U14 footballers en route to CFU Challenge

The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has announced the national squad to take part in the 2024 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys’ Under-14 Challenge Series, beginning Friday in Trinidad & Tobago.

Running until August 25, the Challenge Series is well known as a key milestone competition that helps teams improve their technical ability and expand their national player pools.

Head coach Fitzgerald Carter, who is also the BFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) project officer and talent coach, said the Series plays a vital role in the growth of football in Barbados, by introducing young players to high-level competition from an early age.

“Competing against various playing styles and some of the most talented youth players in our region are invaluable ways for our players to grow, develop, be creative, and express themselves while gaining this life changing experience representing their country internationally,” he said.

“During our preparations, some of our coaches who are participating in the BFA D-License and Concacaf C-License programmes were also given the opportunity to coach and be mentored within this national development initiative, so it is really setting us up with a solid foundation to progress the sport in Barbados in a multifaceted way.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Kevon Bishop, Muammar Odell, Carlo Perry, and Chris Reid for their assistance in the preparation of this Under-14 group and we are all looking forward to some exciting competition in Trinidad.”

He emphasised that the CFU Challenge Series is an essential development landmark for the local players, and called on all Barbadians to support the current national youth delegation as they continue to play and develop, regardless of the results.

BFA President Randy Harris echoed these sentiments, reiterating the organisation’s ongoing commitment to the development of football in Barbados, particularly at the youth level.

“I’m delighted to once again be sending our young players out to get their first taste of international competition at the CFU Challenge Series,” he said. “These players are the future of football in Barbados, and we remain focused on providing development opportunities such as these to ensure that we are building a framework for the sport that is sustainable as we continue to strive for excellence within all the facets of local and national football.”

Barbados’ boys will play in Tier II (Group A) in the 2024 CFU Boys’ U14 Challenge Series, kicking off against St Vincent & the Grenadines (August 16), followed by Guyana (August 17) and the Cayman Islands (August 18), then Antigua & Barbuda (August 20).

National Under-14 Boys Team

• Trey Barker
• Tyrique Collymore
• Tye Gittens
• Denari Griffith
• Jemarco Johnson
• Dimiko Jordan
• Adam King
• Shaquan King
• Javier Marshall
• Maleek Peters
• Sasha Pounder
• Raezario Roach
• Rajari Rollins
• Amari Small
• Jazorie Thompson
• Xavier Thorne
• Jevonte Ward
• Tye Waterman
• Israel Watson
• Jamari Watson

Management Team

• Fitzgerald Carter (Head Coach)
• Morrison Taylor (Assistant Coach/Goalkeeping Coach)
• Dale Rudder (Manager)
• Patrick Mapp (Equipment Manager)
• Cadijah Williams (Physiotherapist)

(PR)