After senior national midfielder Asha James voiced concerns about the lack of activity in the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s football programme, TTFA director of women’s football Jinelle James has assured that steps are being taken to get the team into camp soon.

James, who plays in the United States, took to social media to express frustration over the absence of training camps, coaching appointments, and preparation ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Women’s Nations League, which kicks off in September.

"Another FIFA women’s window approaches (March 31 to April 8)… and not even a local camp for players. Still no coach, and it’s basically April. Seven months out before Concacaf competition. Give us a proper chance…give us a good coach and, please, not who we're hearing about be for reals. Nepotism, we not on that. The women don’t aspire to go to the World Cup too, or awuh?” she wrote in a passionate Facebook post.

However, TTFA official Jinelle James downplayed the concerns, stating that plans are in place and players should not be worried, as there is still sufficient time before the Nations League begins.

"Things are being done. Pretty soon, information about the women’s team and how it will proceed will come out. The team is in transition, and there are many things that need to be in place before we get them together. We want to ensure things are properly organised, and the women’s campaign will start soon," James told T&T Newsday.

Though she did not disclose specific details, James reassured that plans are being finalized and announcements will be made in due time.

James acknowledged that some women’s players may be feeling neglected, especially after the national men’s team, under new coach Dwight Yorke, recently secured Concacaf Gold Cup qualification on March 25.

Since Yorke’s appointment in November 2024, the men’s team has played three friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Jamaica twice, as well as a two-leg playoff against Cuba. The heightened activity has seemingly amplified frustration among the women’s squad.

"There will be a feeling of frustration, especially given the men’s campaign. The fact of the matter is, the teams start at different calendar times. Nobody has forgotten about the women’s team at all," James declared. 

She urged both local and foreign-based players to remain focused and prepared for when the national team is called into action.

Regarding the national team’s coaching and technical staff, James confirmed that no appointments have been made.

"Because of all the hurrah with the men’s team, some (women’s players) may have started to feel antsy, thinking we’ve forgotten them. We haven’t,” she said.

“The way football is evolving, no one is just going to train, train, and train. When you get called in, just make sure you’re fit and ready to play," James added.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago's women’s Under-17 team is set to lock horns with powerhouse USA, El Salvador, and Honduras in the Concacaf Women’s U17 Qualifiers final round next week.