

Ian Clauzel

Joseph Weekes

KathyAnn Nixon

Kelvin Jones

Kevin Joseph

Kurt Cruickshank

Leno Fermin

Leonson Lewis

Lincoln Augustus

Lyndon John

Neville Frederick

Rajesh Latchoo

Richard De Coteau

Richard Hood

Samuel George

Sean Best

 

Pan Am Judo officials suspended for four years

Subject: Pan Am Judo officials suspended for four years

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) Secretary
General Brian Lewis ,presented the medals won in the
men's 60g judo competition on Sunday afternoon(July
22nd) at the Riocentro Complex,Pavilion 4A.

But the Trinidadian Olympic official had to wait for
the Security and venue officials to settle down the
crowd following a fracas between Cuban athletes and
Brazilian spectators,the Brazilians were reacting
negatively to a decision awarded to Cuba's Sheila
Espinoza in her gold medal 52kg bout with Brazil's
Erika Miranda.

The scenes threatened to get even uglier and mar the
image of Rio 2007 but the agitated crowd calmed down
somewhat following and address on the public address
system by Brazil's Judo athletes who pleaded with
their countrymen and women to calm down and not give
Brazil a bad image.

Lewis,participating in his first Pan American Games
medal ceremony was eventually able to present the
medals to the men's 60 kg medalists .Cuban silver
medalist Yosmani Pike however was booed by the
crowd.The gold medal went to Miguel Albarracin of
Argentina while Brazilian Alexandre Lee and Juan
Miguel Postigos of Peru received the bronze medal.

The TTOC Secretary General said the " unfortunate and
ugly scenes "did not spoil the occasion.But admitted
things briefly got frantic with the pelting of debris
and the sight of the Cuban athletes and officials in
the stands supporting their teammates fighting with
spectators, before the Military personnel brought the
situation under control.

The aftermath of Sunday's turmoil is still
reverberation at RIO 2007 following a media release
issued by the Rio 2007 Organizing
Committee(CO-Rio)stating that based on the reports
issued by CO-RIO's management at Riocentro and by
CO-RIO's management at the venue, the Organizing
Committee will withdraw and cancel the accreditation
passes of the following delegates present at the
official's tribune and involved in the incident:
Francisco Neto, representative of the Judo Federation
of Maranhão and Eduardo Costa, representative of the
Judo Federation of Ceará.

The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB)has suspend
Francisco Neto and Eduardo Costa for four years each,
including the 2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games. The
officials mentioned above are prohibited to
participate in any competition, event or any other
official activity falling under COB's jurisdiction.

COB has also directed the Brazilian Judo Confederation
(CBJ) to send a detailed report to CBJ's Tribunal.

CO-RIO affirmed that it will at all times take extreme
measures to ensure fair play in the sport concerning
all matters under its jurisdiction. CO-RIO repudiated
any action which disrupts harmony among peoples, one
of the pillars of the Pan American Games.

Lewis: TTOC affiliates are denying young athletes Olympic Youth Camp benefits.

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)5th
Annual Olympic Youth Camp will get underway on the 2nd
August and end on the 11th August.

With space limited to forty participants between the
ages of 12 and 17 the popularity of the TTOC camp
extends beyond its affiliates.A trend that is both
good news and bad news for the national Olympic
Committee.

The Director of the TTOC Olympic Academy,TTOC
Secretary General Brian Lewis lamented the tardiness
of TTOC affiliates in registering their young athletes
describing it is an annual ritual."Every year
our(TTOC) affiliates jeopardize the participation of
their deserving young athletes.With the increased
interest from the general public and sports minded
youngsters reserving places for affiliates is becoming
harder.This is very unfortunate because the benefits
of attending are tremendous".

Lewis also pointed out that the two TTOC
representatives at next years Olympic Youth Camp in
Beijing ,China will come from TTOC Olympic Youth
Campers.

Editor's note:

First held in 2003 ,The TTOC Olympic Youth Camp is not
sport specific but adopts a holistic approach in
keeping with the original Greek Gymnasium concept.

Topics include the Olympic Movement, Olympism, The
Olympic Games, Sport and the Environment,Art,Career
planning, Creative Writing, Ball Room Dancing,
Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Goal Setting, Conflict
Resolution, Ethics, Etiquette, Media Training.Campers
also get the opportunity to meet and interact with
leading sport and business personalities.

The goal of the Olympic Youth Camp is to instill the
values of Olympism and to foster greater enjoyment ,
self confidence, team spirit and fair play among young
athletes.

TTOC confirms Brown's withdrawal from Rio 2007 Pan Am Games

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)
confirms that Track and field athlete Darrel Brown has
withdrawn from the Rio 2007 Pan American Games.

The TTOC was informed by Mr.Peter Samuels of the NAAA
earlier today (18 July)that Darrel Brown had an injury
and will therefore be unable to take his place on the
Pan Am team.

The TTOC contacted Mr.Winston Brown,Darrel's father
who confirmed the situation.

The National Olympic Committee in its effort to ensure
that the welfare and long term future of the athlete
is not compromised have made arrangements with
Dr.Terry Ali and Dr.Richard Hofford to have the
athlete undergo a full range of tests.

Brown is expected to return to Trinidad from his
Jamaica base by weekend and will undergo the TTOC's
medical evaluation at the earliest opportunity.TTOC
President Michael Romany will depart Brazil on Friday
and will meet with Darrel and Winston Brown early next
week.

TTOC's criteria for consideration for selection for
the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games includes participation
at the 2007 Pan Am Games.

Athletes who qualify to participate at the 2007 Rio
Pan Am Games and are unable to do so on medical
grounds must make themselves available for evaluation
and assessment by the TTOC's medical team.

The TTOC has given Mr.Winston Brown the assurance that
it is available to assist in any manner needed in
facilitating Darrel's full recovery and return to competition.

Bovell(G) 7th in Pan Am 100 freestyle swim,Brown withdraws from Pan Am Games

George Bovell 111 finished 7th in the 100 metres

freestyle final at the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park in Rio

de Janeiro.

 

The 2004 Olympic 200 IM bronze medalist could not

replicate his semi final time of 49.51 seconds. Bovell

clocked 50.16 seconds in the final.

 

Meanwhile sprinter Darrel Brown, T&T's 100 meter gold

medal prospect has been forced out of the 2007 Pan

American games. Brown the reigning 100 metres national

senior champion has suffered an injury .

 

CFU News - Warner and Mandela exchange gifts in Cape Town

Photo shows Warner at centre with Nelson Mandela, Pele and Samuel Eto'o in Cape Town on Tuesday. Second photo shows Warner kissing Mandela on the head.

Warner and Mandela exchange gifts in Cape Town…Madiba in high spirits ahead of Birthday Match

Issued on July 17, 2007

FIFA Vice President Jack Warner met with legendary South African statesman Nelson Mandela on Tuesday to bring him birthday greetings on the eve of his 89th birthday which will be celebrated in Cape Town on Wednesday with a football match involving several world stars in his honour at the Newlands Stadium.

Warner, representing FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the events, was accompanied on his visit to Mandela bythe legendary Pele and Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o.

Representing the FIFA football family and football worldwide, Warner was elated to bring greetings to Mandela who was in high spirits throughout, saying he was looking forward to Wednesday’s match as he also made some presentations to the CONCACAF President who hosted him in Trinidad in 2004

“This was again another touching moment to bring greetings to the great man on behalf of FIFA and the football family and he was in such high spirits which made the occasion an even happier one for those of us who were there,” Warner said. “He remembers Trinidad and Tobago very well and has presented me with copies of his book to take back home. His story will live on, “Warner added.

Mandela affectionately known as Madiba, greeted Warner, Pele and Eto’o very warmly in the presence of a large International media following and received from Warner a message and a FIFA pennant from President Blatter.

Mandela thanked Warner profusely for bringing the 2010 World Cup to South Africa and wished Warner and the FIFA family every success in all their football matters. On Warner's request, he sent a message to the people of Trinidad & Tobago on the occasion of its Emancipation Day celebrations as well as he signed a few copies of his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, to be presented to a few special African achievers of Trinidad & Tobago at the UNC Emancipation Day celebrations scheduled for the Canedo Hall at the Dr Joao Centre of Excellence at 5:00pm on Sunday July 29.

Following Warner's visit, Mandela met former Presidents of the United States, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, former UN General Secretary Kofi Annan as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Warner, Pele and Eto’o along with some 300 foreign journalists will be visiting Robben Island on Wednesday to inspect the prison where he spent some 25 years incarcerated. An 89-minute match in honour of Mandela's 89th birthday will be played on Robben Island as a prelude to the Mandela match later that same day at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town . That game will assemble winners of all of the major titles in world football, including the FIFA World Cup, the European Championship, the African Cup of Nations and the UEFA Champions League.The Premier of Cape Town - Premier Ibrahim Rasool and the Mayor of Cape Town, Mayor Helen Zille, have also organised a dinner in Warner's honour on behalf of the City of Cape Town.

Good day for T&T in Rio as Osuji wins bronze

              www.ttoc.org

T&T bagged its first piece of hardware at the 2007 Pan

American Games when Chinedium Osuji claimed a bronze

medal in the welterweight division of the Taekwando

competition at the Riocentro Sports Complex in Rio de

Janeiro,Brazil.

 

The 31 year old US based former St Mary's College

student had to dig deep to advance to the medal round.

 

Osuji won two tough matches before losing to James

Moontasri(USA) in the semi final bout.Moontasri

defeated Osuji in a slow technical battle 3 to

negative one,the American however lost in the

championship bout 200 Olympic champion Angel Matos of

Cuba.

 

"I am a disappointed that I did not get past

Moontasri.I wanted a shot at the gold medal.There are

a couple things I should have done better ,but I am

glad to earn a medal for my country and teammates.My

next objective is qualifying for Bejing next

year(Olympics) so it is back to the drawing

board"Osuji said.

 

Meanwhile the men's hockey team also had the T&T

delegation in celebratory mood following a historic

2-1 win over Cuba.While over at the aquatic center

swimmers George Bovell 111,his brother Nicholas and

Sharntelle Mclean all advanced to the semi finalrounds in their respective events.

Welcome Reception at Airport for Junior Golfers

The Trinidad and Tobago Junior Golf team has regained the Hank James Trophy at the 2007 Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Tournament held at the Cedar Golf Club in Antigua beating their closest rival Puerto Rico.

 

Accordingly, the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, along with the Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association and the Team sponsor, Republic Bank Limited will host a welcome reception for the contingent on Friday 13 July 2007 from 12:30pm at the Diplomatic Lounge of the Piarco International Airport.

 

The media is therefore invited to cover the event. Please contact the undersigned to confirm your attendance.

 

NB. Please be advised that Ministry events carded for tomorrow, Friday 13 July - facility openings at Africa Recreation Ground and Postman Drive, Chaguanas - have been cancelled, as has the Community Games event at Ojoe Road Recreation Ground, Sangre Grande.

CFU News - Warner hails Africa's success at U20 W/Cup

Warner hails Africa’s success at U20 World Cup

 

Issued on July 9, 2007

 

FIFA Vice President Jack Warner has hailed the progress of Africa’s four teams into the round of sixteen in the ongoing FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Canada.

 

Warner, who arrived in Trinidad on Saturday from the Championship, is carded to return to the Finals this week.

 

He felt that the progress of the four nations – Congo, Zambia, Nigeria and Gambia was a obvious sign of strength from the Africans who were demonstrating their ability to compete and stand out on the world stage.

 

Congo ended hosts Canada’s hopes of advancing to the second round with a 2-0 win in Edmonton on Sunday while Gambia stunned Portugal and New Zealand to advance, Nigeria beat Scotland and Costa Rica and drew with Korea while Zambia beat Uruguay 2-0 on Saturday to sneak into the second phase.

 

Ottawa will host an All-Africa clash on Thursday between Zambia and Nigeria while Congo takes on CONCACAF giants Mexico on the same day in Montreal. Gambia faces Austria a day earlier in Edmonton.

 

“Africa has brought a level of class and excitement to the tournament, as they have done in previous tournaments, that has been thoroughly enjoyed by all who have been witnessing the action so far. I think they have demonstrated all the qualities that you expect from teams at a youth World Cup and moreso from Africa, despite the obstacles they may have to overcome. That talent, passion and desire for success is obvious among them,” Warner said.

 

An African team has never won a FIFA Under 20 Championship.

 

“One of the African teams has to face Mexico which is of course one of CONCACAF’s main hopes and that will be another story by itself.  But it will not surprise me if an African team goes all the way in this tournament,” Warner added.

 

Nigeria ended up second to Argentina at the 2005 Finals with Morocco coming fourth, while Ghana and Egypt finished second and third respectively in 2001 won by hosts Argentina. Ghana also lost the final to Brazil in 1993.

 

The Round of 16 schedule is now set, with anxiously waiting Costa Rica missing out on a spot at the death thanks to the two African victories.  Canada, the only nation not to score in these finals, also became the first hosts to be eliminated at the U-20 group stage since Malaysia in 1997.

 

DWAYNE BRAVO TO MISS IRELAND SERIES

Dwayne Bravo has been ruled out of the quadrangular series in Ireland with the ankle injury he picked up against England. He was patched up and played a decisive role in West Indies' 2-1 win, but hasn't been risked for the matches against Netherlands, Scotland and Ireland in Dublin.

Following West Indies' victory at Trent Bridge to seal the series Bravo stayed behind in London, while his team-mates flew to Ireland, to have the ankle examined and treated then will return to the Caribbean.

West Indies have decided not to call up a replacement for the short tour, instead offering chances to the players who didn't appear against England.

"We are going to miss Dwayne but we decided against replacement because it is a short trip with only three games," said coach David Moore. "We've had some good performers in England who did not get a chance in the one-day internationals in England.

"Darren Sammy did well but unfortunately missed out in the ODIs and Austin (Richards Jr) and Lendl (Simmons) will also have a chance to stake their claims."

West Indies open their tournament against Netherlands, at Clontarf, on Tuesday.

© Cricinfo

TTFF News - Scotland gets new permit.... off to Sweden with Swansea

Scotland gets permit… off to Sweden with new club

 

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, July 4, 2007

 

Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland officially became a Swansea City player on Wednesday after being granted a new work permit by the home office in England.

 

Scotland will join his new teammates on Wednesday for a preseason tour of Sweden, taking up a two year contract with the option of a one year extension. A tour to Holland will then follow before the start of the season which he will play alongside countryman Dennis Lawrence in Swansea colours.

 

Scotland’s agent Mike Berry was a relieved man as the former Defence Force player had to await a one-hour hearing in London attended by Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez, general manager Alun Cowie, chief scout Kevin Reeves and Berry.

 

“" I am delighted for Scotty as he has battled through the setback of 2 years ago and shown true warrior spirit to establish himself as the most exciting player in League 1 football  in Scotland for the last 2 years.  Lesser players would have quit, given up and gone back home.He now has a platform to establish himself in English League 1 and hopefully get into the Championship with his new club in their new 20,000 seater stadium and passionate fan base,” Berry told TTFF Media on Wednesday.

 

“In my opinion he is good enough to go all the way to the top and I am proud to have him as a client and he is a credit to T&T and his family. On a personal note this is the 18th successful work permit I have organised for T&T players and look forward to many more as I carry on doing while others talk,” Berry affirmed

 

Scotland who will wear the number nine shirt was simply looking ahead to beginning his time on English soil.

 

“It’s a relief really and now I can go on to further my career. I’m obviously excited to join my new club. It’s a new challenge and I intend to grasp it fully. Hats off to my agent Mike as well who has been superb for me. He had a tough period when he was in hospital recently  but he kept with it and if it hadn’t been for him this permit may not have come through at this point. So thanks to him and now I just have to look ahead and do what is required on the pitch,” Scotland told TTFF Media on Wednesday.

 

Making the switch to English football has always been Scotland’s ambition.

 

“I have always wanted to play in England and now that this opportunity has been given to me I’m looking to make the most of it. I hope I can settle in well at the club and continue where I left off at St Johnstone. I want to thank the club (St Johnstone) there for giving me a chance when I couldn’t get the previous work permit and they allowed me to join them and I was able to score goals to help the club.I want to do the same for Swansea now,” he ended.

 

Martinez too was delighted to have Scotland’s position safe after he had been previously denied while at Dundee before his move to St Johnstone in 2005.

 

"It's absolutely fantastic news. We had a very good hearing; very professional. We were all delighted to hear the positive outcome and I am already excited about working with him. He will be a quality acquisition to our squad. Goalscorers are the most precious commodity in football and I believe we've captured one of the highest calibre. As I said before, he has a magic touch and can make something out of nothing. He will certainly entertain and excite the crowds at the Liberty Stadium and beyond,” Martinez said.

 

The former Malick Senior Comprehensive player scored 26 goals for St Johnstone last season to take his overall tally at McDiarmid Park to 33 goals in 66 League appearances. He was named on the Scottish Division One “Team of the Year” last season and was also a member of T&T’s 2006 World Cup squad.

 

CFU NEWS - SA 2010 W/Cup committee invites Warner to Mandela Match

SA 2010 W/Cup committee invites Warner to Mandela match

Issued on July 3, 2007

 

The Local Organizing Committee for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has extended an invitation to FIFA Vice President Jack Warner to be among the honoured guests at the “90 Minutes for Mandela” match at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on July 18.

 

An impressive group of more than 50 past and present world-class footballers, including Brazilian football legend Pelé, three-time African player of the year Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), 1998 FIFA World Cup champion Christian Karembeu (France), former European player of the year Ruud Gullit (Netherlands) and South African star Lucas Radebe have confirmed their presence for the encounter.

 

The game, which will serve as a tribute to the legendary South African statesman on the occasion of his 89th birthday, will see an Africa XI meet a Rest of the World XI.

 

Warner, at present in Canada for the FIFA Under 20 World Cup received the formal invitation on Tuesday from Danny Jordaan, chief executive officer for the 2010 World Cup.

 

“On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations upon your reelection as Vice President of the FIFA Executive Committee.

 

“We worked together first through the Bid campaign and then through the first years of the hosting phase, and I am delighted that we will now have the opportunity of continuing this partnership towards staging an outstanding tournament in 2010,” Jordaan stated in his letter to the CONCACAF President.

 

The sale of tickets for this unique game, organised by FIFA together with the South African Football Association (SAFA), the South African Local Organising Committee (SALOC), the Nelson Mandela Foundation and FIFPro (the international federation of professional football players), will start soon. More details will follow in the coming days on FIFA.com.

 

The proceeds of the match will all be earmarked for legacy programmes reaching out to young people in South Africa by using football to develop educational, health and social programmes. The exact activities will be decided and implemented in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

 

Meantime Warner was also in the company of Canadian Minister of Finance James Michael Flaherty at a FIFA Under 20 World Cup game on Sunday between the hosts and Chile. Warner presented a FIFA pennant to Flaherty who represented the Canadian Government on the occasion in Toronto.