International players who will be taking part in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) were treated to a welcome lunch yesterday by the tournament organisers when they were informed of the draft for the tournament which will take place on Friday.
The group of about 15 athletes were briefed about the league, interacted with local Trinidad and Tobago players and received visitor packages from the Tourism Development Company (TDC).
One of the speakers at the lunch was WPL Committee member Jinelle James, who informed the players about what to expect during the Combine event which takes place Wednesday and Thursday as well as the draft event at the end of the week.
James was one of a panel of presenters from the WPLTT who introduced themselves to the athletes and advised them of the exciting tournament being planned for them.
The international contingent of players will make The Chancellor Hotel in St Ann’s their home for the two-month duration of the League as the boutique accommodation has been named the official hotel of the WPL.
Another major sponsor is Caribbean Airlines, the official carrier of the WPL.
It was also revealed that a contingent of players from Brazil will arrive later this week.
The athletes have a busy week ahead, leading up to the draft, which includes training and match practice.
One of the head coaches, Derek Arneaud, has already begun light training sessions with the group of international players.
The mission of Women’s Premier League is to “provide a platform, in Trinidad and Tobago, for football that is high-quality, entertaining, promotes social values and encourages the participation of women and girls in sport”.
The WPL will feature six franchise teams and one development team and will run from June 19 to July 31 with a two week break in between for the Pan Am Games.
The international players will have a practice match against the T&T women’s team at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo at 6 p.m. today as they get ready for the WPL.
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Players briefed at Women’s Premier League luncheon
T&T Newsday Reports.
International players of the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) were treated to a welcome lunch by tournament organisers on yesterday.
The group of about 15 athletes were briefed on the League, interacted with local national players and received visitor packages from the Tourism Development Company (TDC). One of the speakers at the lunch was WPL Committee member Jinelle James, who informed the players about what to expect during the Combine (screening) tomorrow and Thursday as well as the Draft event on Friday. James was one of a panel of presenters from the WPLTT who introduced themselves to the athletes and advised them of the exciting tournament being planned for them.
Over the weekend, several female footballers from the United States, Venezuela, Canada, St Kitts/Nevis and the US Virgin Islands arrived in Trinidad ahead of the League’s draft on Friday. English and Jamaican National team players, notably midfielder Jodi-Ann McGregor and star striker for the ‘Reggae Girls’ Shakira Duncan, also touched down for the 2015 tourney on Sunday. On the English end, Manchester City goalkeeper Elizabeth Seasman was all smiles upon reaching Trinidad and eager to start he campaign in the league.
The international contingent of players will make The Chancellor Hotel in St Ann’s their home for the two-month duration of the League as the boutique accommodation has been named the official hotel of the WPL. Another major sponsor is Caribbean Airlines, the official carrier of the WPL. A contingent of players from Brazil will arrive later this week. Thus far, players from USA, Canada, Guyana and the Caribbean have already touched down for this week’s meetings ahead of the campaign.
The athletes have a busy week ahead, leading up to the Draft, which includes training and match practice. One of the head coaches, Derek Arneaud, has already begun light training sessions with the group of international players.
The mission of Women’s Premier League is to “provide a platform, in Trinidad and Tobago, for football that is high-quality, entertaining, promotes social values and encourages the participation of women and girls in sport”. It is not a professional league but an international tournament comprising national, club and college athletes from Trinidad and Tobago, the Americas and England.
Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago “Women Soca Warriors” will be meeting an International XI, comprising players who are in the island for the inaugural Women’s Premier League, today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from 6 pm.
The game will be the first for Trinidad and Tobago since their heart-wrenching 1-0 defeat to Ecuador, at the aforementioned venue, which ended their dream of qualification for the current FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.
The game is also the first for recently-appointed TT coach Ross Russell, who replaced the American-born Randy Waldrum last month.