Coach of 1976 FC Phoenix, Terry Williams, is quite elated with the recent development in the memorandum of understanding signed between the club and Playbook Management International (PMI).
Coach Williams revealed that American executive Michael Hitchcock who owns and operates Fort Worth Vaqueros FC in the American minor leagues and is part owner of professional English club Alfreton Town recently paid a visit to Tobago to move their agreement forward.
Both parties met with a high-powered team from the Tobago House of Assembly which included Secretary for Education, Youth Affairs and Sport, Huey Cadette, Director of Sport, Justin Latapy and Theophilus Trim to bring them up to date on matters related to the contract signed last July.
PMI has agreed to support the club financially for the next three years. This support will involve the provision of uniforms and players’ development.
It is hoped that the union will create opportunities for young, talented Tobagonians to ply their trade in the US and England.
PMI and Phoenix will both receive fifty percent of any player transfer during the period.
In his meeting with the members of the THA, Hitchcock stressed that a website is been created which will be launched in January to promote both 1976 FC Phoenix and Tobago as a sports tourism destination. He however lamented the state of the pitch at Canaan which he advised must be upgraded to facilitate team visits.
In 2016, two Under14 players will be selected from the Phoenix Academy to join Vaqueros FC to play in the Dallas Cup. Shortlisted are standouts from the recently concluded Primary Schools league Kyle Jack, Daniel Marcelle and Oshea Williams.
It is also the intention of the organisation to invite current Phoenix players to train with the American based club then move them to Alfreton Town where they would be oriented into the professional environment.
Shortlisted are Onasi Forde, Andel Brown, Che Richards and Darryl Trim.
In 2017, it is also proposed to fund a youth team to the Dallas Cup which will involve teams and scouts from all over the world.
This initiative will give players an opportunity to be seen for possible future contract abroad.
Other initiative agreed between both parties are the possibility of hosting youth and senior tournament on the sister isle in the future.
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