T&T U-20s to join Pro League

[E-man]

T&T U-20s to join Pro League.
Trinidad Express.

Trinidad and Tobago's Under-20 team and newly-formed FC South End are the newest additions to the T&T Pro League.

The League now consists of 12 teams for the 2009 season-defending champions CLICO San Juan Jabloteh, W Connection, Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA, Joe Public, United Petrotrin, St Ann's Rangers, Defence Force, Ma Pau SC, Tobago United and returning Police FC.

"The T&T Pro League board of directors have approved a request from the TTFF (Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation) to have the national Under-20 team which just qualified for the World Cup in Egypt to participate in the 2009 season," said Pro League chief executive officer Dexter Skeene yesterday afternoon at the League's office in Curepe.

On Thursday afternoon, the same day as the Pro League board meeting, TTFF special adviser Jack Warner announced that the U20s will be part of the Pro League this season, which kicks off on April 24.

"The League is delighted to afford these young men quality preparation ahead of their all-important engagement in Eygpt," Skeene added.

The T&T U20s, currently competing in the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament, have already booked their place in Egypt. They tackled the USA in a semi-final match-up at the Marvin Lee Stadium last night vying for a spot in tomorrow's final.

"We have to know what's best for us (Trinidad and Tobago). This is a great environment for the Under-20s to ensure that T&T continues to qualify for World Cups," said Skeene,

However, the Pro League boss said there are issues to be sorted out with regards to the National U20s.

Some of the issues highlighted are the conflict of fixtures, players attached to professional clubs and tours. But Skeene is confident that the TTFF and clubs will work together in the best interest of Trinidad and Tobago.

FC South End were also confirmed by the Pro League CEO for the 2009 season. But fellow new applicants Marabella Flames FC, 1976 Phoenix FC and St Clair Coaching School failed to submit proper requirements.

"We gave (all four clubs) sufficient time to try and get all their requirements to get into the League given the economic climate. However, we continue to thank them. We are now urging them to continue to strive to be involved in professional football," said Skeene.

Skeene praised FC South End for their successful application and commended their effort in trying to revive the spirit of football that Point Fortin is known for.

The 2009 Pro League season will kick off with a Champions Shield, featuring the top four clubs of 2008-League champs San Juan Jabloteh, runners-up W Connection, Caledonia AIA and Joe Public.Young Warriors in TT Pro League.
By: Walter Alibey (T&T Newsday).

THE Young Warriors which, only two days ago qualified for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt, has been accepted to play in this year’s TT Pro League scheduled to kick off April 24.

At a press briefing at the Pro League office in Curepe, yesterday, the league’s Chief Executive Officer Dexter Skeene said the move is to assist the Young Warriors in their preparation for the September 24- October 16 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

But he noted there are still issues to be ironed out with regards registration and transfer of players who play with different clubs.

“We feel it will be an opportunity for the team to prepare and represent Trinidad and Tobago to their best,” Skeene said.

Skeene also announced yesterday, that Southend FC will also be among the teams to contest this year’s TT Pro League along with Police, which has been re-accepted for the 2009 season.

Three other teams Marabella Flames, St Clair Coaching School, which is coached by ex-national coach Bertille St Clair and Angostura Phoenix did not meet the requirements for entry.

Skeene pointed out that while the board was satisfied with most of the applications by the teams, it was felt that more time was needed for proof that they can pay players consistently on a monthly basis.

Meanwhile, North East Stars which publicly expressed their disgust in their inability to have their matches played at the Sangre Grande Recreation ground asked to be excluded.

According to Skeene, North East Stars’ boss Daryl Mahabir asked for his team to be pulled out of the competition this year.

A clash between the league winners and winners of other competitions, San Juan Jabloteh, W Connection, Joe Public and Caledonia AIA will square off for the Champions Cup on April 24, which will signal the start of league action.

Skeene said the league will be followed by the staging of an Under-21 Reserve League, from which each team will be allowed to use five senior players.

The Under-21 tournament will also be the feeder programme to the TT Pro League this year.

[weary1969]

GR8 but some top foreign matches go b nice as well.

[makaveli]

can't see us not winning tourney in eygpt

[FF]

So will clubs be forced to sell their current players to the U-20 team e.g. Primus

or will the team be made up of those not attached or are willingly released?

[ZANDOLIE]

Nice, great work from the TTFF and the PLeague.

[Trini _2026]

Hope they play a few internationals aslo

[royal]

So will clubs be forced to sell their current players to the U-20 team e.g. Primus

or will the team be made up of those not attached or are willingly released?

No the TTFF want the clubs to register their players and pay them,although they'll be playing for the national team.

[Sam]

We have been saying this years now, the TTFF finally wake up.

And I am glad they did. Good job on their behalf.

Some questions though.

1. If the players playing in the Pro League, will they be an official professional and wouldn't being a professional prevent them from playing on a scholarship should they get one.

2. How will the league affect their schools.

3. Will they be paid.

4. What do the parents think.

[Baygo Boy]

Great move TTFF, we footballing future looking real bright now.

[chinee boi]

We have been saying this years now, the TTFF finally wake up.

And I am glad they did. Good job on their behalf.

Some questions though.

1. If the players playing in the Pro League, will they be an official professional and wouldn't being a professional prevent them from playing on a scholarship should they get one.

2. How will the league affect their schools.

3. Will they be paid.

4. What do the parents think.

SAM i could never read what u does post........not with that avatar always bouncing up and down 

[kingman]

We have been saying this years now, the TTFF finally wake up.

And I am glad they did. Good job on their behalf.

Some questions though.

1. If the players playing in the Pro League, will they be an official professional and wouldn't being a professional prevent them from playing on a scholarship should they get one.

2. How will the league affect their schools.

3. Will they be paid.

4. What do the parents think.

From my understanding, it would not affect their eligibility for scholarships. This is so because the U-20 team is not a professional entity and players would not be signed to contracts.

This is an opportunity for the boys to play together and get as much as possible going into the U-20 World Cup.

Kingman

[Sando prince]

So will clubs be forced to sell their current players to the U-20 team e.g. Primus

or will the team be made up of those not attached or are willingly released?

Good question...players like Primus and Samuel who are attached to clubs, how would there situation be dealt with..??...So their clubs would pay their own players to play against them?...we need explanations..

[Babalawo]

So will clubs be forced to sell their current players to the U-20 team e.g. Primus

or will the team be made up of those not attached or are willingly released?

Good question...players like Primus and Samuel who are attached to clubs, how would there situation be dealt with..??...So their clubs would pay their own players to play against them?...we need explanations..

I think this a one season thing just to sacrifice a good showing by the U-20 in the world cup.  This is very admirable and unselfish by their clubs to do this.  they should get a trinity cross

[legal alien]

Could someone tell me why letting a youth team participate in a professional league as its own would help them?Wont these guys be burned out by the time the World Cup comes around?i am genuinely concerned.

[Deeks]

Legal Alien,
                That is a legit concern. But they guys needs to play tougher games  to prepare them for Cairo. The teams they coming up against have young pros who train more than them. What the TTFF need to do in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the various schools is to have them in a camp and have a small school at the camp, This way these guys can train, play in the PFL and prepare for  their CXC/GCE.

[royal]

So will clubs be forced to sell their current players to the U-20 team e.g. Primus

or will the team be made up of those not attached or are willingly released?

Good question...players like Primus and Samuel who are attached to clubs, how would there situation be dealt with..??...So their clubs would pay their own players to play against them?...we need explanations..

Yes this is what TTFF requested.If it will happen is opt to the clubs.However if the clubs don't do it for their players there is a chance of losing that young player to someone else.Remember,that is de best revenue stream for local clubs at the moment. 

[Corbeaux]

If dey win the league does that mean that they are eligible for the Champions League?

[ttcom]

I said this in Germany to LP in Mannheim. I also recommend this we form an academy, and have U17 play in the Intercol, and the U20 Pro League. U17 should have a mini tournament in January against Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba and Barbados. Most of these countries would be coming off their high school competition would provide some match experience.

Good night people.