The Trinidad and Tobago Men's Senior Team footballers and coaches aren't the only ones, from the twin-island republic, preparing for summer's 2013 Concacaf Gold Cup in the United States which runs from July 7 - 28.
Assistant referee Dion Neil, a regular official at the TT Pro League, is the only Trinidadian among fifty (50) referees appointed for the Gold Cup and he too has been preparing for the big stage.
"This will be my first time at the Concacaf Gold Cup and I'm truly honoured to be invited and chosen to represent my country," said the 39 year old assistant referee.
"I have attended the Concacaf elite course, in 2009 and 2012, which normally precedes the Gold Cup. Being invited to the elite course and the Gold Cup is really special. This is the most prestigious competition in the confederation. It's the Euro Cup or African nations Cup of Concacaf," he said.
It's the biggest stage for Neil, who served at the Concacaf Under 20 championship 2012 and 2013, and at the 2012 Caribbean Cup, and preparation is vital for referees as it is for players.
"I've been involved in some extra physical and strength training sessions in preparation for the (Gold Cup)," explained Neil. "It also involves doing video tests and reviewing of the laws of the game daily. Some mental and psychological exercises are also included in preparation for games with the top teams like Mexico, USA etc."
The tournament will kick off at the Rose Bowl on Sunday July 7, with a double header featuring an encounter between reigning Gold Cup champion Mexico and Panama.
Mexico and Panama occupy Group A along with Canada and Martinique. Group B consists of Honduras, El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti, while home team USA, Costa Rica, Belize and Cuba make up Group C. (See full 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup schedule below.)
Neil will have a taste of Costa Rica and Panama on June 18 in 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifying.
The Trinidadian has been selected among match referee Courtney Campbell and assistant one Garnet Page, both of Jamaica, fourth official David Gantar of Canada, referee assessor Stanley Darville of the Bahamas and commissioner Victor León Guevara Gallegos of Mexico to serve as officials at the Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica.
Neil's journey to Concacaf's biggest stage did not come overnight. It's his love for football, and his dedication to the work on the sidelines and commitment to training that has paid off.
"I've been refereeing since 1998 and appointed to the FIFA international panel in 2008," shared the father of four—two girls and two boys. "I've always loved football and wanted to be involved in some way. And this was a positive way to stay fit and be involved."
In July, Neil will definitely be involved, representing the T&T flag at the Gold Cup.