Newly appointed head coach of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Under 15 team Reynold Carrington had the chance to hear the views and advice of former Senior team head coach Leo Beenhakker while participating in the Dutch advanced coaching symposium in Holland.
Carrington and Jefferson George had the opportunity to take in the experience after topping the recently held coaching symposium held by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation in conjunction with the Dutch Royal Academy at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya.
And among the highlights for Carrington was the first phase of the symposium in Holland where Beenhakker and Guus Hiddink delivered presentations on “Footballers for the future”. Part of the course which dealt with analyzing team performance and opponents, team preparation and other aspects, also involved Carrington and the other coaches attending and analyzing matches at the European Under 21 Championship.
“The course in Holland really opened by eyes because the level there is high and well respected. The exposure we gained there was priceless,” Carrington told TTFF Media.
“Part of the symposium was going to some of the games at the Under 21 championship where we viewed and analyzed all of Holland’s matches. The early part involved presentations from Leo Beenhakker and Guus Hiddink and they were very interesting. A lot of coaches have much respect for Beenhakker because they see him as someone who can the job done and that was the obvious feeling among the other coaches there. He is one of those coaches who can go into a situation and turn it around and he has the respect out there because of that quality,” Carrington added.
Commenting on his current tenure with the National team, the former T&T skipper said he always had coaching as an intention since his playing days.
“I always said even since my playing days that I would want to continue in the game and once the opportunity came up I would get involved. Everything worked out in my favour since I took the English FA ‘B’ license course in 2004 and then I continued with the Dutch course recently.
“I have realized too that coaching at the youth level is very critical and that’s why I’m excited about this new role. It’s a stepping stone for me because I have the view that youth needs to be the focus of our attention in development. The talent is there but more enthusiasm needs to be part of it and I see myself as a past player and the others being able to pass on the knowledge and the experience to the younger ones and help them adapt to the higher standard of international football at a younger age.”
Carrington also worked as a scout for W Connection in the Point Fortin area as well as had a stint with Point Fortin Civic Centre. TTFF Technical director Lincoln Phillips said currently Carrington was the right man for the job with the U15s.
“He has experience coaching in the South Association. He was chosen by the KNVB as one of the two top candidates in the symposium among 108 coaches (including several of the Pro and Super league coaches). Incidentally when his and Jefferson George's names were called it was receives with a lusty round of applause from all the coaches. Yes indeed, he had proven himself among all his peers. Thirdly the experience he received while attending the Advanced Dutch symposium and performing well-above average among top international coaches is an important factor
“The successful performances all in three areas indicated to T&TFF that Reynold would be a sound selection as coach for the U15 National team. Jefferson George is in the same Category. He was the top candidate in our goalkeeping course; goalkeeper coach for Joe public and of course selected to attended the Advanced Dutch symposium in Holland. He is now selected to be the goalkeeping coach for the U23 national team,” Phillips revealed.
Carrington, crediting Stuart Charles Fevrier for being influential in his transition from player to coach, also recognizes the work ethic of current T&T Olympic team coach Michael McComie.
“Stuart taught me how to be a student of the game and I think another person who has been inspiring is Mike McComie. I have played with him and then to see him step up and win the Pro League as a young coach is a fine achievement. He operates with confidence and shows that he belongs there which is something that other coaches like myself can look up to. Recently reading about Shaka (Hislop) involved in coaching and leaving the door open to come back home and work is every encouraging as well. We are fortunate to have the Dutch way as part of our system and working with these other experienced guys is always something I look forward to doing,” Carrington added.
With a couple screening sessions still to be completed, Carrington is currently working with a squad before T&T’s opening CFU Youth Cup game on August 18 against Aruba.