The Guyana National U17 Team departed local shores yesterday to make their debut in the CONCACAF U17 football championships from May 1-16 at the IMG Facility, Bradenton, Florida.
The 20 member squad reads Goalkeepers:- Shawn Adonis, Oswin Fredericks, Ronaldo Blair; Defenders, Jermaine Padmore, Marcus Wilson, Nicholas Andrews, Joshua Braithwaite, Wayne DaSilva and Kevin Reddy; Midfielders, Jamar Harrigan, Tyrell Khan, Isaiah James, Osafa Simpson, William Vaughn and Shannon Samnauth and Forwards, Shoran James, Omari Glasgow, Ronaldo Rodrigues, Ravon Bayley and Orville Daniels.
Sampson Gilbert is the head-coach with Vurlon Mills, Eon DeVeira and Bryan Joseph serving as Assistant Coach, Goalkeeping Coach and Youth Development Officer respectively.
Nico Alstrom and Pablino Cupido are the Team Doctor and Physiotherapist respectively with Wilson Toledo the Fitness Coach.
“There is great chemistry and continuity in this current crop of players, building on the U15 group that was successful at the 2017 Soualiga Cup and talent from the GFF’s nationwide Academy Training Centres, where we have been developing our young players in line with the GFF’s national playing philosophy,” Gilbert said prior to the team’s departure.
“We know we are going up against teams that have a reputation at this level, but we know that we can compete with those teams. We are looking forward to going as far as possible in the tournament: getting out of the group as the first target and then taking each game as it comes,” he added.
GFF President Wayne Forde said, “We wish our boys all the very best as they prepare to represent their country at this level for the first time in our history,
“With this age group, we recognise that it is important for each of the players to learn as much as they can from this valuable regional exposure as we continue to develop them through the academies and within our national pathway,” he added.
Fore said a number of the players can become top players in the future.
“We believe a significant number of these players have the attitude and ability to grow into top players in the region in the years ahead, and we are looking forward to seeing them make a big statement of intent against some tough opposition in Florida this month,” he declared.
