(CMR) The Cayman Islands Under-17 Girls National Team traveled to Puerto Rico on Wednesday, 22 May, to play in a local tournament and an international friendly.
Cayman is set to face Puerto Rico’s U-17s on 23 May in San Juan before traveling to Salinas for the ECEDAO Football International Tournament, organized by the Puerto Rican Football Federation.
“We began preparing for this tournament after receiving the invitation from the Puerto Rican Football Federation in April,” Cayman Islands Under-17 Girls National Team Head Coach Alexander Gonzalez said.
“The players have been working hard in training and the team is really coming together. I’m excited to see the players continue to develop through playing strong competition overseas,” Gonzalez added.
The team comprises 19 players, including 14 players who are also members of Cayman’s under-15 girls team, which is preparing to participate in the 2024 Concacaf Girls U-15 Championship in August.
Team members include Safina Leandra Reid, Tessa Clark, Cayden Rose Coles, Casey McKay Coles, Olivia Veronica Ridley, Estella Anne Marie Ridley, Lena Fay Price, Cosabella Jay Windsor, Jada Di-Yanara Dixon Lam, Lauren Cumber, Reese Una Bateson, Sashka Elizabeth Nevenka Parker, Clara Anne De Quintal, Abigail Rose Proud, Marley Magee, Yasmin Elliot, Kezia Naomi Parchmont, Kiara Berry and Renee Nyawira Wambugu.
“We have a young team, there’s no doubt about it. We could not ask for a better way to prepare for [the Concacaf U-15] tournament than this friendly match and tournament in Puerto Rico,” Gonzalez said.
“Playing against strong opponents who implement different styles will help our players improve, and I think we’ll start seeing positive results in the near future,” he further stated.
Beyond the U-15 tournament in August, the team’s older players are also eyeing a chance to participate next year in the qualifying championship for the U-20 World Cup.
Gonzalez said CIFA’s main objective is to continue providing international matches for these young athletes.
“Our long-term goal is simple — continue to develop players step-by-step through the age-group levels and prepare them to eventually form the core of the Cayman Islands Senior Women’s National Team, where they will benefit from having worked together for several years,” he added.
The U-17 team returns on Monday, 27 May.
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