Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has announced plans to appoint a new head coach for the Women’s national team while outlining significant investments in women’s football.
Speaking on i95.5fm’s ISports programme on Sunday, Edwards emphasised the Association’s commitment to elevating the women’s game through structured development and competitive opportunities.
Edwards claimed that the TTFA has already made substantial investments, including a recently concluded six-month women’s league designed to prepare players for CONCACAF Club Women’s tournaments next season.
“We have to change the mentality and the culture of how we select players for our national women’s team. There is no longer room for the TTFA to operate as a club. This is a national programme. We need to make sure that our ladies are fit, that they understand what they need to do, get them to that level, and then, of course, select and get them into that system.”
The TTFA will host the 3Ws (Women’s Warriors Wellness) Invitational Tournament in July, featuring the Defence Force, along with the Grenada national team and the national Under-20 Women’s team. Edwards also confirmed that a foreign-based college team will participate, providing crucial exposure for local players.
“We want our top female players competing alongside club teams and international talent. This is about raising standards.”
With no current head coach for the Women’s national team, Edwards disclosed that the TTFA had begun the selection process, considering both local and international candidates.
“We’ve sent out invitations and have strong prospects, similar to our approach with the senior Men’s team. We will go through a thorough selection process to find the right candidate.”
In a recent Facebook post, national team player Asha James expressed frustration with the lack of activity for the senior women with the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group phase set to begin in October.
“There’s no way three months before a major tournament like this and NOTHING is in place as yet,” she posted.
“Teams start preparing years in advance for World Cups. Trinidad and Tobago women’s team 2/3 months before. It’s clear to see they don’t believe in us women getting to the World Cup. Actions speak louder than words.”