T&T defender Julius James is publicly thanking God for what he describes as a remarkable return to football following an injury last year which threatened to end his playing career.
James broke his leg in two places while playing for San Antonio Scorpions against Tampa Bay Rowdies last July and was sidelined for several months as he tried to make a recovery. Once better, James, though still unable to return to playing, did some commentary for San Antonio's home games and completed the USSF B coaching license. But he was desperate to return to the game and finally got the chance with Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in January, almost six months after the injury.
"The comeback since my last injury was extremely difficult, from learning to walk properly to dealing with the pain everyday I stepped on the field, but that is what has made it so much sweeter," James said.
"I could have never done it without my faith in God. I can't reiterate how much God has helped me through and I want to publicly thank and praise Him for giving me another chance to play the sport I love," James revealed.
He explained: "Football and life is full of trials. I've learnt that they are meant to give us strength and to give us appreciation for what we have. That being said, I am truly full of appreciation and most importantly praise. Football is now sweeter than ever. I learnt more from my failures, I enjoy victories like they are the last ones I may experience, but what has become most apparent to me is that my relationship with God is above it all."
James' team defeated MLS side Orlando City in the US Open Cup last month making them the only Division Two team to advance to the quarter-finals alongside MLS teams New England Revolution, Philadelphia Union, Houston Dynamo LA Galaxy, FC Dallas. James has played for T&T at the Under 17, Under 20 and Senior level.
Cummings hope for September return
Midfielder Keron Cummings is sticking to the belief that he can make a return to international football in September when the national team faces Guatemala and the United States in two World Cup qualifying matches.
It's an ambitious thought considering that Cummings has not played international football for 2016 after being sidelined by a gunshot wound early in the year but having fully returned to training, who knows what the future holds. Cummings has been named in Central FC's provisional squad for their CONCACAF Champions League campaign which begins with a match against MLS outfit Vancouver Whitecaps at the Ato Boldon Stadium on August 2nd.
If he plays and does well enough, T&T head coach Stephen Hart could be hard pressed to consider the player. Central also hosts Sporting Kansas on August 16th, more than two weeks before T&T faces Guatemala at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
"I'm feeling great at the moment and I feel I could make the national team for the two games in September but it's God's call and the coach will have a decision to make. He has to do what is best for the team. Obviously I would love to be in the squad because it has been really difficult missing all the matches this year but I know I should be patient as well," Cummings said.
He said: "The rehab went very well and I got clearance from the doctor to step it up even before they thought I would be ready, so that was a good sign. For me it's just about getting match fit and hopefully I can play in the Champions League for Central and get my fitness back to a good level again."
Guerra scores for Charleston Battery
Meantime, fellow T&T midfielder Ataullah Guerra scored a late goal for his American club Charleston Battery in a 2-1 loss to Scottish club Glasgow Rangers in the visitors' preseason exhibition match at MUSC Health Stadium last Wednesday.
Both Guerra and compatriot Neveal Hackshaw played for Charleston against the legendary Scottish side, former team of former T&T players Russell Latapy and Marvin Andrews.
Hart named Saint Mary's Hall of Famer
National senior men's team head coach Stephen Hart and former quarterback David Sykes have been inducted in the Saint Mary's University Sports Hall of Fame.
Hart, who attended Saint Mary's University of Halifax, Canada, also played and starred for the "Huskies" after joining them from San Fernando Strikers.
He coached their women's soccer team for four seasons and spent time running the under-18 and under-20 programs in a period before he became head coach of Canada after also coaching Canada from the Under 17 to Under 20 levels and serving as technical director of the Canada Football Association as well. He was also technical director of Soccer Nova Scotia from 1993-2001. He led Canada to the 2007 Gold Cup semi-final.
Skyes meantime joined the Huskies football team in 1989. After two seasons as a kicker and part-time receiver, he assumed the quarterback position for his final three years, where he would lead the Huskies to a 26-6 record. He coached their Volleyball team as well.
Saint Mary's is the second oldest English-speaking and first Roman Catholic initiated university in Canada
Hart is currently planning for T&T's upcoming 2018 World Cup Qualifiers at home to Guatemala on September 2nd and away to the United States on September 6th. T&T needs at least a point against Guatemala to secure a spot in the Concacaf final round which begins in August.
T&T also has Concacaf Gold Cup qualifiers beginning in October.