Newly-appointed coach of the T&T women’s Under-17 team, and Director of T&T Women's Football, Norwegian Even Pellerud held his first training session with the young players on Wednesday at the University of West Indies Campus in St Augustine.
After the session, Pellerud said: “Today was a very good session for us as a team. It was important for me, especially because I am a new coach in a new sporting environment and I must hit the ground running.” Expressing joy with the level of commitment shown by those who participated in his first session, Pellerud added, “It was good to see the level intensity and commitment shown by the girls today. “I haven’t learned their names yet but it was good to have that type of start.” While stating his belief in the talent of the girls he has see so far, Pellerud said that the door is not closed for anyone. He stated: “We have a lot of work to do, including looking at more bodies to bring into the team. The door is not closed.
“I have heard of some local girls and some which are foreign based. The job is to look at all of them to insure that no one is left out.” Pellerud, who also led Canada's Under-20 women’s team to World Cup silver in 2002, sports an impressive resume, including being national women’s team coach of Norway (1989-1996) and Canada (2000-2008). He was also director of Canada's national team programme from 2000 to 2009. Also on the Technical Staff with Pellerud are Jamaal Shabazz, Assistant Director of Women’s Football, Richard Hood (assistant coach), Jefferson George (goalkeeper coach), Jinelle James (manager), Ricarda Nelson (assistant manager), Nicole Kistow (physiotherapist), Chris Bailey (fitness trainer), Claire George (equipment manager).
T&T Women's U-17 short list
Brittany Farah, Gabrielle Jardine, Samantha Kissoon (Providence); Kerchel Torres, Keri Meyers (Holy Faith Convent); Doniscia Marlow, Akilah Sparks, Sherneice Jadoo, Patrice Vincent, Linfa Jones, Kayla Taylor (Debe High School); Khadisha Debesette, Khadidra Debesette (Vessigny); Marlique Asson, Victoria Swift (Miracle Ministries); Sharlette Alexander (Carapichaima); Tonietta Phillip (ASJA); Brittany Prescott (San Juan Girls RC); Rehana Omardeen (International School); Teneisha Cobham (Point Fortin Jr Sec); Akilah Thomas, Akanki Thomas (Fyzabad Anglican); Jonelle Warwick (Bishop's East); Jo Marie Lewis (Mucurapo Sr); Patrice Arden-Campbell, Camille Borneo (El Dorado Secondary); Gabrielle Onischick (St Joseph's Convent); Anika Walker (Maple Leaf).