REPUBLIC CUP YOUTH LEAGUE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES
REPUBLIC CUP YOUTH LEAGUE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES
The 2023 edition of the Republic Cup National Youth League, the official youth league of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association was launched at the Republic Bank Sports Club, Barataria on Tuesday February 28th, 2023.
The 2023 Republic Cup National Youth Football League runs from March 4-May 27 and is being managed by Gateway Athletics, sponsored by Republic Bank and is the official youth league of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
hem Alexander of Gateway Athletics, detailed the structure of the tournament as having six divisions; Boys Under-13, -15, -17 & -20, along with Girls Under-16 & -20. Seventy-one clubs have registered to compete nationwide. Preliminary competition will be contested on a zonal basis, after which the top two teams from each zone will contest national playoffs.
Corneal lauded the full resumption of the Republic Cup, which had a shortened version in 2022, following a two-year absence due to the Covid- 19 pandemic.
“We have been advised that if one programme must exist it must be football. There must be a league in your country. It has been advised by Arsène Wenge (FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development) who has actually spoken to all the MA’s, (FIFA Member Associations) asking, ‘could you get football playing in your country’. From the grassroots level to the elite level,” Corneal stated.
He further added that developing football at youth level was now key to improving football in T&T.
“We have to allow young players the chance to be part of a club,” Corneal declared. “Players need to learn from each other. They need to understand winning and losing. That’s how we grow as persons. It allows us to socialise with friends… That belonging to something…” he stated.
Meanwhile, Reena Gopaul, manager group brand management at Republic Bank, added: “Our Republic Cup National Youth Football can be used as a stepping stone to what may one day be promising career in football.”
One of the highlights of the 2023 Republic League is the All-Star weekend and College Fair, to be held from March 30-April 2 and will feature games from the league’s boys and girls top performers, allowing the international coaches to see the players in a game-setting. Already coaches from the USA and Germany have committed to having a look at the best performers.
“Our high-performing players will also have the opportunity of demonstrating their talent to international coaches in our showcase matches and our skills camp. Additionally, the College Fair is another avenue for further development, giving the young players with talent the chance to translate it into real opportunities for further education abroad,” Gopaul explained.
League ambassador, former 2006 World Cup squad member Anthony Wolfe also urged youngsters to view the Republic Cup National Youth Football League as a stepping stone in their football careers as he once played in the league which was instrumental in his development and it eventually led him to the 2006 World Cup.
“I think this tournament helped me to unearth my talent that helped me to continue playing the football and knowing that I could reach far if I put in my dedication, sacrifices and hard work which I did. I played for numerous clubs in TT and also abroad.”
Over 3,000 footballers are expected to compete in the league. At the end of the league, the best players will be chosen to play in an all-star match. The match will give players the opportunity to be seen by scouts who may offer the players university scholarships overseas. A college fair will also be held where league participants will have the chance to interact with administrators from universities in the US.
Wolfe said many thought he would not have been selected for the 2006 World Cup, but his work ethic paid off.
“I was a surprise selection on the 2006 World Cup team to some people, but I believe hard work does not go unrecognised.”
He urged the footballers to keep believing in themselves.
“I would like to say to the young players who want to make football or another sport part of their life…failure is part of life, failure is part of success. Anyone that has not failed has not tried. Even if you fail once keep going, if you fail twice keep going.” Wolfe encouraged the upcoming players to trust in God.
