West aims for success at Villanova

Less than 24 hours after returning from international duty with the National Under 20 team, forward Kye West was on a plane destined for Philadelphia on Tuesday to begin a four-year football scholarship at Villanova University. The 18-year-old West made his full debut for T&T on Sunday, and scored T&T’s opening goal in their 3-0 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines at Victoria Park in Caribbean Football Union Under 20 World Cup qualifying action. West, formerly of Fatima College and St Ann Ranger’s FC, was followed closely by Villanova coach Tom Carlin who made the journey to Biche to look at West in a training game a few weeks ago. Carlin was also impressed with a number of other players but made the first move for West who had the academic qualifications for the scholarship. “It was a great feeling but I didn’t expect to happen so quickly. Same way I didn’t expect to score my first goal on full debut for the national team,” West said. He credited his parents for their continuous support. His mother, former Miss World Giselle Laronde West would often be seen picking him up from national training at the Larry Gomes Stadium. ‘If it wasn’t for her and my dad, I probably wouldn’t even be in school doing something good. They have helped along the way in a major way and I am thankful to them. I hope I can go on to repay them by doing well and making something successful of my life,” West added. West will pursue studies in Sport therapy.

 

 

Lillywhite’s team for Scotland 

 

The Trinidad Lions, a team comprising players from the Jean Lillywhite Football School recently participated at the Loch Lomond Youth Festival which is a tournament involving 100 teams from ten countries, including Brazil. Playing in the Under 17 age group, Trinidad Lions defeated Shetland 1-0 but then lost to KSC Caley Thistle of Scotland 1-0 and 4-2 on penalties to Lenzie youth club after a 1-1 draw.

The school also participated in recent editions of the Disney International Youth Soccer Cup in Orlando. Lillywhite is a well-respected coach who has played a part in several past and current national players and is also a former national youth team coach.

 

 

Scotland scores in preseason win 

 

Jason Scotland scored Ipswich Town’s third goal in a 3-1 win over West Ham United in their preseason clash last Saturday at Portman Road.

Ipswich captain Carlos Edwards also delivered a strong performance and went close on a couple of occasions, also combining well with teammate Michael Chopra. Scotland sent a lovely curler into the net in the 84th minute to seal the win for Ipswich. “It was a great result for us ahead of the new season,” said Edwards. “We are not over confident but the team is shaping well and we put on a good showing in this game. It was good to see Scotty finishing well to seal the victory. We’re both hoping to maintain good form and fitness heading into the start of the season.”

 

 

Burns shares Olympic ticket with cousin Stern

 

 Stern John was among the fortunate Trinbagonians in the Olympic Stadium in London to witness the bronze medal performance by this country’s 4X100 metres men’s relay team and the gold medal delivery by Keshorn Walcott last Saturday. The former Sunderland striker received a ticket to attend the proceedings from his cousin Marc Burns. John has always followed Burn’s exploits, recalling some of the sprinter’s younger days when John resided in Birmingham while playing for Birmingham City. “I remember Marc always giving it his all and we would try to meet up whenever he was passing through England,” John said. “I was absolutely thrilled to be there when he invited me and  it was a just total madness when the relay team got the bronze. However, seeing Keshorn get the gold was the real deal.  This was an amazing feeling as someone from T&T. I felt like how a lot of other people might have felt when we qualified for Germany after beating Bahrain. I couldn’t have been a prouder Trini looking on at that time,” John added.

 

Shaun Fuentes is the media officer for the Soca Warriors/TTFF. [email protected]