Trendsetter Hawks capture U13, U15 G League Big 8 titles

TRENDSETTER Hawks Under-13 and Under-15 girls teams captured the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association G League Big 8 titles on June 23 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

In the under-13 division – using a 7v7 hockey-sized format – Trendsetter Hawks defeated Black Panthers 1-0 in the final, to capture the title.

Sara Roopchand scored the game’s lone goal in the 28 minute.

There were more goals in the third-place match, however, as Jewels SC were 3-0 winners over Legion Academy. Kcey Reid scored a first-half hat-trick bagging goals in the sixth, ninth and eleventh minute.

In the under-15 division – using the traditional 11v11 format – Trendsetter Hawks defeated Pro Series in the finals 3-0.

Trendsetter’s Mikalah Guerero, Akeria Leacock and Hackeemar Goodridge scored in the 41, 57 and 69 minutes of the game.

In the third-place under-15 match, Cox Coaching School were 4-2 winners over Jewels SC.

Jewels SC took an early lead through Alliyah Baptiste.

However, goals from Timera Ottley (sixth minute), a brace from Shemaiah Toussaint (20 and 31 minutes) and Alisha Mitchell in the 46 minute of play, diminished Jewels SC’s chances of victory.

Baptiste pulled a goal back through a penalty in the 56 minute of the game but it was too little too late.

The G League, now in its second year expanded to include two age groups. In the inaugural season, the under-14 category was the lone age group.

TTFA’s director of Women’s Football Jinelle James said the tournament was expanded “keeping in mind the cycle in preparation for World Cups.” “We recognise that girls need the opportunity to play. “We had 13 teams in the under-13 category and 12 teams in the under-15. There were 25 teams of girls playing, which is rare at that young age.”

She said once the opportunity is there, these girls will “come out and participate.”

“I think this year’s tournament was even better than we expected.”

James said competitions like the G Leagues allow coaches and technical staff to see more players, playing in their natural age groups.

“We see them (girls) in school’s football and now we have the opportunity to see them at club level. “They’re in an age group where you get to see more of them.

“The focus is ensuring there’s a pathway of development and competitions that are in line with their true abilities – a 15-year old girl will play for her school but at the under-20 level – now we get to see them in their true environment and age groups.”

James said this 8-week tournament was also in preparation for the High Performance programme – which caters to top-performing girl players from ages 12-20 – which helps them to be introduced to the national team.