Head coach Densill Theobald has finalised a 20-man squad for the upcoming Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-14 Boys Challenge Series, which takes place in Trinidad and Tobago from August 16-25.
T&T take on Aruba in its opening match on Saturday at 6.30 p.m. at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, followed by clashes against St Kitts/Nevis and Jamaica, on Sunday and Monday, also at 6.30 p.m. at the Bacolet, Tobago venue.
The current group of players have come up through the TTFA High-Performance programme under the watchful eyes of Theobald and his assistant Yohance Marshall.
Summing up their readiness, Theobald told TTFA Media on Monday: “Our preparations for the CFU U-14 Challenge Series have been nothing short of intense. The boys have pushed themselves in every training session, showing incredible commitment and determination.”
Theobald played for T&T youth teams which led to securing a place in the senior men’s 2006 World Cup unit, lining up in all three group stage games against Sweden, England and Paraguay, later captaining the team at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2007 Digicel Caribbean Cup.
“It’s been inspiring to see their growth and how they’ve come together as a team. It is a process and it brought back a lot of memories for me as a youth player. It’s not an easy road but the guys have shown love and dedication towards the efforts,” he added.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the parents, who have been with us every step of the way, ensuring the boys are here for training and they are ready mentally also. And we have players from various parts of the country with a handful coming from Tobago as well.”
“The dedication from our coaching staff, the backing of the TTFA, and the encouragement from the community have all played vital roles in getting us to this point. As we approach the tournament, the excitement within the squad is obvious. We’re ready to take the field and represent T&T with pride and passion.”
TTFA president Kieron Edwards said his Association was looking forward to a well-staged, exciting tournament. “We are thrilled to host the CFU U-14 Boys Championship. This event is a testament to our commitment to youth development and fostering talent across the region. The TTFA is dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures young athletes and builds strong partnerships within the football community. And hosting this championship is a significant step forward for the future of our beloved sport in T&T.”
T&T U-14 squad:
Goalkeepers: Christian Telfer (City FC), Samuel Hosein (Union Hall United)
Defenders: Essien Thomas (Beatnix), Kenai Richardson (World Class), Jaimarley John (Maloney Real Footballers), Lucas Shaw (City FC), Kyen Anderson (Ball Blasters Tobago), Antoni James (Austin Town Fitch—USA),
Midfielders: Aaden Jones (Creek FC), Sebastien James (Cox Coaching School), Deron Blackman (Cardinals), Ackim Duncan (Ball Blasters), Samuel Balfour (Union Hall United), Jaden Marcele (Ball Blasters).
Forwards: Darnell Walcott (Prisons FC Academy), Regan Rowe (City FC), Jeremy Nanton (City FC), Adasa Richardson (Cox Coaching School), Jahmiah Gibbes (Ball Blasters), Jaeden Anthony (Ball Blasters).
SOURCE: T&T Express