Now that the euphoria of the Carifta Games, the local track and field meets, Southern Games and the Easter Cycling Fiesta have drawn the sports world to their feet, the time has come for 20 young footballers to make their effort to earn a place in the Fifa Under-17 World Cup Finals which are scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates in November.
I will bet that some folks are not even aware of this event, which will take place in Panama from Saturday to April 19, probably because it is not a medal activity where the crowds will have the opportunity to surround the airport to welcome them home.
Nevertheless, these young men have been working steadily towards achieving their goal and despite the lack of interest shown by the masses, they are working to bring some level of joy to their country.
Fortunately, the host city, Panama, has a climate similar to ours, a time change that will not make a difference, and the lads are well prepared physically for the series.
There is some promising talent in the group, and they will understand the experience of competing after their matches are completed.
Costa Rica and Canada are accustomed to this type of competition and may wish to believe that T&T cannot compete against them. The Costa Ricans will recall that some weeks ago they lost to T&T in a friendly, while Canada may throw their minds back to a previous tournament similar to this one, when they failed to get past T&T.
No doubt, the nervousness of being in a strange competitive setting where the more mature opponents are more familiar, plus the fact that they will have played at least twenty friendlies more than our local lads.
Nevertheless, our national teams at Under-17 level have done well when compared with many countries that are larger than our 1.2 million.
Play the best that you can, give it your best shot and the rest will be left to the man above who will provide you all with the strength and courage.
Good luck, T&T.
