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Football / St Clair works on better finishing with U17s.
« on: April 06, 2007, 07:11:23 PM »
T&T roster announced for U-17 final round in Jamaica.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).[/size]
Trinidad and Tobago’s National under 17 footballers, vying for a spot in the 2007 FIFA Under 17 World Championship, will go into their final live-in training camp on home soil at the Chaconia Inn from Friday less than a week ahead of their departure for Kingston, Jamaica.
The local team of 20 players to contest the final round of the CONCACAF final qualifying round from April 28 to May 6 was announced by head coach Anton Corneal as he related the fact that he will be taking a squad of players that have been part of the national set up for at least two years. Only three players forward Marcus Joseph, midfielder Micah Lewis and midfielder Kevin Molino have been with the squad for six months.
Additionally, US-born striker Isaiah Ferguson, who has trained with the national team before and is attached to American MLS team New York Red Bulls, will arrive in Trinidad on Saturday to join the squad for the tournament.
The rest of the squad have played for T&T at the Under 15 level and have been together since 2005. The TTFF began its screening in October 2004 and both Technical Director Lincoln Phillips and Corneal said back then that the process was to discover players for development teams for 2007.
“It’s all on the end of a process that we have stuck to with some of these same players making up the original Under 15 team that played in the CFU Youth Cup in 2005 and have graduated to the Under 17 level. Now the major test is going into the final round of qualification for the World Championship,” Corneal told TTFF Media.
The players omitted from the squad that has been in preparations include forwards Daniel Joseph who has a hamstring injury, defender Adrian Hall, forwards Franz Husbands and Jerrel Brito. The trio of Joseph, Brito and Husbands are three of the five strikers Corneal had in his training squad which means that a couple others may be rotate to fill the void if and when required.
The regulars such as TTFF Youth “Player of the Year” for 2006 Leston Paul, Chad De Freitas, captain Jesse Fullerton, striker Stephen Knox, defenders Robert Primus and Jean Luc Rochford, midfielder Sean De Silva and central midfielder Chike Sullivan have all made the cut.
“This is the squad that we have come up with after months of preparation and close observation,” Corneal added. “We have tried to play teams that are a few years older than us because we have also played those closer to our age group and beaten them. We played W Connection’s Reserve team and won 1-0. We felt there was a need to get stronger physical challenges hence we went for the teams with more senior players. This allowed the boys to get a feel of what it would be like to play with added intensity and vigor,” he said.
The team lost 2-0 to Harvard in a training encounter with Mervyn Moore and Kareem Freitas scoring before the break on Thursday but Corneal is well aware that though his team pressured and created sufficient scoring possibilities to warrant a win, coming up against the likes of Costa Rica (April 28), USA (April 30), Canada (May 4) and Jamaica (May 6) will require less flaws and better finishing as they seek to be among the three countries from the group that will advance to the FIFA Under 17 World Championship in Korea in August.
“We know every game will be a tough one but we will start with Costa Rica first. That’s our main focus at the moment. We have seen what they look like and we got some practice against the Mexicans who faced them as well. We have a fair idea as to how the Americans and Canada play and we can expect them to be technically sound and solid at the youth level as they usually are. We have faced Jamaica before and even though we got the better of them last time it is anyone’s guess that they could be different this time around and they could be thinking the same as us. Everything will tell in the tournament,” Corneal assured.
T&T Under 17 team for Final Round
Goalkeepers[/b]
Jesse Fullerton (Cypress Bay High School, Florida), Glenroy Samuel (San Juan Jabloteh).
Defenders
Robert Primus (San Juan Jabloteh), Aubrey Davis (Vessigny Government), Jean Luc Rochford (Joe Public), Brenton Balbosa (Defence Force), Stephen Chang (San Juan Jabloteh), Ryan O’Neil (Defence Force), Sheldon Bateau (San Juan Jabloteh).
Midfielders
Akeem Adams (W Connection), Daneil Cyrus (Stokely Vale FC), Chike Sullivan (San Juan Jabloteh), Micah Lewis (San Juan Jabloteh), Chad De Freitas (Superstar Rangers), Kevin Molino (San Juan Jabloteh), Sean De Silva (Superstar Rangers), Leston Paul (Defence Force).
Forwards
Marcus Joseph (United Petrotrin), Stephen Knox (San Juan Jabloteh), Isaiah Ferguson (New York Red Bulls).
News from the 17th of April 2007
Edwards and Ince named in PFA "Team of the year"
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
Trinidad and Tobago World Cup team members Carlos Edwards and Clayton Ince have been named on the English Professional Footballer’s Association” “Team of the year” for the 2006/2007 season.
Edwards is enjoying an outstanding season for Sunderland as they continue their chase for promotion into the Premiership while Ince’s Walsall will be putting on their shirts in the English League One next season.
Edwards, who joined Sunderland in January for £1.5m, has ten goals this season. The 28-year-old recently returned from a shoulder injury but continues to be a star for the “Black Cats” setting up one of their goals in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Queen’s Park Rangers which left them at the top of the English Championship Division with 82 points, and on the verge of promotion with three regular season matches remaining. Edwards and Dwight Yorke are also in line for Sunderland’s “Player of the Year” award.
Ince meantime, has been exceptional in goal for Walsall and will be looking forward to the League One action next season. Ince gave a fine display on Saturday as Walsall defeated Notts County 2-1 to secure automatic promotion. The former Defence Force and Crewe Alexandra custodian is also in line for the Walsall “Player of the Season” award after equaling a season record of 19 clean sheets.
Club manager Richard Money added: “ I think Clayton has been outstanding this season, He must be right up there in the voting. It’s a real confidence booster for a manager to see his goalkeeper constantly coming out and taking crosses and making vital saves at important times.”
Mike Berry, agent for the two players said their recognition was fitting in light of their terrific seasons.
The PFA also announced its nomination for the “Player of the Year” award with the man of the moment Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all making the six-man shortlist.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, the 2006 winner, complete the contenders for the prestigious award, which will be presented on April 22.
T&T’s Shaka Hislop was given the merit award by the PFA in 2005 for outstanding service joining the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Stanley Matthews, Peter Shilton, Sir Matt Busby, the 1966 England squad, the late George Best, Sir Bobby Robson and Niall Quinn who have won the prestigious award dating back to 1974.
News from the 16th of April 2007
TTFF recognises its top performers for 2006.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
Recently appointed National Olympic team assistant coach Michael McComie was adjudged the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s “Coach of the Year” for 2006 and vibrant National Under 17 midfielder Leston Paul was named the Young “Player of the Year” at the Federation’s annual awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza on Sunday.
McComie, who led Joe Public to the 2006 T&T Pro League title also collected the “Team of the Year” award on behalf of the “Eastern Lions” as several of the top performers were recognized by the TTFF. Sunderland and former T&T captain Dwight Yorke, named the 2006 “Player of the Year” had his brother Brent receive the award on his behalf.
One of the notable honours made on the day was the one to veteran administrator and coach Vernon Bain who the TTFF paid tribute to for 51 years of service as a General Council member. The TTFF and special adviser Jack Warner, who noted that Bain was responsible for influencing him to become an official with the TTFF, presented the long standing server with a cheque valued at $25,000.
In his address, President Oliver Camps offered congratulations and warm appreciation for those who contributed to the year’s successful completion and undoubtedly most successful on the international stage with the representation made by the “Soca Warriors” at the 2006 World Cup.
“The pursuit of excellence by all those who have made contributions and the superior performances of the awardees are both vital ingredients in inspiring the generations of younger players to persevere in the continuous improvement of their football,” Camps said. “As a platform for producing a continuous supply of such excellence on the field, the Federation has now introduced a new Development programme. Its main objective is to have the coaches at all levels of the game in the country, from our Primary Schools and other existing junior coaching programmes to the Professional League, adequately equipped and properly qualified,” added the former National Team manager of 1973 and 1989.
As Terry Joseph, member of the local organizing committee for Germany 2006 gave a colourful and detailed “Reflection” of the highlights of the TTFF for 2006, Rhonda Lee Yhapp, acting manager of events and sponsorship for main sponsors TSTT, said that her company was committed to supporting the Federation and its Super League.
“TSTT’s three year sponsorship should remove any doubt that we are committed to the players and the sport,” Lee Yhapp said, adding that TSTT’s support of the Super League should be used by players to improve their all round skills, allowing her company to also connect with the people and clubs from diverse communities.
“The Soca Warriors have carved the road map. It is up to the Super Leagues to use this moment to keep the dream alive for 2010. In 2006 we at TSTT understood the value of the sport when we placed over three million dollars towards the World Cup campaign. We are pleased to announce that we have extended the contract of the TTFF through to November 2008,” said Lee Yhapp, adding that the contract includes support for products… the Soca Warriors and the football administrators.
Police FC and WASA FC also received their silverware and prize money for taking the 2006 Super League and FA Trophy titles while Angostura 1976 Phoenix FC took the Super League knockout prize. Other notable awardees were “Male Referee of the Year” Neil Brizan and Shane De Silva as “Female Referee of the Year”, assistant referees of the year – Joseph Taylor (male) and Cindy Mohammed (female), Administrator of the Year – Roland Forde, president of the Northern FA, Regional Association of the Year – Eastern FA as well as Female Player of the Year for both senior and junior Ayana Russell. The Super League MVP and topscorer awards went to Dominic Kerr while Darin Lewis was named the FA Trophy “MVP” and Kendall Jagdeosingh got the topscorer award.
News from the 14th of April 2007.
U-17S hold Joe Public in warm up.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
A first half goal by midfielder Leston Paul earned Trinidad and Tobago’s Under 17 footballers a 1-1 draw with Joe Public in a training affair at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Friday morning.
Paul’s item was a fitting reward for the Anton Corneal coached team as they got a good workout from their opponents which included several young players in their line up. The Under 17s were playing for the final time before Corneal and his technical colleagues before naming the final 20-man squad on the weekend for the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers in Jamaica.
T&T kick off its final round against Costa Rica on April 28 and will also come up against United States, Canada and Jamaica for one of three places up for grabs in the FIFA Under 17 World Championship in Korea this August.
Corneal used Friday’s encounter to view a couple players in different roles, also welcoming back the likes of Stephen Chang and Robert Primus from injuries as Dutch coaches Wim Rijsbergen and Jan Van Deinsen also looked on.
“It was a final session to have a look at them before the final cut is made. We looked at a couple players in one or two different positions and we also had two back from injury,” Corneal told TTFF Media.
“The exercise was a good one and we will use the remaining time to study our opponents and go into or final mode of preparation for the tournament in two weeks time,” he added. Team doctor Mario John mentioned that the entire squad was free of injury problems with only striker Daniel Joseph having a hamstring bother which is close to being fully healed.
The team will have an in-house session at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence on Saturday and will return to outdoor physical training the following day. It will then enter a full one week camp next week before departing for Kingston, Jamaica on April 25.
News from the 06th of April 2007
St Clair works on better finishing with U17s.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
Trinidad and Tobago’s National Under 17 footballers got a chance to fine tune their finishing under former National Senior and Youth Team coach Bertille St Clair at the Dwight Yorke Stadium last week.
The Under 17s, preparing for the CONCACAF Final Round of qualification towards the 2007 FIFA Under 17 World Championship, were engaged in a live-in training camp in the sister-isle and head coach Anton Corneal offered the invitation to St Clair to work with the youth players. He subsequently conducted two sessions and also assisted in other aspects of the team’s program at the Yorke Stadium.
The U17s closed off their camp with a 4-2 win over St Clair’s Coaching School with Stephen Knox grabbing a double, Franz Husbands netting one and an own goal completing the four items. T&T led 2-0 at the break.
Corneal explained that it was ideal for St Clair, highly respected for his work at the youth level being the only local coach to take T&T to a World Youth Cup, to work with the present crop.
“I felt it was ideal for him to step in and play a part,” Corneal told TTFF Media. “He worked with them on finishing and playing at a faster pace and I think with his experience, it made it a valuable one for the boys. He is ideal when it comes to getting discipline where it should be and for them to hear from someone else was important. They are young boys but they are aware of who he is and his history with the game here,” Corneal said, adding that while finishing is mostly linked with forwards and midfielders, all position players benefited from the work out. He added that St Clair never hesitated when asked to offer his services.
“This was done with the blessings of the TTFF. He accepted without any hesitations and it worked out well for us and the country on a whole because it shows that this is not about being Anton Corneal’s team but it is in fact the country’s team and we have to put Trinidad and Tobago first at all times.
“I hope we can move on from here and take the experience with us. The boys know that the upcoming tournament could play such a vital role in their careers because it’s a chance to play in a World Cup at a youth level. We will be patient but we know where our focus should be and we will continue working towards giving our best in the final round of the qualifying tournament later this month,” Corneal concluded.
Group A action got going in El Salvador last week but T&T will go into Group B fixtures in Kingston against Costa Rica on April 28, USA (April 30), Canada (May 4) and Jamaica on May 6. The top three teams from the five-nation group will advance to the World Under 17 Championship in Korea in August this year.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).[/size]
Trinidad and Tobago’s National under 17 footballers, vying for a spot in the 2007 FIFA Under 17 World Championship, will go into their final live-in training camp on home soil at the Chaconia Inn from Friday less than a week ahead of their departure for Kingston, Jamaica.
The local team of 20 players to contest the final round of the CONCACAF final qualifying round from April 28 to May 6 was announced by head coach Anton Corneal as he related the fact that he will be taking a squad of players that have been part of the national set up for at least two years. Only three players forward Marcus Joseph, midfielder Micah Lewis and midfielder Kevin Molino have been with the squad for six months.
Additionally, US-born striker Isaiah Ferguson, who has trained with the national team before and is attached to American MLS team New York Red Bulls, will arrive in Trinidad on Saturday to join the squad for the tournament.
The rest of the squad have played for T&T at the Under 15 level and have been together since 2005. The TTFF began its screening in October 2004 and both Technical Director Lincoln Phillips and Corneal said back then that the process was to discover players for development teams for 2007.
“It’s all on the end of a process that we have stuck to with some of these same players making up the original Under 15 team that played in the CFU Youth Cup in 2005 and have graduated to the Under 17 level. Now the major test is going into the final round of qualification for the World Championship,” Corneal told TTFF Media.
The players omitted from the squad that has been in preparations include forwards Daniel Joseph who has a hamstring injury, defender Adrian Hall, forwards Franz Husbands and Jerrel Brito. The trio of Joseph, Brito and Husbands are three of the five strikers Corneal had in his training squad which means that a couple others may be rotate to fill the void if and when required.
The regulars such as TTFF Youth “Player of the Year” for 2006 Leston Paul, Chad De Freitas, captain Jesse Fullerton, striker Stephen Knox, defenders Robert Primus and Jean Luc Rochford, midfielder Sean De Silva and central midfielder Chike Sullivan have all made the cut.
“This is the squad that we have come up with after months of preparation and close observation,” Corneal added. “We have tried to play teams that are a few years older than us because we have also played those closer to our age group and beaten them. We played W Connection’s Reserve team and won 1-0. We felt there was a need to get stronger physical challenges hence we went for the teams with more senior players. This allowed the boys to get a feel of what it would be like to play with added intensity and vigor,” he said.
The team lost 2-0 to Harvard in a training encounter with Mervyn Moore and Kareem Freitas scoring before the break on Thursday but Corneal is well aware that though his team pressured and created sufficient scoring possibilities to warrant a win, coming up against the likes of Costa Rica (April 28), USA (April 30), Canada (May 4) and Jamaica (May 6) will require less flaws and better finishing as they seek to be among the three countries from the group that will advance to the FIFA Under 17 World Championship in Korea in August.
“We know every game will be a tough one but we will start with Costa Rica first. That’s our main focus at the moment. We have seen what they look like and we got some practice against the Mexicans who faced them as well. We have a fair idea as to how the Americans and Canada play and we can expect them to be technically sound and solid at the youth level as they usually are. We have faced Jamaica before and even though we got the better of them last time it is anyone’s guess that they could be different this time around and they could be thinking the same as us. Everything will tell in the tournament,” Corneal assured.
T&T Under 17 team for Final Round
Goalkeepers[/b]
Jesse Fullerton (Cypress Bay High School, Florida), Glenroy Samuel (San Juan Jabloteh).
Defenders
Robert Primus (San Juan Jabloteh), Aubrey Davis (Vessigny Government), Jean Luc Rochford (Joe Public), Brenton Balbosa (Defence Force), Stephen Chang (San Juan Jabloteh), Ryan O’Neil (Defence Force), Sheldon Bateau (San Juan Jabloteh).
Midfielders
Akeem Adams (W Connection), Daneil Cyrus (Stokely Vale FC), Chike Sullivan (San Juan Jabloteh), Micah Lewis (San Juan Jabloteh), Chad De Freitas (Superstar Rangers), Kevin Molino (San Juan Jabloteh), Sean De Silva (Superstar Rangers), Leston Paul (Defence Force).
Forwards
Marcus Joseph (United Petrotrin), Stephen Knox (San Juan Jabloteh), Isaiah Ferguson (New York Red Bulls).
News from the 17th of April 2007
Edwards and Ince named in PFA "Team of the year"
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
Trinidad and Tobago World Cup team members Carlos Edwards and Clayton Ince have been named on the English Professional Footballer’s Association” “Team of the year” for the 2006/2007 season.
Edwards is enjoying an outstanding season for Sunderland as they continue their chase for promotion into the Premiership while Ince’s Walsall will be putting on their shirts in the English League One next season.
Edwards, who joined Sunderland in January for £1.5m, has ten goals this season. The 28-year-old recently returned from a shoulder injury but continues to be a star for the “Black Cats” setting up one of their goals in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Queen’s Park Rangers which left them at the top of the English Championship Division with 82 points, and on the verge of promotion with three regular season matches remaining. Edwards and Dwight Yorke are also in line for Sunderland’s “Player of the Year” award.
Ince meantime, has been exceptional in goal for Walsall and will be looking forward to the League One action next season. Ince gave a fine display on Saturday as Walsall defeated Notts County 2-1 to secure automatic promotion. The former Defence Force and Crewe Alexandra custodian is also in line for the Walsall “Player of the Season” award after equaling a season record of 19 clean sheets.
Club manager Richard Money added: “ I think Clayton has been outstanding this season, He must be right up there in the voting. It’s a real confidence booster for a manager to see his goalkeeper constantly coming out and taking crosses and making vital saves at important times.”
Mike Berry, agent for the two players said their recognition was fitting in light of their terrific seasons.
The PFA also announced its nomination for the “Player of the Year” award with the man of the moment Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all making the six-man shortlist.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, the 2006 winner, complete the contenders for the prestigious award, which will be presented on April 22.
T&T’s Shaka Hislop was given the merit award by the PFA in 2005 for outstanding service joining the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Stanley Matthews, Peter Shilton, Sir Matt Busby, the 1966 England squad, the late George Best, Sir Bobby Robson and Niall Quinn who have won the prestigious award dating back to 1974.
News from the 16th of April 2007
TTFF recognises its top performers for 2006.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
Recently appointed National Olympic team assistant coach Michael McComie was adjudged the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s “Coach of the Year” for 2006 and vibrant National Under 17 midfielder Leston Paul was named the Young “Player of the Year” at the Federation’s annual awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza on Sunday.
McComie, who led Joe Public to the 2006 T&T Pro League title also collected the “Team of the Year” award on behalf of the “Eastern Lions” as several of the top performers were recognized by the TTFF. Sunderland and former T&T captain Dwight Yorke, named the 2006 “Player of the Year” had his brother Brent receive the award on his behalf.
One of the notable honours made on the day was the one to veteran administrator and coach Vernon Bain who the TTFF paid tribute to for 51 years of service as a General Council member. The TTFF and special adviser Jack Warner, who noted that Bain was responsible for influencing him to become an official with the TTFF, presented the long standing server with a cheque valued at $25,000.
In his address, President Oliver Camps offered congratulations and warm appreciation for those who contributed to the year’s successful completion and undoubtedly most successful on the international stage with the representation made by the “Soca Warriors” at the 2006 World Cup.
“The pursuit of excellence by all those who have made contributions and the superior performances of the awardees are both vital ingredients in inspiring the generations of younger players to persevere in the continuous improvement of their football,” Camps said. “As a platform for producing a continuous supply of such excellence on the field, the Federation has now introduced a new Development programme. Its main objective is to have the coaches at all levels of the game in the country, from our Primary Schools and other existing junior coaching programmes to the Professional League, adequately equipped and properly qualified,” added the former National Team manager of 1973 and 1989.
As Terry Joseph, member of the local organizing committee for Germany 2006 gave a colourful and detailed “Reflection” of the highlights of the TTFF for 2006, Rhonda Lee Yhapp, acting manager of events and sponsorship for main sponsors TSTT, said that her company was committed to supporting the Federation and its Super League.
“TSTT’s three year sponsorship should remove any doubt that we are committed to the players and the sport,” Lee Yhapp said, adding that TSTT’s support of the Super League should be used by players to improve their all round skills, allowing her company to also connect with the people and clubs from diverse communities.
“The Soca Warriors have carved the road map. It is up to the Super Leagues to use this moment to keep the dream alive for 2010. In 2006 we at TSTT understood the value of the sport when we placed over three million dollars towards the World Cup campaign. We are pleased to announce that we have extended the contract of the TTFF through to November 2008,” said Lee Yhapp, adding that the contract includes support for products… the Soca Warriors and the football administrators.
Police FC and WASA FC also received their silverware and prize money for taking the 2006 Super League and FA Trophy titles while Angostura 1976 Phoenix FC took the Super League knockout prize. Other notable awardees were “Male Referee of the Year” Neil Brizan and Shane De Silva as “Female Referee of the Year”, assistant referees of the year – Joseph Taylor (male) and Cindy Mohammed (female), Administrator of the Year – Roland Forde, president of the Northern FA, Regional Association of the Year – Eastern FA as well as Female Player of the Year for both senior and junior Ayana Russell. The Super League MVP and topscorer awards went to Dominic Kerr while Darin Lewis was named the FA Trophy “MVP” and Kendall Jagdeosingh got the topscorer award.
News from the 14th of April 2007.
U-17S hold Joe Public in warm up.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
A first half goal by midfielder Leston Paul earned Trinidad and Tobago’s Under 17 footballers a 1-1 draw with Joe Public in a training affair at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Friday morning.
Paul’s item was a fitting reward for the Anton Corneal coached team as they got a good workout from their opponents which included several young players in their line up. The Under 17s were playing for the final time before Corneal and his technical colleagues before naming the final 20-man squad on the weekend for the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers in Jamaica.
T&T kick off its final round against Costa Rica on April 28 and will also come up against United States, Canada and Jamaica for one of three places up for grabs in the FIFA Under 17 World Championship in Korea this August.
Corneal used Friday’s encounter to view a couple players in different roles, also welcoming back the likes of Stephen Chang and Robert Primus from injuries as Dutch coaches Wim Rijsbergen and Jan Van Deinsen also looked on.
“It was a final session to have a look at them before the final cut is made. We looked at a couple players in one or two different positions and we also had two back from injury,” Corneal told TTFF Media.
“The exercise was a good one and we will use the remaining time to study our opponents and go into or final mode of preparation for the tournament in two weeks time,” he added. Team doctor Mario John mentioned that the entire squad was free of injury problems with only striker Daniel Joseph having a hamstring bother which is close to being fully healed.
The team will have an in-house session at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence on Saturday and will return to outdoor physical training the following day. It will then enter a full one week camp next week before departing for Kingston, Jamaica on April 25.
News from the 06th of April 2007
St Clair works on better finishing with U17s.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).
Trinidad and Tobago’s National Under 17 footballers got a chance to fine tune their finishing under former National Senior and Youth Team coach Bertille St Clair at the Dwight Yorke Stadium last week.
The Under 17s, preparing for the CONCACAF Final Round of qualification towards the 2007 FIFA Under 17 World Championship, were engaged in a live-in training camp in the sister-isle and head coach Anton Corneal offered the invitation to St Clair to work with the youth players. He subsequently conducted two sessions and also assisted in other aspects of the team’s program at the Yorke Stadium.
The U17s closed off their camp with a 4-2 win over St Clair’s Coaching School with Stephen Knox grabbing a double, Franz Husbands netting one and an own goal completing the four items. T&T led 2-0 at the break.
Corneal explained that it was ideal for St Clair, highly respected for his work at the youth level being the only local coach to take T&T to a World Youth Cup, to work with the present crop.
“I felt it was ideal for him to step in and play a part,” Corneal told TTFF Media. “He worked with them on finishing and playing at a faster pace and I think with his experience, it made it a valuable one for the boys. He is ideal when it comes to getting discipline where it should be and for them to hear from someone else was important. They are young boys but they are aware of who he is and his history with the game here,” Corneal said, adding that while finishing is mostly linked with forwards and midfielders, all position players benefited from the work out. He added that St Clair never hesitated when asked to offer his services.
“This was done with the blessings of the TTFF. He accepted without any hesitations and it worked out well for us and the country on a whole because it shows that this is not about being Anton Corneal’s team but it is in fact the country’s team and we have to put Trinidad and Tobago first at all times.
“I hope we can move on from here and take the experience with us. The boys know that the upcoming tournament could play such a vital role in their careers because it’s a chance to play in a World Cup at a youth level. We will be patient but we know where our focus should be and we will continue working towards giving our best in the final round of the qualifying tournament later this month,” Corneal concluded.
Group A action got going in El Salvador last week but T&T will go into Group B fixtures in Kingston against Costa Rica on April 28, USA (April 30), Canada (May 4) and Jamaica on May 6. The top three teams from the five-nation group will advance to the World Under 17 Championship in Korea in August this year.
