Simoes wants to help with Nkosi’s comeback.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
07-Jan-2006 - Former National Under 17 striker Nkosi Blackman is back on the football field and is promising to force his way back into the reckoning of National Team selection.
The 21-year-old former St Benedict’s College standout has been away from the scene since an accident in 2002 which left him with serious head injuries and out of the game for a long period. But last season, through the support of close family members and friends, the talented striker laced his boots up again and has been working feverishly to get back to his old self.
And now, former T&T technical director Rene Simoes is making attempts to have his former striker travel to Brazil to continue his comeback with the Bahia football club.
Simoes, now coach of the Iran Olympic team revealed to the TTFF Media on Saturday that a move is in the making but further medical clearance is needed for Blackman to be taken by the Bahia club.
“I remember this young boy all the time and if he can get anyway close to what he was back then at the Under 17 championship, then he can definitely be taken by a club. We re trying to see what options there are for him,” Simoes told TTFF Media.
“Trinidad and Tobago has enjoyed the success of getting to the World Cup and they must maximize everything that comes with it. This was a dream of Jack Warner, the players and the majority of the population.”
Blackman couldn’t be happier about T&T’s World Cup qualification and while he  knows that the 2006 World Cup may be out of his reach, he is certainly focusing on wearing the national colours some time in the future.
“I am feeling good at the moment. I decided that after the accident I would come back out in 2005 and I was able to play with the South Zone T&Tec team under Jan Steadman and I got to play about 12 matches and I scored about six goals. I have not been one hundred percent and especially after the accident, I was not a comfortable player on the field but now that is all in the past and I’m feeling like I can do it again and I’m seeing good signs. I just need to get fully fit again.”
Blackman said that the interest shown in him from Simoes and TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner has given him hope for the future. Blackman had been previously attached to Joe Public. He had earlier been on trials with English clubs Manchester United and Middlesbrough before the accident which claimed the life of his close friend Lester Salick. Jerol Forbes and Kenwyne Jones had also accompanied him on the trials and the latter is now attached to English club Southampton FC.
“Coach Simoes has been in touch with me and after he contacted me in August, it really made me feel as though there is still hope for me to play at the highest level again. At least I have the hope now and Mr Warner and Joe Public treated me very well. After the accident Mr Warner tried to ensure that things were good with me and I am thankful for that. If I can get the right guidance now with the training in Brazil, it would be the best thing for me at this stage,” Blackman added.

Nkosi Blackman returns as Benedict's face 'Pres' next week.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
26-Aug-2002 - Former National Under 17 striker Nkosi Blackman has marked the upcoming Secondary Schools clash between St Benedict's College and Presentation College, San Fernando on September 6 at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium as his returning match on the local scene since his accident last February.
The 18-year-old returned from a holiday in New York recently and has been training with Joe Public for the past two weeks. He also came on in the second half when Public drew 1-1 with the Trinidad and Tobago Under 20 team last week. That was his first appearance in a match since the accident.
"I am feeling really good at the moment," Blackman said yesterday. "I will be playing with St Benedict's this season and I am preparing for the first game against "Pres" next week. The Doctor has told me that I can play now and it's just a matter of me getting back my fitness to the best possible level," he added.
Blackman weighed 186 pounds before the accident and is now at 205 lbs. "I am working on that, I know I need to drop some weight," he said with a laugh.
Despite not being able to join the Under 20 team for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Cuba on September 1 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Blackman wished the team well. He mentioned that he will not force himself into making the National team until the new year.
"I want to wish them all the well and I hope they realize that they have to do it for the country and go out their and make us proud. For the time being I have decided that I will just play football in the Schools league and at the club level and then start back with the national team next year," said Blackman.

Nkosi Blackman is back on the field.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
15-May-2002 - The 18-year-old former National Under 17 striker who was severely injured in a car accident in February has began doing light sessions with the ball on his own at a ground near to his home in Vessigny. And the St Benedict' College student could not have been happier at doing so.
"I've started training again. I'm doing some light work with the ball by myself at a ground in Vessigny and I'm slowly getting back there," Blackman said on Friday while at the Strike Squad match at Clifton Hill ground, Point Fortin.
Blackman puts his signature on a replica shirt last month at his charity match in Point Fortin.
"I am continuing to take things easy. I don't want to rush it but I am excited about playing again. I'm also taking some Math classes and all," said Blackman,who is also contracted to Pro Sports Caribbean.
Blackman added that he will be backing Real Madrid at the European Champions' League final and is also looking forward to seeing the T&T National Under 20 team in qualifying action soon.
Blackman collected a cheque from the TTFF two Fridays ago made up of the funds raised in the Charity match for him and the late Lester Salick earlier this year. Lester's mother also collected a cheque on the day.
Birmingham City striker Stern John sent Blackman a letter, having made a contribution to the fund, wishing him a continued speedy recovery.

Players invited for Nkosi Blackman charity match.

By: Shuan Fuentes.
05-Apr-2002 - A Trinidad and Tobago national team featuring several new faces will take on a Pro Sports Caribbean team in a charity match for injured national under-17 striker Nkosi Blackman from 2 p.m. on Sunday at Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin.
Proceeds from the match will go to St Benedict’s College striker Blackman, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a car crash last February. 
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation technical director Rene Simoes is using the game to take a look at several young players, who have been invited to trials with the national team.
Among the players considered for selection on the national team are promising Princes Town Senior Comprehensive defender Anthony Noreiga and his teammate, midfielder Dean Logan, along with Defence Force striker Jason Scotland and Joe Public midfielder Dale Saunders.
They face a team of seasoned footballers who are contracted by the Pro Sports Caribbean outfit, which is owned by Englishmen Peter Miller and Terry Fenwick.
Leading that squad will be national midfielder Angus Eve. Other members are former Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive standout Cornell Glen, Trent Noel, winger Josh Johnson, Devon Mitchell, goalkeeper Kelvin Jack and Nigel Daniel, among others.
The following players are asked to attend a training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 4pm on Friday.
These players will form the national team which will face a Pro Sports Caribbean team in Sunday's Charity match for injured National under 17 striker Nkosi Blackman at Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin from 2pm.

Squad: Marlon Sylvester, Marlon Pierre, Jason Scotland, Kwesi Smith, Cory Rivers (Defence Force), Michael Bubb, Denzil Theobald, Conrad Smith (Caledonia AIA), Kurt Danclair (Police) Daurance Williams, Jace Peters (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Anthony Noreiga (Starworld Strikers), Fabien Lewis (Naparima College), Atiba Charles, Lyndon Diaz, Kevon Clement, Kendall Davis, Teba McKnight(Vibe CT 105 W Connection), Naim Frederick, Andre Toussaint, Nigel Pierre, Dale Saunders (Joe Public), Elliot James, Dean Logan.

Nkosi Blackman visits Mom's site, takes things easy.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
22-Mar-2002 - Nkosi Blackman, currently recovering from his injuries received in the recent vehicular accident, visited the burial site (Point Fortin) of his mother Joan today, marking the one-year anniversary of her passing.
An upbeat Blackman, always one to make reference to her since his exploits during and after the FIFA Under 17 Championship, said that she continues to be the biggest inspirational figure in his life.
"She's always in my thoughts and she was there with me throughout the accident and after," said Blackman.
The St Benedict's College student was on Thursday scheduled to attend to one of his weekly check ups at the San Fernando General Hospital but turned up and was advised to return next week because of the current sick out by doctors. However, a dressing to his right arm is giving the player some discomfort and needs to be changed and he will now seek assistance at the Victoria Nursing Home on Friday.
The TTFF continues to offer its assistance to him.
Blackman says he's been "eating good food and enjoying some of the football on TV" over the last few days.
"Everything's ok for the moment. I'm really anxious to get back out but I have to take my time. I've been going for some drives and mostly relaxing and taking things easy. I'm eating some healthy food too. As for the football, I was happy to look at the game between Manchester United and Bayern Munich," said Blackman.
He also remembered to thank those who have been at his side since the accident. "I know that there are persons who have been helpful like from the Federation and Mr Warner and I want to say thanks again. And to my friends and family, thanks to them also," he added.

Nkosi Blackman thanks God for life.

By Yvonne Webb.
07-Mar-2002 - National Under 17 striker Nkosi Blackman gave thanks to God, for delivering him from a near death experience and vowed, " I will play football again."
The young footballer who had been seriously injured in a Carnival Sunday car accident which claimed the life of his best friend, Lester Salick, was discharged from the San Fernando General Hospital shortly before 4 p.m., yesterday.
He was taken to the home of friends at Vessigny Village, La Brea, where he will recuperate fully in the months to come.
The promising footballer said, " I feel very glad to have come out (of the accident) alive. "I have to thank God a lot," he said.
Blackman said he came out of his unconsciousness two Sundays ago, but was not fully aware of what was going on around him until this week.
After regaining consciousness, he was dealt another blow when told that the accident which left him with a fractured skull and swollen brain, claimed the life of his best friend.
"I heard about Lester," he said in an emotional tone, " he was my best friend and it has affected me a lot."
Asked why he was not returning to the home of Lester's mother, Therese Salick, where he had been staying months before the accident, he said, " because she is working." Salick is a school teacher who took Nkosi and his brother Nigel into her Point Fortin home following the death of their mother Joan, last year.
He said he was grateful that people like FIFA's Vice President Jack Warner, injured footballer Marvin Lee and other people came to visit him during his darkest hours and promised to assist in his recuperation.
"I feel really glad these people rally around me," he said.
On Friday, Blackman would return to the hospital for a minor operation to his right arm, which he said has little movement. He would be out on Saturday.
Prior to the accident, Blackman who has a local contract with Joe Public , recently returned from trials with English Premiership clubs in Manchester and Middlesborough and was likely to earn a recall.

Nkosi: My teammates will see me playing again by Christmas.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
07-Mar-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago Under 17 striker Nkosi Blackman says he hopes to be playing football again by Christmas of this year.
He was speaking moments after walking himself towards a car and was sporting a National shirt which was placed on his bedside a day after the accident. Before being taken home by friends, Blackman was in high spirits saying "The only message I want to send to my teammates is to expect me playing with them again by Christmas. That is what I am looking towards. Now I am just looking to relax and get my treatment, as well as train and get back my normal size," he said.
"First of all I must thank God for the strength he has given me to help me where I am now. When the accident occurred I wasn¹t able to understand what people were saying but now I am much better. All I can remember from the accident is that the car was speeding and skidded, that¹s all. I just want to say to all drivers to be safe and don¹t rush to go anywhere.
"I also want to say thanks to all those who supported me during this time and also to my mom who was in my thoughts right through."

A shining Nkosi Blackman on a Sunday.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
04-Mar-2002 - There was a shining light coming out of the Neurosurgery ward at the San Fernando General Hospital on Sunday afternoon. It was one of those touching moments as officials of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation and players stood by a "born-again" Nkosi Blackman.
The 17-year-old National striker, critically injured from an accident last month, was sitting upright on his bed, face gleaming below a neatly trimmed head.
As Rene Simoes put it "It's an unbelievable experience that I just had in that room. I came here to try and bring some form of happiness to Blackman, but instead I am leaving here with happiness that he has given to me."
Blackman smiled for the duration of the 15-minute visit as Simoes, Camps, Alfredo Montesso and Julio Leal occupied his bed side. Senior team players, Angus Eve, Nigel Pierre, Brent Sancho, Stokely Mason and Ansil Elcock also took turns in seeing their teammate.
Blackman was presented with a picture by yours truly which was taken along with Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane during his stint at the club earlier this year, as well a copy of the note sent to him by Sir Alex Ferguson. Slowly and softly he read the entire letter and ended with a positive shake of the head and a smile followed.
Blackman was able to recognise all in his presence, "Chicooooo" he called Santos, causing laughter from Simoes, as such was the way in which the goalkeeper coach was accustomed to being hailed during past training sessions.
Blackman, who notably shed a few pounds since the accident, was also aware that a squad of Under 20 players is now in training.
"I am feeling real good now," he said. "I am hoping to come out of here by Wednesday you know. Things are going okay with me at the moment. I know I will just have to have the patience and things will be okay. And yes I am hoping to start back playing again soon," he added.
Simoes mentioned "It is so good to see that he recognises everyone and to see how far he has come. I also want to let him know that while he it will be some time before he is fully recovered, that there will always be a place for him in my team list."
In the meantime, Blackman will continued to be showered with best wishes from all concerned.

Marvin Lee to Blackman - Keep the faith.

Shaun Fuentes.
28-Feb-2002 - Injured National Under 20 defender Marvin Lee was in high spirits after paying his first visit to Nkosi Blackman at Intensive Care Unit at the San Fernando General Hospital on Thursday.
Lee along with his mother Dawn and a friend visited Blackman and the former T&T captain said he was happy to see that the FIFA Under 17 all star was recovering.
"I was really happy to see that he is recovering and at least he isn't down for too long again. He did recognise me and we spoke and I told him to keep the fight and faith and everything will be alright, which is similar to my situation," Lee told TTFF Media.
As to his own condition at this time, Lee said he was in good stead and is now able to hold his crutches by himself.
"So far things are fine. I am just working harder and harder and as the days go by I am seeing the improvements," he added.
"I saw the list for the new Under 20 team and I just want to wish the players all the best and hope that we do well. As for the team that went to the Gold Cup, I just will say that we can't win everything and we just need to keep on working hard and the results will come our way. In the meantime I will look forward to supporting Italy at the upcoming World Cup, ended Lee.

Troubled life of a rising footballer.

By LOUIS B HOMER.
24-Feb-2002 - NATIONAL Under-17 striker, Nkosi Blackman, has had his fair share of disappointments.
At age three, he lost his elder brother Roger who died in a vehicular accident. Last year, his mother Joan died from a heart attack.
Now, the promising footballer is hooked up to a ventilator at the Intensive Care Unit at San Fernando General Hospital. This followed serious brain injuries he sustained in a vehicular accident Carnival Sunday while returning to his home in Point Fortin.
Football fans around the country continue to pray for Blackman’s recovery. A special mass was said Ash Wednesday at the La Romaine RC Church. Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United Football Club, has written to Blackman expressing his concern over the accident. Members of the team are hoping he recovers quickly.
“All the players in the team and myself are with you...listen to your doctors and hopefully it would not be too long before you are well again,” Ferguson wrote.
Blackman recently returned from trials with the English Premiership clubs in Manchester and Middlesborough and was likely to earn a recall for another stint within the next few months.
The promising teenager, known to his team-mates as “Chucky”, recently signed with local professional team Joe Public.
Blackman, a 17-year-old fifth form pupil of St Benedict’s College, La Romaine, won the hearts of fans around the world with a spectacular solo goal during the FIFA World Under-17 Championships here last year.
Although since his mother died, Blackman has been living at the home of school teacher Therese Salick, in his glorious moments he still thinks about his mother. Moments after returning recently from England, he said: “The experience there was certainly unforgettable...I always think of my mom in times like these and I will just look forward to the better things that might come my way.”
Blackman’s football career started while he was a pupil at Point Fortin Junior Secondary School.
Rasheed Ali, a History teacher at St Benedict’s College had attended a college match at Point Fortin and saw him in action. So impressed was Ali that he asked the principal of St Benedict’s College, Declan Singh, to apply to have him transferred to Benedict’s.
Singh said, “He had the raw talent. All he needed was to have it refined.”
When he entered St Benedict’s it was Mohammed Esau, football coach, who was assigned to refine his talent.
Singh described him as a “powerful player, and a well behaved child, with a great future in football.” Singh said Blackman was well-liked by pupils at the school.
Salick, whose home is open to scores of young footballers in Point Fortin, played the role of “mother” . She described him as “a humble child.”
“He’s quiet and not rude. When his mother died members of the village council had promised to help him complete his secondary education, but that fell through,” said Salick who lost her son Lester in the accident.
Latest reports coming out of San Fernando General Hospital is that Blackman is likely to be taken off the ventilator to which he has been hooked up to since he was admitted to the institution.
Ronnie, his elder brother, and driver of the death car, said yesterday, “Nkosi is only resting. At the end of the rest he will come out more powerful.”

Alex Ferguson sends letter to Nkosi Blackman.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
21-Feb-2002 - Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United today issued a letter expressing his sympathy to National Under 17 footballer Nkosi Blackman following his unfortunate involvement in a car accident earlier this month.
Ferguson, who took the opportunity to speak to Blackman, Gerol Forbes and Kenwyne Jones during their training sting at the club in January, mentioned that his thoughts was with the St Benedict's College student.
"I was sorry to hear recently that you are not feeling too well at the moment.
I thought that I would drop you a line to let you know that the players and myself are thinking about you and wishing you a quick recovery.
"I know that it might take sometime and that you will have to be patient, so I do hope that you will listen to your Doctors and hopefully it will not be too long before you are completely well again. Keep your chin up and take care.

Yours sincerely
Alex Ferguson.

Blackman continues to be warded at the intensive care unit at the San Fernando General Hospital. He remains heavily sedated while his conditions continues to improve.

Statements of condolences from Man-Utd & Middlesborough for Nkosi Blackman.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
16-Feb-2002 - Trinidad and Tobago striker Nkosi Blackman showed signs of improvement while still warded at the intensive care unit at the San Fernando General Hospital on Friday evening.
Blackman, who turns 18 in April, was resting comfortably and was conscious as he used his hands and legs for support while lying on bed. With his legs in an upright position, the St Benedict's College student made strong eye contact but was unable to speak as he held the hand of this individual. He later strengthened his grip as a goodbye was mentioned.
It is understood that earlier today he also muttered words including the name of a close friend Solange, whose hand he held for most of the visiting hour.
The left side of his head was shaven, leaving the swollen blow from the accident visible and was still under oxygen treatment up to late evening.
Meanwhile, statements of condolences were issued from both the Manchester United and Middlesbrough clubs on Thursday, while the Federation also received numerous get well letters for Blackman from English-based striker Stern John, as well as fans and others concerned in the United Kingdom, Australia, Croatia and the United States.

Jack Warner pledges to help Nkosi Blackman.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
13-Feb-2002 - Nkosi Blackman was still listed in a critical condition by doctors on Monday but was improving as he went into his second day in intensive care at the San Fernando General Hospital.
Blackman reportedly came out of unconsciousness for the first time at about 6pm on Sunday but has been in and out of it since then.
He is currently out of the life support system but still receiving an oxygen supply.
As a National shirt was laid on his bed side this evening, Blackman moved his fingers as words were said softly to him by this individual and this occurred with a couple other close ones to him earlier in the day.
As you go towards your goal of recovery Nkosi, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
In related news, Federation President Oliver Camps and Technical Director Rene Simoes expressed deep shock in light of Sunday's mishap, especially at a time when the death of ex-National striker Mickey Trotman is still fresh in the minds of all.
As the Federation awaits further updates, the President and officials express deepest sympathy and will be extending countless support to the individuals involved and their family members.
Blackman, a student of St Benedict's College and a voted FIFA All Star member of the FIFA Under 17 World Championship, recently returned from trials with English Premiership clubs Manchester United and Middlesbrough and was likely to earn a recall for another stint within the next few months.
"The experience there was certainly unforgettable and something I would cherish for the remainder of my career. It helped me and the other guys to appreciate our country more, being able to be players for the national team. I always think about my mom especially at times like these and I will just look forward to the better things that might come my way," Blackman said moments after returning home from his stint in England.
Blackman's close friend Lester Salick sadly lost his life in the accident. Blackman has been sharing residence with Salick since the death of his (Blackman's) mother, Joan, last year. Salick, a former student of Point Fortin Secondary, was also a player with Southern-based club Starworld Strikers, which is likely to be one of the clubs campaigning in the 2002 Professional Football League.
In related news: Warner said while he was prepared to move Blackman to a private nursing home, hospital officials assured him that everything was being done for the injured footballer. Warner then pledged to assist in the purchase of a $1 million machine for the hospital. Asked whether some insurance plan could be set up to assist injured footballers, Warner said such arrangements already exist for players who are injured while playing football. He promised to provide Blackman's family with whatever assistance they need.
Warner also hailed the efforts of San Fernando General Hospital Intensive Care Unit's (ICU) staff to treat Blackman who was injured in a car crash in Point Fortin on Saturday night. Footballer Lester Sallick was killed in the accident. Also visiting the recuperating Blackman yesterday were Oliver Camps, president of the TTFF and Technical Director Rene Simoes.
Warner said the TTFF will be strapped for funds for some time, and expressed regret at what he described as victimisation by the present Government against the local body. He said this was the reason why he decided to end his involvement in local football, and reiterated he will not return.
Warner said he was disappointed, but not surprised at Government's reluctance to pay the fees of Technical Director, Professor Simoes. He recalled for the last seven months, there were no problems paying Simoes and his team, and said it would be a tragedy for local football if the services of someone like the Brazilian was lost.

T&T trio reflect on time of their lives.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
01-Feb-2002 - Nkosi Blackman, Jerol Forbes and Kenwyne Jones are still caught up in the “experience of the lives” since returning from England on Tuesday night.
The trio described the stints at Manchester United and Middlesbrough as learning, enjoyable and unforgettable.
Blackman, a student of St Benedict’s College, spoke of the difficult times at Manchester United while training at the Academy but also had some good occasions to talk about.
“It was a little cold at Manchester. But we got along all right. The guys there were not giving us the ball too much and we couldn’t hold ball and show off anything. We more or less had to fight it out on our own,” said Blackman.
“It was really good because we have seen they are very developed there and we learnt quite a lot,” he added.
He added that Dwight Yorke would come and say “You guys make sure and take care of my Trini brothers.”
“The professional players were very cool and kind to us. Gary Neville, Van Nistelrroy, Veron and Dwight all came and spoke to us on the second day.
They give us some jerseys and Dwight gave us some funds that he had on him at the time and that was very nice. He told us he would meet us up at Middlesbrough but he didnt’ sign the deal. Sir Alex Ferguson also came and spoke to us and told us to enjoy ourselves and make the best of the experience,” added Blackman.
Forbes mentioned that he performed better at Middlesbrough and the club has also expressed interest in having them return.
“Boro was a little warmer and we performed much better there. We had a lot of the ball. We played some training games and were scoring in most of the matches at Manchester also,” said Forbes. “I wanted to gain something from the experience and I got that.”
“The experience was great as i got a chance to make something of my career. Different times at both clubs. The guys were nice to us but as soon as went on the field and showed what we had in the first session, I realised we started getting less of the ball so we had to fight for ourselves but it was great,” Forbes stated.
As for Jones, he too was in good spirits. “We had to adapt to the weather but we worked hard and came out well Middlesbrough I was allowed to play centre forward and centre midfield. The experience was all good,”
All three players made a written statement about the experience saying “Thanks to Pro Sports Caribbean Limited, we have had a wonderful experience in England, participating in trials with two of their Premiership clubs. We worked hard against a lot of the other quality players all hoping to secure a contract at these clubs. We are now awaiting the official reports from each club to be sent to Pro Sports Caribbean on how they felt we performed and whether they are interested in pursuing us further. In the meantime, our sincerest thanks go to Pro Sports Caribbean Limited and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick and FCOTT CEO Peter Miller who have made this possible to us and to KFC for equipping us and providing spending money for our trip. The work Pro Sports are doing in Trinidad and Tobago is giving local talent an opportunity to be recognised around the world.”

TnT trio returns from Manchester stint.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
30-Jan-2002 - This country's National Under 17 trio were scheduled to return from their English training stint on Tuesday evening.
FIFA Under 17 All Star member Nkosi Blackman, Kenwyne Jones and Jerol Forbes were given high remarks following their short stay with Manchester United and are likely to be recalled to the United Kingdom.
All three members spent just over a week at the United academy and were allowed the opportunity to meet and spend time with former National striker Dwight Yorke and were also treated to a day out in the Club's merchandise shop by midfielder Roy Keane.
As this country's national team campaigned at the 2002 Gold Cup, Blackman and company represented the "Soca Warriors outside and FIFA Vice President Jack Warner was high in praise of their achievements.
Warner complimented sports marketing company Pro Sports Caribbean Limited for arranging the stint for the youngsters. The Anguilla-based company is represented in T&T by Terry Fenwick and Peter Miller.
"Undoubtedly the invitation to these three youths by Manchester United has made a positive impact on local football, moreso, local youth football. Those already involved in the game are now encouraged to strive harder and many of those who were undecided about which sport they should pursue after school will opt to continue playing football more seriously," Warner said while in Miami last week.
He also added that this experience has boosted the image of local football.
"It has certainly boosted the local image and bears testimony as to the quality of the raw talent that abounds here and throughout the Caribbean. It is quite an accomplishment indeed when one realizes that Manchester United is the leading Club in the English Premier League with youth academies in several parts of the world. Within those academies are youngsters who have been nurtured on football and have been selected from hundreds, probably thousands of their peers. It is against such a background that the invitation is extended. This simply means that our three youths possess something special to have earned that invitation from such a prestigious club as Manchester United," ended Warner.
Blackman, Jones and Forbes were also given the opportunity to train at Premier League club Middlesbrough during their stay in England.
Further details on their stint will be released later this week.

TnT trio for trials at Manchester United.

By: Shaun Fuentes.
10-Jan-2002 - First there was one, now there are three more.
Trinidad and Tobago's National Under 17 trio of Nkosi Blackman, Jerol Forbes and Kenwyne Jones will leave local shores this Sunday for ten-day trials at English Premiership giants Manchester United.
This bombshell announcement was made on Wednesday at the Hilton Hotel.
This has been arranged through the efforts of Pro Sports Caribbean Limited, an Anguilla-based company which specializes in sports marketing and sports tourism. Their representatives in Trinidad and Tobago, Peter Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the Football Company of TnT, and Terry Fenwick, were instrumental in getting the dream opportunity for the young "Soca Warriors."
According to Miller, the players accommodation will be taken care of by Manchester United, which had a scout present at last year's FIFA Under 17 World Championship in TnT. Former National striker Dwight Yorke would obviously welcome the news of hearing that his countrymen would be at Old Trafford, but Miller added that the 30-year-old striker was not part of the arrangements.
The Joe Public player, who scored a memorable solo goal in TnT's 2-1 defeat to Croatia during the opening match of the Under 17 Championship, said he feels like he's still experiencing a dream.
"I got the news when I got home from school yesterday. My roommate told me to call Mr (Richard) Abraham and when I called I was told that I had a Press Conference to attend and that I would be leaving this weekend for a trial at Manchester United. I was like 'woooow' it was really unbelievable at first. Then today things just seemed real when I found out that we will be leaving on Wednesday.I'm still shocked actually," said Blackman, who was on trial at Italian Serie A side Piacenza last year.
"I'm going to make the best out of this opportunity and I think I will be better prepared than when I went on my last trial," he added.
"What is for you is for you and not all the time things will go your way. You just have to go out there and perform to the best of your ability."
With Juan Veron as his favourite United player, the St Benedict's College player mentioned "Yeah I would like to also meet up with Dwight."
Forbes echoed similar sentiments. "I found about this last Sunday when Mr Fenwick told me and since then I've just tried to play it calm," he said."He told me that there was an opportunity to go on trial at Manchester."
"I've been able to sleep but it's like a dream come true. I've been playing football for around six years and to start that late and make it to this point is a good achievement. I will like to thank the Almighty my parents and also my girlfriend Cherisse who has been with me through all," added the Naparima College marksman. His favourite players are Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and David Beckham.
"This trial is a stepping stone for me and it's an opportunity to become the second player from our country to play for United," added Forbes, scorer of TnT's lone goal in the final Group A match at the World Championship.
Jones, like his two teammates, has always had a desire to play abroad, but he didn't expect that such an opportunity would arise, at least not at this time.
"I want to make a name for myself and become a professional and the opportunity is there now. I'm looking forward to meet the entire team," said Jones.
The trio will meet with officials of the club and are likely to begin training with the Reserve and Youth teams.

Nkosi Blackman back from Piacenza stint.

Nkosi Blackman returned to Trinidad on Wednesday (28-Nov-01) following his one week trial with Italian Serie A club Piacenza.
The 17-year-old National striker ended his stint on a high note having had the chance to train with the club's first team after impressing in training with the reserve squad.
According to TnT Assistant coach Julio Leal, who accompanied Blackman on the trip, the player first started training with the Under 18 team before working his way up.
"He started off with the Under 18 team and scored two goals and played very well in the training match against a team made up of both players from the Piacenza first team and reserve team," said Leal. "Then he was asked to train with the first team and he was able to speak to some of their players and saw a couple of matches."
Leal added that Piacenza have invited Blackman back for another trial in March at which time the club is also hoping to have Kenwyne Jones, another TnT Under 17 player, for trial once he accepts.
"They also want Kenwyne to come because they have said that they also cater well for younger players who may want to further their studies. They have asked for them to come back in March which is better because the earlier part of the year is too cold," Leal explained.

 

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