Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has assured that the organization will take a structured and strategic approach to the continued development of the nation’s Under-17 men’s football programme following their recent near-miss at Concacaf qualification.
After falling just short of a FIFA Under-17 World Cup spot, losing 2-0 to Costa Rica in a decisive Group B clash, the young Soca Warriors now shift focus to building on their promising foundation for next year’s qualifiers.
Edwards emphasized that a thorough review of the team’s performance will be conducted, with consultations involving the Shawn Cooper-led technical staff, sports science professionals, and key stakeholders to fine-tune the developmental approach.
“As part of our commitment to progress, the TTFA will conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s performance, analysing key areas of preparation, competition, and player development," Edwards stated in a release.
“This will involve consultations with the technical staff, sports science professionals, and key stakeholders to ensure a structured and strategic approach to youth development. The findings will guide specific recommendations for improvement and implementation in future campaigns,” he added.
Trinidad and Tobago’s last FIFA Under-17 World Cup appearance came in 2007, and Edwards admitted that missing out on qualification this time around was disappointing. However, he sees plenty of positives to build on.
“Narrowly missing out on what would have been our first Under-17 World Cup qualification since 2007 is undoubtedly disappointing, but this tournament has highlighted the potential within our young footballers,” the TTFA boss shared.
“While the result in Costa Rica was not what we hoped for, the progress made is a foundation to build upon. We remain determined to create an environment where our young footballers can thrive, compete, and bring success to Trinidad and Tobago on the world stage,” he stated.
With FIFA implementing an annual U-17 World Cup, the TTFA believes there is a great opportunity to provide continuity in player development. Several players from the current squad remain eligible for the 2025 edition, while others will transition to the Under-20 level.
“This continuity provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen our youth development pathway, ensuring that our best talents are given the necessary resources to succeed,” the TTFA release noted.
Beyond short-term fixes, Edwards reiterated the TTFA’s commitment to long-term growth, both in terms of technical expertise and financial investment.
“The TTFA recognises that sustained success requires not only talented players but also a well-structured support system. Within our financial capacity, we are committed to enhancing our technical programmes by incorporating key personnel, including specialised coaching staff, sports science experts, and performance analysts to optimise player development,” he explained.
Still, Edwards pointed out that additional financial backing is necessary to fully realize the TTFA’s vision.
“While we continue to operate within our current budgetary framework, the TTFA acknowledges that additional investment is crucial to achieving our long-term objectives. We are actively seeking strategic partnerships and sponsorships from corporate entities, government agencies, and international stakeholders who share our vision for football development in Trinidad and Tobago,” he ended.