The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men’s football team is gearing up for a pivotal FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on November 13. With TT currently third in Group B of the Concacaf final round with five points, a victory over group leaders Jamaica (nine points) is essential to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Curacao, sitting second with eight points, also poses a threat as they face Bermuda in a simultaneous match. Only the group winners will secure automatic qualification, with the two best second-placed teams advancing to the intercontinental playoff. TT’s head coach, Dwight Yorke, emphasized the must-win nature of the game, stating, ‘We’re fighting for our lives to keep our dreams alive.’ Yorke acknowledged Jamaica’s strength but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. The previous encounter in September saw Jamaica secure a 2-0 victory, but Yorke remains optimistic about TT’s improved performance. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s coach, Steve McClaren, highlighted the significance of qualifying for the World Cup as a way to bring joy to a nation recovering from Hurricane Melissa. Both teams are under immense pressure as they vie for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
分类: sports
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Dow Village Government sweep Caroni District Football tournament
Dow Village Government Primary School has once again demonstrated its supremacy in district football by securing a clean sweep at the Caroni District Football tournament on November 7. The school’s Under-15 boys’ team clinched the championship with a commanding 5-1 victory over Enterprise Government Primary School in the finals. This triumph adds to their earlier successes, as they had already claimed the Under-12 boys’ and Under-15 girls’ titles just a week prior. This remarkable achievement marks the second time in three years that Dow Village has swept the tournament, a feat first accomplished in 2023. Leading the charge was Elijah Austin, the tournament’s standout player and prolific striker, who scored over 20 goals throughout the competition. His exceptional performance was pivotal in securing the school’s triple crown. Coach Edna St Louis, owner of the Golden Tigers Football Club, has been a key figure in the school’s continued success since joining the coaching team in 2024. She was supported by Kim Jordan (teacher), and parents Akeem Billy and Crystal Nicholas. Under their guidance, Dow Village also captured the 2024 Under-12 boys’ title against Chaguanas RC School. Principal Gopaul Rajcoomar expressed immense pride in his students’ achievements, praising their teamwork, discipline, and dedication. He highlighted that the school’s consistent performance is a testament to the strong partnership between teachers, coaches, and parents. With this victory, Dow Village Government Primary School has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in Caroni District school football.
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Shaneil Buckley transfers to FSU in NCAA
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican soccer sensation Shaneil Buckley has officially joined the prestigious Florida State University (FSU) women’s soccer team, a powerhouse in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in Buckley’s burgeoning career. Buckley, a former standout at Excelsior High, has already made waves in collegiate soccer during her time at Daytona State College. There, she earned the title of junior college All-American and clinched the winning goal in the 2024 national championship game. Over two seasons, Buckley showcased her exceptional talent by playing in 38 games, starting all but one, and amassing an impressive record of 38 goals and 17 assists, totaling 93 points. At just 20 years old, Buckley has also represented Frazsier Whip FC, a three-time national women’s club champion. Her move to FSU follows in the footsteps of fellow Jamaican Reggae Girl Jody Brown, who enjoyed a successful four-year stint at the Tallahassee-based university. Buckley’s transition to FSU is expected to further elevate her career and contribute to the team’s continued success in NCAA women’s soccer.
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GFA launches Player Identification drive for Talent Development Scheme
The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has announced the launch of a comprehensive Player Identification initiative as a pivotal element of its Talent Development Scheme (TDS). This strategic programme aims to systematically scout and identify the most promising young male footballers across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, ensuring the sustained growth of future youth national teams. The initiative will initially focus on boys born in 2012 and 2013, targeting aspiring athletes at a formative stage of their development. The primary goals of this rigorous evaluation process are to uncover emerging talent and foster high-quality player development. Successful candidates will be integrated into the GFA TDS programme, which offers structured pathways for progression into youth national teams and opportunities for educational scholarships and professional football careers. A GFA spokesperson emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, ‘This systematic identification drive is a crucial investment in the future of Grenadian football. By focusing on early talent recognition and providing structured development within the TDS framework, we are building a sustainable pipeline of players capable of excelling on regional and international stages.’ The GFA has urged parents, guardians, and youth coaches to prepare eligible players for the upcoming scouting events across the tri-island state. Further details regarding screening dates and locations will be announced soon through official GFA channels.
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Minister Duggins applauds National Swim Team for record eight medal haul at OECS Championships
The Saint Kitts and Nevis National Swim Team has returned home to a hero’s welcome after securing a historic eight medals at the 33rd OECS Swimming Championships in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Minister of Sports, the Honourable Samal Duggins, led the celebrations at the R. L. Bradshaw International Airport, where the 14-member team was greeted by government officials, proud parents, and representatives from the National Olympic Committee. The team’s performance marked a significant improvement from their single-medal achievement in 2024, showcasing their growing prowess in the sport. Among the standout athletes were Teadrian Tross, who clinched Gold in the 50-metre Breaststroke, Silver in the 100-metre and 200-metre Freestyle, and Bronze in the 100-metre Individual Medley. Edith Denne also shone brightly, securing Gold in the 100-metre Freestyle and Silver in the 100-metre Individual Medley. Skyla Connor and Jennifer Harding-Martin added to the medal tally with Bronze in the 400-metre Freestyle and 100-metre Backstroke, respectively. Minister Duggins highlighted the team’s achievements as a source of national pride, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the sport. Plans are underway to designate land for a state-of-the-art swimming facility, which is expected to further enhance the team’s training capabilities. The minister expressed optimism that this investment would lead to even greater success in future competitions. The event concluded with three cheers for the athletes, who were hailed as ambassadors for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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National Primary Schools Football Tournament Quarter Finals 13 November
The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has unveiled the official schedule for the quarter-final round of the National Primary Schools Football Tournament, set to commence on Thursday, 13 November. The matches will be held across three venues in Grenada and Carriacou, showcasing the nation’s budding football talent. The official draw, conducted at the GFA Secretariat, has finalized the eagerly awaited matchups. The quarter-final fixtures include Our Lady of the Rosary (Carriacou) versus St Peter’s Roman Catholic at Lauriston Mini Stadium at 1 pm, South St George Government against St David’s Roman Catholic at Springs Playing Field at 11 am, and St Andrews facing Bonair Government at Progress Park at 11 am. St Patrick’s Anglican has received a bye and will advance directly to the Semi-Final round, where they will compete against the winner of the Our Lady of the Rosary and St Peter’s RC match. Ernest Richardson, Second Vice-President of the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT), attended the draw and expressed his support for the young athletes and the tournament. The GFA is urging the public and media to attend and cheer on the future stars of Grenadian football. For additional details, contact the GFA Secretariat.
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Piton Boyz in DR for Concacaf’s Friendly Series
The Saint Lucia senior national men’s football team, affectionately known as the Piton Boyz, is gearing up for two crucial matches in the Concacaf Friendly Series. On Wednesday, November 12, they will face Cuba, followed by a clash with St Vincent & the Grenadines three days later. Both games are scheduled to take place at the Cibao Stadium in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This series serves as a vital platform for teams already eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to maintain competitive momentum. The Piton Boyz departed Saint Lucia on Monday with a significantly altered squad compared to their last outing during the World Cup Qualifiers in June, where they suffered a loss to Curaçao but secured a victory against Barbados. Notable absentees include Jamaica-based players Alvinus Mayers and Darren Donaie, as well as England-based captain Terell Thomas and winger Arkell Jude Boyd. Other omissions include Kegan Caull, Ryan Charles, Ryan Remi, and Troy Greenidge. However, the team welcomes back several familiar faces, including goalkeeper Anton Richard, defender Doneal Lionel, and midfielders Brandon Sandiford and Eymani Butcher. Veterans Gregson President and Ridel Stanislas also make a return, alongside new additions like Ajani Louis, Dervaj Edward, Elijah Joseph, and Trent Alexander. Retained from the previous squad are forwards Aaron Richard, Caniggia Elva, Donavan Jn Baptiste, Saviola Elva, and Mervin St Romain. Midfield responsibilities will be shouldered by Bayan Aman, Hamaiael Charlery, and Shaquan Nelson, while the defense will feature Melvin Doxilly, Joshua Solomon-Davies, and veteran fullback Kurt Frederick. The team’s technical and support staff, led by head coach Stern John, remain unchanged. The Piton Boyz are also set to face Martinique and the Dominican Republic next year as part of Group A in the Concacaf Friendly Series.
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Team Grenada regains OECS Swim Championship title
In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, the Grenada National Swim Team has reclaimed the OECS Swimming Championship, dethroning the previous title holder, Antigua & Barbuda. This victory marks Grenada’s first championship win since 2019, following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition, held at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in St. Vincent from November 7 to 9, saw Grenada dominate with an impressive haul of 84 medals and a total of 1,263.50 points. St. Lucia secured second place with 1,239 points, while Antigua & Barbuda trailed with 1,117 points. Other participants included St. Kitts & Nevis (160 points), Dominica (72 points), and Anguilla (8 points).
Grenada’s success extended beyond the overall championship, as the team also clinched five age group titles. Notable winners included Brianne De Roche (8 and under girls), Mateo Thomas (9 to 10 boys), Kristin Gresham (13 to 14 girls), Jacob Collymore (13 to 14 boys), and Zackary Gresham (18 and over males). Additionally, the team secured three third-place finishes by Sydney Joseph (8 and under girls), Ethan Chu Fook (11 to 12 boys), and Anaika Otway (18 and over females).
The team returned to Grenada on Sunday evening to a warm reception filled with jubilation and pride from parents and supporters. The Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) expressed immense pride in the swimmers, commending their dedication and outstanding performances. GASA also acknowledged the Government of Grenada for its unwavering support, alongside contributions from corporate partners such as the Investment Migration Agency, Go Mobility, Pure Sports Grenada, and Geo F Huggins. The association extended heartfelt gratitude to parents and well-wishers, whose encouragement played a pivotal role in the team’s success.


