No mention of women’s programmes.
PRESIDENT of the TT Football Association (TTFA) David John-Williams says football fans have “a lot more football to look forward to” this year. Among the list of 2019 highlights to expect are the opening of the Home of Football, a “host of top class international friendlies” for the men’s national team and the start of the Concacaf Nations League.
John-Williams, via TTFA’s media department, issued his New Year’s Day message in which he shared an optimistic view for football this year. He also acknowledged players, coaches and other stakeholders in local football for their “efforts, patience and understanding.”
He said, “The TTFA would like to use this opportunity to extend our gratitude to you for your commitment, patience and support towards building, developing and promoting football in 2018. We now look forward to a fruitful and exciting 2019 year for T&T football.
“The TTFA will celebrate its 111th anniversary this year and looks ahead to the highly anticipated opening of the Home of Football and the Sports and Entertainment Centre projects. Both projects were made possible through FIFA’s Forward programme and the support of the Government of T&T who provided the all-important lands to facilitate these projects.”
John-Williams also listed international friendlies lined up for the men’s national team in preparation for the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup in July. Among those friendlies for the men’s team is a meeting with Wales scheduled for March 20 in Wrexham. He also noted T&T’s challenge of the inaugural Concacaf Nations League in September, the start of qualification for Qatar 2022, and the NLCB Elite youth teams who have a number of friendly and competitive matches throughout 2019.
John-Williams did not indicate any plans for the national women’s team who endured a turbulent year of football in 2018 with controversy in the selection of a coach and the team’s insufficient preparation and lack of resources ahead of the Concacaf Women’s Championship.
“Together we can shape the future of our football and leave a legacy for the next generations.
We met and overcame many obstacles in 2018 and together we will continue to surmount them in the years ahead. We have no doubt made progress an an organization, demonstrating resilience that can only augur well for us going forward as we endeavour to create a self-sustainable TT Football Association.
“We would once again like to acknowledge the efforts, patience and understanding of all out stakeholders from the players, coaches, match officials, administrators, referees, office staff, member associations, official partners as well as our most loyal fans,” John-Williams concluded.