T&T’s Beach Soccer Men have been raising eyebrows at the ongoing CONCACAF Beach Soccer qualifiers in Nassau, Bahamas.
Before facing the United States on Thursday night, T&T scored convincing 8-1 and 5-1 wins over Antigua/Barbuda and US Virgin Islands to secure their quarter final spot which takes place today. But while El Salvador, Costa Rica and Mexico are the notable Beach Soccer teams to watch in Concacaf, T&T has surely put themselves among the teams to fancy as they go in search of one of two qualifying spots for the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Bahamas in April.
Alexandre Soares who coached Brazil to four World Cup titles and is now in charge of the Bahamas team, spoke about T&T.
“They are tactically one of the best teams in the competitions. You can see the understand the game, they are organised and their players are technically and physically very good. I think they are a team to watch for the rest of the tournament and they are in with a very good chance of qualifying. They need to keep it up,” said Soares who coached T&T in 2013.
Beach Soccer Men take part in Foundation clinic
The ever-popular Beach Soccer Foundation Clinic arrived on the shores of Nassau on Tuesday as a group disadvantaged local youngsters were given an unforgettable experience with stars of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship.
T&T trio Chad Appoo, team captain Ryan Augustine and Kelvin Charles along with head coach Benny Astorga joined around 20 Bahamian kids and young adults with disabilities at the Malcolm Park Beach Soccer Facility prior to the second day of competition and were able to run, play and enjoy soccer on the sand with some of their favourite players.
Beach soccer players from the Bahamas, T&T and the United States all took part in what was a hugely positive experience for all concerned.
Beach Soccer Worldwide’s Head of Competitions Josep Ponset added, “These clinics are always really special moments for everyone involved and it’s a big part of what we do as an organisation.
“We were honoured to be part of this initiative with the kids. Our players take pride in being part of these things where it entails lifting the spirits of people and assisting in development,” T&T head coach Astorga said.
The Beach Soccer Foundation is committed to making a difference across the world through the principles of environmental protection, children/youth development and skin cancer awareness.