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T&T U-17 Women squad named for qualifiers

TTFA Media January 21, 2026 0 Comment

T&T U-17 Women squad named for qualifiers

Trinidad and Tobago U-17 Women’s head coach Ayana Russell has announced her 21-member squad for the 2026 Concacaf Under-17 Women’s Qualifiers, which will be contested in Curaçao from January 24 to February 1.

The T&T Under-17 Women have been drawn in Group F alongside Barbados, El Salvador and hosts Curaçao. Guadeloupe withdrew from the group due to financial constraints.

The squad features a blend of local and international-based talent. Among those selected are Rori Gittens, Sydney Pollard and versatile Five Rivers Secondary School standout Hackeemar Goodridge.

The overseas-based contingent includes Florida United’s Sanni Wilson, United Futbol Academy midfielder Gianna Changar, defender Layla Gregoire, LA Surf winger Shiyah Matthews, Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals forward Giuliana Meyer, FC Stars Blue midfielder Jade Jones and goalkeeper Saiya Smith. Also included are Canadian-based players Chelsea John (midfield) and attacker Torie Jean-Jacques.

Coached by Ayana Russell, T&T will open their qualifying campaign against hosts Curaçao on January 24 at the FFK Willemstad Stadium, before facing Barbados on January 28 and El Salvador on February 1.

The Concacaf Under-17 Women’s Qualifiers comprise six groups, with the six group winners and the two best second-placed teams advancing to the Final Round, where they will join top-ranked nations Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States.

Despite acknowledging challenges during the preparation phase, Russell expressed strong confidence in the group selected.

“I think it’s just about sticking to the objectives,” Russell said. “With the struggles we’ve had, and are still having, the group itself is a really good group, and the staff here is a team.

“The star of the team is the team. Every struggle and challenge that comes our way, I see the team developing some strong team dynamics. Once we stick to that, it will be one of our biggest strengths. I’m very confident in the group and I believe we can advance from the group.”

Russell also highlighted the importance of the mental side of the game, along with the need for a more structured developmental approach for young footballers in Trinidad and Tobago.

“They play competition all year round, so there wasn’t really a developmental period, and that was one of our biggest challenges as a staff,” she explained. “They just want to play, but they don’t always want to do the mental work, the nutrition, and the other aspects that are required to become elite players.

“Technically and tactically, they have improved tremendously. We’ve also seen a big improvement in their understanding that if you don’t take this step, you won’t get to the next level.”

While qualification remains a key objective, Russell stressed that player and staff well-being remains a priority.

“For me, success is also about protecting the mental health of the players and staff. God wouldn’t give us what we can’t handle. Success will be seeing everyone manage the pressures on and off the field.”

The team is scheduled to depart for Curaçao on January 22.