President Edwards meets FIFA President in Baku

President Edwards Holds Talks with FIFA President in Baku

Trinidad and Tobago Football Association President Kieron Edwards met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Edwards, who also travelled to Baku to support the Trinidad and Tobago Under-15 Boys team, described the meeting as a valuable opportunity to discuss the continued development of football in T&T.

Their discussions focused on strengthening the relationship between FIFA and the TTFA, as well as the importance of creating greater opportunities for young players and continuing the work being done to move the local game forward.

Edwards said he also used the opportunity to thank Infantino and FIFA for their continued support of football development in T&T.

“It was a very good and productive discussion with the FIFA President,” Edwards said. “We spoke about Trinidad and Tobago football, the direction in which we are seeking to take the game and the importance of providing consistent opportunities for our young players.

“Having our Under-15 team here in Azerbaijan is a great example of the kind of international exposure that is important for their development. These young players are being given an opportunity to experience a major FIFA environment, compete against teams from different parts of the world and learn lessons that will help them as they progress.”

Edwards said the performances also provided the TTFA with a clearer picture of the areas requiring attention as it continues developing its youth programme.

“The speed at which the game is played at this level was a very good lesson for us,” he said.

“Our players had some positive moments, but this experience also showed us where we need to improve. It gives us a useful indicator of the work that must be done in areas such as decision-making, physical preparation and playing at a consistently higher tempo.”

He added that the TTFA remains committed to building a stronger foundation for the game and ensuring that the country benefits fully from its relationship with FIFA and the wider international football community.

“We have to continue working, building the right structures and creating a clear pathway for our players,” Edwards said.

“The discussions held here were encouraging, and we look forward to continuing that relationship with FIFA as we pursue the development of football at every level.”

Under-15 head coach Randolph Boyce said the tournament had been a valuable experience for both the players and staff.

“The boys have gained a great deal from being here,” Boyce said. “They were exposed to different playing styles and cultures while experiencing what is required at the international level. The results were important, but the overall experience and the lessons they will take home are just as valuable.”

The FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival brought together youth teams from around the world, providing players with competitive matches as well as educational and cultural experiences.

Trinidad and Tobago recorded four victories in nine matches, over St Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Liberia and Macau during the tournament, with the team advancing to the Tier III stage of the competition, ending with a ranking of 94th out of 189 countries that participated at the inaugural U-15 World Cup.

Edwards also met with members of the Trinidad and Tobago delegation and commended the players and staff for their conduct and representation of the country throughout their stay in Baku.

Overseas Discussions Opens Door for New Development Initiatives

The TTFA is also moving to convert the discussions held in Baku into practical initiatives that can support football development across Trinidad and Tobago.
Among the programmes being pursued is the introduction of FIFA Arena mini-pitches in selected communities. The initiative is intended to provide young people with safe and accessible spaces to play football, while expanding the game’s reach at the grassroots level in early 2027.

Discussions also advanced plans for a boot-supply programme to assist young players at the Primary Schools level, particularly those whose participation may be affected by the cost of basic football equipment.

Another major area of focus is the implementation of the TTFA Strategic Plan. Launched under the theme “One Vision. One Nation. One TTFA,” the plan outlines the Association’s direction for developing the game and strengthening its administrative and technical structures.

“These are important initiatives that can have a direct and lasting impact on our football,” Edwards said.

“It is not simply about attending meetings. It is about building relationships and ensuring those discussions lead to real opportunities for our players, coaches and communities.”

The Baku engagements will be followed by a visit to Qatar later this month, where the TTFA President is expected to hold further discussions and explore additional programmes and partnerships that could benefit football in Trinidad and Tobago.

Edwards said the TTFA would continue working with FIFA and its international partners to ensure that the opportunities being explored are aligned with the objectives of the TTFA Strategic Plan and translated into tangible development programmes.