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.
分类： sports
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Former Brazil midfielder Fernandinho retires at 40
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Fernandinho, the celebrated defensive midfielder renowned for his stints with Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40. The Brazilian star made the declaration on Wednesday evening following his participation in a charity match in Curitiba.
Fernandinho, whose illustrious career spanned 23 years, expressed that he had fulfilled all his aspirations in the sport. ‘There’s nothing left to motivate me in football; I’ve already achieved everything I wanted to,’ he stated. ‘Now it’s time to enjoy my family.’
His journey began and concluded with Athletico Paranaense in Curitiba, where he returned in 2022 after a remarkable tenure abroad. Fernandinho spent eight successful seasons with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine before joining Manchester City in 2013, where he played for nine seasons and secured five Premier League titles.
Internationally, Fernandinho was a key member of Brazil’s under-20 World Cup-winning team in 2003 and earned 53 senior caps, including a triumphant Copa America campaign in 2019. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of football’s most respected midfielders.
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Rain spoils Red Force Super50 opener
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.
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‘I am really sorry’
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz captain Andre Blake expressed deep regret and gratitude following the team’s failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Blake, a revered figure in Jamaican football, acknowledged the overwhelming support from fans and took responsibility for the team’s shortcomings. ‘Thank you, the support was unreal… As the leader of this group, we have failed to deliver and missed out on a massive opportunity… and for that, I am really sorry,’ he wrote. The disappointment stems from Jamaica’s 0–0 draw with Curaçao in their final Concacaf qualifier, a result that dashed their hopes of direct qualification. The Reggae Boyz, once considered strong contenders in their group, which included Curaçao, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bermuda, now face a challenging path to redemption. Their next chance lies in the inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026, where they will compete against New Caledonia and potentially the Democratic Republic of Congo for a World Cup spot. Adding to the turmoil, head coach Steve McClaren resigned immediately after the match, stating, ‘Football is a results business, and tonight we’ve fallen short of our goal.’ McClaren emphasized the need for accountability and leadership to guide the team forward. The Reggae Boyz must now regroup under new management and prepare for their final shot at World Cup glory.
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Men in Maroon keep eyes on 2027 World Cup
Despite trailing in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the West Indies cricket team remains steadfast in their pursuit of an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 ICC 50-over World Cup. Assistant coach Floyd Reifer emphasized the team’s mission to secure their place in the prestigious tournament, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027, will join the host nations in securing automatic berths, leaving the remaining four spots to be contested in qualifying tournaments—a scenario the West Indies are determined to avoid. Currently, the Men in Maroon hold the ninth position in the rankings, just two rating points ahead of Bangladesh, making every match in the ongoing series against New Zealand crucial. Reifer highlighted the team’s progress since missing the 2023 World Cup, noting significant improvements in their batting and recent series victories that have boosted their ranking. ‘We’re trying to work on our consistency in all three departments,’ Reifer stated, expressing optimism about the team’s development. The West Indies’ immediate goal is to recover from their first-game defeat and level the series in the second ODI on Tuesday in Napier. Their broader objective remains clear: win matches, accumulate ranking points, and secure their place in the 2027 World Cup.
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Saint Lucia beaten again in Concacaf Series football
The Saint Lucia national men’s football team, known as the Piton Boyz, find themselves at the bottom of Group A in the Concacaf Friendly Series following consecutive defeats. Their latest setback came on November 15, when they suffered a 3-1 loss to St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) at Estadio Cibao in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This result compounded their earlier 3-0 defeat to Cuba, leaving the team with significant challenges to address ahead of their next matches in March 2024. SVG, on the other hand, managed to split their two away games, showcasing a more resilient performance. The match saw Vincentian captain Oalex Anderson open the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by a quick second goal from Diel Spring. Saint Lucia’s captain, Caniggia Elva, pulled one back before halftime, but Azhino Solomon’s 62nd-minute strike sealed the win for SVG. The series, designed to keep teams eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying engaged during FIFA international windows, also saw Cuba secure a 2-0 victory over Martinique in another Group A fixture. SVG’s head coach, Ezra Hendrickson, praised his team’s development and dominance in the match against Saint Lucia, highlighting their ability to control the game from the outset.
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Dominica clinches perfect record in ECVA U-23 Volleyball Championship with final win over Antigua
Dominica emerged victorious in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Championship on Monday, defeating Antigua and Barbuda in a thrilling four-set match at the YMCA Indoor Facility. The Nature Isle team demonstrated their prowess early on, securing the first set with a commanding 25–15 score. Antigua and Barbuda, buoyed by their home crowd, fought back to even the score with a 25–20 win in the second set. Dominica regained their momentum in the third set, led by standout player Deye, who propelled the team to a 25–17 victory. In the decisive fourth set, Dominica maintained their composure despite a late surge from Antigua and Barbuda, clinching the match 25–19 and finishing the championship undefeated with a perfect 6–0 record.
Head coach Itoma James lauded his team’s development throughout the tournament. “Our chemistry was initially a bit shaky, but I knew we had the skill, experience, and talent to excel. We approached each game methodically, and with every match, the team’s cohesion improved. The players consistently demonstrated their potential to be a dominant force in the region for years to come,” James remarked in an interview with the Antigua Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
James also emphasized the team’s balanced attack as a key factor in their success. “While other teams relied on a single standout player, we had multiple scoring options. This versatility made it challenging for opponents to counter our strategies,” he explained.
Tournament MVP Sheron Vidal James reflected on the importance of tactical intelligence in the game. “Volleyball isn’t just about power; it’s about strategy. Smart placements, forcing errors, and seizing opportunities can be game-changers. Utilizing your IQ on the court is crucial,” he noted.
Dominica’s victory not only secured the championship title but also highlighted the depth and potential of their young volleyball talent, positioning them as a formidable contender in future regional competitions.
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Curacao becomes smallest nation to qualify for World Cup
In a historic moment for international football, the Caribbean island of Curacao has become the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. With a population of just over 150,000 and a land area of 171 square miles, Curacao surpassed Iceland’s record, set in 2018, as the smallest country to reach the tournament. The milestone was achieved after a tense 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston, a result that dashed Jamaica’s hopes of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998. The match saw a dramatic injury-time penalty decision overturned by VAR, sealing Curacao’s place in the 2026 tournament.
Curacao’s qualification is a testament to their remarkable rise in international football. Just a decade ago, they were ranked 150th in FIFA’s world rankings, but they now sit at 82nd. The expanded 2026 World Cup format, which includes 48 teams, has provided smaller nations like Curacao with a greater opportunity to compete on the global stage. They will join Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan as debutants in the tournament.
Leading the team is 78-year-old Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who will become the oldest coach in World Cup history. Advocaat, a veteran of international football with stints in the Netherlands, South Korea, and Russia, took charge of Curacao after resolving a payment dispute between players and the country’s football association. His leadership has been pivotal in transforming the team’s fortunes.
Curacao’s squad is a blend of Dutch talent and British-born players with family ties to the island. Notable players include Joshua Brenet, Ar’jany Martha, Sontje Hansen, and Tahith Chong, who previously played for Manchester United. For midfielder Juninho Bacuna, representing Curacao alongside his brother Leandro, the team’s captain, has been a source of immense pride.
Bacuna, who once played for the Netherlands at the under-21 level, believes Curacao’s success will inspire more Dutch-born players to join the team, known as The Blue Family. “We’re seeing more young players choosing Curacao over the Netherlands, and that’s making our team even stronger,” he said.
Curacao’s journey to the World Cup is a story of perseverance, unity, and ambition. As they prepare to make their debut on football’s biggest stage, the tiny island nation has already etched its name in the annals of sporting history.
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Grenada’s vision for regional talent development at Soccerex Miami 2025
Marlon Glean, President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA), recently made waves at Soccerex Miami 2025, where he contributed to a dynamic panel discussion titled “Prospect to Pro.” The session delved into essential strategies for fostering elite talent, establishing modern academies, and creating cross-border pathways for players—themes that resonate deeply with Glean’s vision for Caribbean football development.
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A New Chapter for Caribbean Racing: The Antigua Racing Cup April 9–12, 2026
The Caribbean motorsport scene is set to witness a groundbreaking event as the Antigua Racing Cup gears up for its inaugural edition from April 9 to 12, 2026. This high-octane competition promises to redefine racing in the region, attracting top-tier drivers, teams, and enthusiasts from across the globe. Held on the picturesque island of Antigua, the event will feature a diverse range of racing formats, including circuit races, time trials, and endurance challenges, showcasing the island’s unique terrain and vibrant culture. Organizers aim to position the Antigua Racing Cup as a premier international motorsport destination, fostering economic growth and tourism while celebrating the Caribbean’s rich racing heritage. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to sustainability, the event is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of motorsport.