Six foreign-based players have been named in a 20-member Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Under-17 squad scheduled to leave Tuesday for Mexico to contest two friendly matches against the hosts.
The first match is scheduled for Thursday and the second on Saturday, with both to be played at Mexico’s National Training Centre.
Saundra Baron, who plays her football in North Carolina, USA, leads the contingent of foreign players who also include Annette Mims, Mallory Archer, Jasmine Sampson, Brianna Ryce and Danielle McPhun.
Coach Even Pellerud said his main focus would be arranging more international matches for his team, as this was the only way he could properly gauge their development.
’I am very confident in what we are doing and it is crucial that we play more international games, the only way we can find out if we are on the right track is by competing,’ he said.
The Norwegian said the tour would be an opportunity for the foreign-based and local players to mesh and said he would aim to create this environment regularly.
The tour will see players vying for positions on the final team which will take part in the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to be held in T&T next year from September 5-25.
Team
Goalkeepers: Saundra Baron (North Carolina, USA), Linfah Jones (Debe High), Keri Myers (Holy Faith Convent).
Defenders: Khadisha Debesette (Vessigny High), Camille Borneo (El Dorado East), Patrice Vincent (Debe High), Tineisha Cobham (East Point Fortin), Rehana Omardeen (International School), Annette Mims (New York, USA), Mallory Archer (Ontario, Canada).
Midfielders: Victoria Swift (Miracle Ministries), Camille Charles (Point Fortin College), Patrice Campbell (El Dorado East), Khadidra Debesette (Vessigny High), Kayla Taylor (Debe High), Jasmine Sampson (Maryland, USA), Brianna Ryce (Atlanta, USA).
Strikers: Kedisha Castillo (Blanchisseuse High), Jo-Marie Lewis (East Mucurapo), Danielle McPhun (North Carolina, USA).
Technical Staff – Even Pellerud (coach); Richard Hood (assistant coach), Marius Rovde (goalkeeper coach), Chris Bailey (trainer), Nicole Kistow (physio), Jinelle James (manager), Claire George (equipment manager).