分类： sports

The DNA East/West Corridor Football League has been officially launched as a groundbreaking nationwide grassroots football initiative, supported by government ministries, corporate sponsors, and state broadcaster TTT. Conceptualized by Senator David Nakhid and businessman John Aboud, the league aims to reconnect football with local communities, create development pathways for young players, and offer substantial prize money at the grassroots level. Scheduled to begin on December 6, the league anticipates participation from over 48 teams, with top prizes of $120,000, $75,000, and $50,000 for the top three teams. Post-tournament, an all-star team will be selected for an international exposure trip to Spain. Nakhid described the league as a modern evolution of the historic Eddie Hart League, which began in 1967. The initiative has garnered immediate support from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and features experienced personnel such as former national player Travis Mulraine as director of operations and entertainment producer Randy Glasgow. The league also serves as a crime prevention program, fostering community engagement and reducing crime through sports. Primary sponsor John Aboud emphasized the role of sports in uniting communities and pledged organizational and financial support. The league’s medical team will provide health screenings for players, addressing physical and mental health needs. Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge highlighted the league’s potential to combat gang recruitment by restoring a sense of belonging among young men. TTT, the official broadcast partner, aims to showcase untapped talent and promote community development. Organizers expect full registration by the end of the week and believe the league will serve as a model for reviving national community football.

The opening round of the CG United Super50 Cup faced significant disruptions due to heavy rainfall in north Trinidad on November 19, 2023. Two out of the three scheduled matches were abandoned without a result, leaving teams and fans disappointed. At the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Grounds in St Augustine, the clash between TT Red Force and Barbados Royals was delayed multiple times due to a wet outfield. The match eventually commenced as a 20-over contest, but rain intervened again after just 5.1 overs, forcing a no-result. Similarly, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Guyana Harpy Eagles posted a strong total of 287/6 against Jamaica Scorpions, but persistent rain prevented any further play. Cricket West Indies confirmed that all teams involved in the abandoned matches would receive two points, along with any bonus points earned. Meanwhile, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Leeward Islands Hurricanes set a formidable target of 324 against Windward Islands Volcanoes, with Kofi James scoring a century. The second round of matches is set to begin on November 21, with teams hoping for better weather conditions.

The Just Living Daily (JLD) Cycling Academy and Heatwave Cycling Club have jointly issued a pre-action protocol letter to the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF), demanding the cancellation of trials scheduled for January 17, 2026, for the Pan American Track Cycling Championships. Represented by attorney Dr. Emir Crowne, the clubs argue that the trials violate the federation’s own selection policy, which mandates that trials must be held no later than 12 weeks before an international event. The championships are set to take place from February 16 to 22 in Santiago, Chile, making November 24 the latest permissible date for trials. The TTCF, however, announced on November 10 that it would proceed with trials on January 17, a decision approved during an emergency council meeting on November 17. The clubs contend that this decision disrupts athletes’ training cycles, particularly for those based abroad, and lacks procedural fairness. They also criticized the federation for proposing a 4km individual pursuit test for rider Alexi Costa-Ramirez, calling it arbitrary and biased. The letter accuses the TTCF of negligence, breach of agreement, and abuse of power, threatening legal action if the trials are not canceled and selections made in accordance with policy. The federation has until 9 am on November 21 to respond, failing which the clubs will seek an emergency injunction from the High Court of Justice.

Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team concluded their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-2 draw against Bermuda at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on November 18. The match, which was meant to be a celebratory farewell for veterans Marvin Phillip and captain Kevin Molino, turned into a tense battle as Bermuda scored twice in five minutes to take a surprising 2-1 lead. Nathaniel James equalized for the hosts in the 66th minute, but the team’s inability to secure a win left coach Dwight Yorke lamenting their lack of finishing prowess. Trinidad and Tobago finished third in Group B of the Concacaf final round with seven points, having drawn four of their six matches. Yorke acknowledged the team’s effort throughout the campaign but expressed disappointment with their final performance, calling it their worst under his leadership. The match was also marred by confusion over the scoreline, with many fans and online platforms initially believing Bermuda’s second goal had been disallowed. Despite the setbacks, Yorke remains optimistic about the team’s future, highlighting the potential of players like Levi Garcia and the benefits of recent international experience. He emphasized the need for improved preparation and a more ruthless approach in future campaigns.

While the national men’s football team captured the spotlight on November 18, the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) showcased the future stars of the sport in a series of intense matches. The First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ championship division playoffs and zonal intercol games provided thrilling action, with young athletes demonstrating their skills and determination. In the Big 5 tournament, Speyside Secondary secured their first win with a 2-1 victory over Palo Seco Secondary. Despite trailing after a goal from Kashaun Phillip, Speyside turned the game around with late strikes from Ajani Stewart and Shaquan Charles. This win propelled Speyside to third place in the standings, with Hillview College leading the pack with a perfect record and Mucurapo West Secondary in second. Speyside still has two matches remaining, facing Mucurapo and Presentation College Chaguanas, with the top three teams earning promotion to the premier division. Meanwhile, in a rescheduled premier division match, Trinity College Moka and Scarborough Secondary played to a 2-2 draw, leaving Scarborough fighting to avoid relegation. The league’s disciplinary committee is set to address St Augustine Secondary’s no-show against Signal Hill Secondary, which could impact their premier division status. In zonal intercol action, Chaguanas North Secondary avenged their earlier loss to Presentation with a 3-0 victory, while Carapichaima East Secondary advanced to the final with a 1-0 win over Carapichaima West Secondary.