Trinidad and Tobago Under-14s start CFU Challenge Series vs Aruba on August 17

FORMER Soca Warriors World Cup player Densill Theobald has announced his 20-man Trinidad and Tobago squad for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-14 Boys' Challenge Series which will be held in TT from August 16-25.

TT are in Group A of tier one in the 24-team CFU tournament, and they will open their campaign versus Aruba from 6.30 pm on August 17 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago. TT are also grouped with St Kitts and Nevis and their Caribbean rivals Jamaica.

TT will play St Kitts and Nevis and Jamaica on August 18 and 19 respectively at the Bacolet venue.

The top two teams in each tier one group will advance to the semifinals on August 23, and Theobald hopes his team will be among those contesting for a spot in the final in Bacolet on August 25.

The current crop of national under-14 players have come through the TT Football Association's (TTFA) High Performance programme under the watch of Theobald and former Soca Warriors central defender Yohance Marshall.

Theobald said the growth of his young charges has been a motivating factor.

"Our preparations for the CFU Under-14 Challenge Series have been nothing short of intense. The boys have pushed themselves in every training session, showing incredible commitment and determination," Theobald told TTFA media on August 12.

Theobald's squad includes five players from Tobago's Ball Blasters Youth Academy, the winners of the Under-14 age group of the 2024 Republic Cup National Youth League. There are also players from City FC, including attacker Reagan Rowe, who will be team's vice-captain. The national Under-14 team will be captained by Cox Football Academy forward Adasa Richardson.

The team includes one overseas-based player in Austintown Fitch High School defender Antoni James.

"It’s been inspiring to see their growth and how they’ve come together as a team. It's a process and it brought back a lot of memories for me as a youth player. It’s not an easy road but the guys have shown love and dedication towards the efforts," Theobald said.

The former Falkirk and Caledonia midfielder thanked the parents and the TTFA for their overwhelming support of the team and its staff.

"As we approach the tournament, the excitement within the squad is obvious. We’re ready to take the field and represent TT with pride and passion," Theobald said.

"The boys are eager to give their all, and I have every confidence that they will make the nation proud. This is just the beginning for these young players, and we're excited to see what they can achieve."

TTFA president Kieron Edwards is eager to welcome the Caribbean teams for the challenge series as he and his administration look to "nurture young talents and build strong relationships within the football community."

"This event is a testament to (the TTFA's) commitment to youth development and fostering talent across the region," Edwards said. "Hosting this championship is a significant step forward for the future of our beloved sport in TT.”

Matches in the tournament will also be played at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva; Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo; and the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.

TT Under-14 boys' football team:

Goalkeepers: Samuel Hosein (Union Hall), Christian Telfer (City FC).

Defenders: Kyen Anderson (Ball Blasters), Antoni James (Austintown Fitch High School), JaiMarley John (Maloney Real Footballers Academy), Kenai Richardson (World Class FC), Lucas Shaw (City FC), Essien Thomas (Beatnix FC).

Midfielders: Samuel Balfour (Union Hall), Deron Blackman (Cardinals FA), Ackim Duncan (Ball Blasters), Sebastian James (Cox FA), Aaden Jones (Creek SCC), Jaden Marcelle (Ball Blasters), Adasa Richardson (Cox FA).

Forwards: Jaden Anthony (Ball Blasters), Jahmiah Gibbes (Ball Blasters), Jeremai Nanton (City FC), Reagan Rowe (City FC), Darnell Walcott (Prisons Youth Academy).