Edwards’ Broader vision for local football

Edwards’ Broader vision for local football

Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards believes football can change the landscape in the country.

He was speaking on May 12 during a visit to T&T by Concacaf President Victor Montagliani at the TTFA headquarters, Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva. He was also given a short tour of the nearby Home of Football.

Edwards welcomed Montagliani’s courtesy visit as a significant moment in strengthening the relationship between the two bodies. He made these comments at a TTFA Press briefing at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

“The support from Concacaf over the past 12 months has been tremendous,” Edwards said. “We want to continue to build and strengthen that relationship. This visit marks that intention.”

Edwards hailed the importance of Concacaf’s backing in recent technical workshops and expressed hope that this partnership will help return T&T to regional dominance. He also highlighted recent meetings between Montagliani and two government ministers on May 11, pointing to a growing alignment between football’s developments.

“We’re looking to return T&T to being a powerhouse in the Caribbean—and beyond,” Edwards added. “Football has the power to shift the national landscape, and we’re committed to leading that change.

“We have a new government in place. In terms of the landscape of T&T currently, we know the ills of issues that we’re having in T&T and we believe sports and football leading that charge in sport, could really change the landscape in T&T. We continue to have discussions in terms of the way forward.”

Montagliani praised the leadership and vision of the local governing body and declared his confidence in the organisation’s trajectory as it seeks to reclaim its place among the region’s footballing elite.

“I think you’ve built a very strong team. It’s very obvious the vision that you and your team have for the TTFA moving forward,” said Montagliani. “Not only am I very pleased but very proud. You’ve followed through with exactly what you said in our first meeting, and it’s coming to fruition.”

Montagliani said he noted a TTFA’s “football-first” philosophy, adding how important it was to see that principle reflected in the organisation’s day-to-day operations.

“It warms my heart that a former footballer like yourself is now at the head of TTFA, pushing what is most important for the country,” he told Edwards.

The Canadian was particularly impressed by the TTFA’s commitment to revitalising football infrastructure, including ongoing work to upgrade pitches and expand development at the Home of Football.

He emphasised that while improvement is always part of the journey, the TTFA is focused on exceeding expectations—not just within the Caribbean, but across the Concacaf region and on the global stage.

“This isn’t just about reliving past glory,” Montagliani said. “The game has evolved—it’s faster, stronger, and more global than ever. TT has the ability to be part of that world stage, and I believe that discipline and vision will take you there.”

Edwards said Concacaf and the TTFA will continue to have further discussions at the 75th FIFA Congress in Paraguay, for a way forward for football in TT.

Among the immediate priorities on the TTFA’s agenda is the formal establishment of the TTFA Academy, which will focus on youth development and integrate educational components.

Edwards also highlighted women’s football, noting ongoing work on a strategic document to strengthen the women’s league and resume training for the national women’s team.

As the TTFA looks ahead to key World Cup qualifiers and continues its grassroots and youth development efforts, Montagliani’s visit is being seen as a strong vote of confidence in a federation eager to turn the page and write a new chapter of success.

TT’s senior men’s team are currently preparing for a hectic period involving the Unity Cup in England, World Cup qualifying and a Concacaf Gold Cup campaign.

The Unity Cup kicks off from May 27-31 at Brentford’s Gtech Stadium in England, featuring Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica and TT.

Six days later, TT resume their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with their penultimate second round match against St Kitts and Nevis. This match kicks off at Hasely Crawford Stadium on June 6, from 7.30 pm.

Edwards outlined an ambitious roadmap for the future of the sport in the country, while Montagliani praised the TTFA’s forward-thinking approach, stating that T&T has the potential to rise well beyond Caribbean dominance.

“You always want to improve. It is not just about being a powerhouse in the Caribbean, but in CONCACAF and on the world stage,” said Montagliani, adding, “The game of football has changed. The reality is that the game is no longer what it used to be. It is a bigger business. The players are faster and stronger and it is a different game.”

He continued: “Our members are realising that, and the TTFA has realised that. It is a global game and it’s not just about a region but getting on the global stage, which I think T&T has the ability to do,” the CONCACAF boss stated.

His comments were echoed by Edwards, who made it clear that his administration’s goal is not just to restore the TTFA’s reputation but to exceed it.

“I would have had ideas and visions for the TTFA on how to really bring back the TTFA to a standard of where we once were—and surpassing that standard,” said Edwards.

“We want to continue to build and strengthen that relationship with CONCACAF in terms of getting us back to being a powerhouse. It is important for us at the FA to get the support of CONCACAF. The support of CONCACAF over the last 12 months has been tremendous with all the workshops we have had,” he added.

Montagliani’s visit came during a “rebirth” phase for the TTFA, with the CONCACAF president noting visible progress in both infrastructure and administration since his first meeting with the new TTFA leadership. “I think you’ve built a very strong team and it is obvious you have a vision for the TTFA moving forward,” Montagliani noted.

“I’m very pleased you have followed through not only on what you said in our first meeting, and it is coming to fruition. And you can see what else is on the horizon. You have the facilities and the vision for what’s coming next.

“We all know how important football is in this country and I think you have set a great foundation for not only the rebirth but the growth and success of the sport moving forward,” Montagliani added.

Edwards, meanwhile, said the TTFA is also engaging with the recently-elected government to ensure football plays a greater role in national development. “We have a new government in place and I have met with two ministers in terms of the vision for football and sport in T&T,” he revealed.

“We know the ills and issues we have, and sport and football could really change the landscape of T&T, so we will continue to have discussions on the way forward,” Edwards concluded.