Senior female footballers to play in ‘Windward Islands’ tournament

St Vincent and the Grenadines, who won the inaugural Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) women’s football tournament last year, will play in scaled down format this year in Dominica.

Only the host and the defending champions will be participating, with guest team Martinique adding some competition.{{more}}

Reports are that St Lucia had made their non-participation known early, but the tournament was served another blow last week when Grenada pulled out.

St Lucia had indicated a re-look of the policy for its participation in regional competitions, while Grenada cited lack of finance for their decision.

In the reshaped matches, St Vincent and the Grenadines play Dominica this Wednesday, June 15 and meet Martinique, June 17.

Dominica and Martinique face off on Sunday night. Matches are set for the Windsor Park Stadium, and kick off at 7 p.m. nightly.

Despite the abridged tournament, the president of WIFA, Vincentian Venold Coombs, confirmed to SEARCHLIGHT that the team that wins will be crowned the “champions”.

St Vincent and the Grenadines will be represented by 20 players and seven officials.

The two goalkeepers are Altica Benn and Travisha Diamond, with the defenders named being Akiria Samuel (captain), Geziel Wilson, Shiann Perry, Roxanne Hannaway, Amalis Marshall, and Zeyana Charles.

Making up the complement of midfielders are Chrislyn Browne, Shelly Browne, Jessica Miller, Lakeisha Ottley, Shadel Cyrus, Teffie-Ann Browne, Gabriella Olliverre and Ashka Haynes.

The strikers are Kandice Franklyn, Asha Richards, Raenicia Cuffy and Shannique De Shong.

The official management team includes manager – Wayne Grant; head coach – Andrew Bramble; Hollister Browne – assistant coach; Urtis Blackette – goal keeper coach, technical director – Keith Olliverre, along with Shevorne Trimmingham – kit manager and Anthony Burgin – physiotherapist.(RT)