‘Team gained much experience’ – coach

Even though his team did not win any of the four matches they played in the CONCACAF girls’ Under-15 football tournament in Orlando, Florida, head coach of the Vincentian outfit Alnif Williams believes the players were well served by the experience.{{more}}

Placed in Group C of the tournament, St Vincent and the Grenadines was winless, having been beaten by St Lucia 5-1, Nicaragua 1-0, Puerto Rico 5-1 and Grenada by a three- nil score-line.

Arriel Delpesche was the goal scorer when St Vincent and the Grenadines got on the score sheet against St Lucia and Puerto Rico. However, Williams, in reviewing the team’s performance, said they did well in the circumstances.

“The tournament was a very great one… It was an excellent learning experience for the girls… It was a great exposure for them as they got a chance to see how far football can take them in life, once [they are] serious and have the commitment,” Williams assessed.

“They actually have seen where the hard work is needed and the dedication to compete at that level,” Williams reported.

Of note, he said, was that amidst the defeats, the players were eager to play the next match.

“As the games went by, they were all good sports [and were willing] to go and play again no matter what the score was,” Williams said.

Reflecting on their passion for the sport, Williams stated, “They would cry when they were finished playing but would be ready to play again.”

Williams thanked the executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation for taking the bold step to enter the second edition of the tournament, after not participating in the inaugural one in 2014.

He commended the support received from parents, other members of the coaching staff as well as other coaches who helped him in the preparation of the team.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines line up reads: Chelsea Cordice – captain, Somonique La Borde, Zonja Mc Kie, Dionte Delpesche, Krystal Foster, Ka’mya Matthews, Cavorn Delpesche, Kitana Richards, Shaielle Williams, Arena Grant, Zerese Williams, Areka Hooper, Shannell Lampkin, Ushon Edwards, Vashica Pereira, Ashanti Douglas, Laquanda Soso, and Aerril Delespeche.

Apart from Williams, the other members of the management team included technical director – Keith Ollivierre; assistant coaches – Amolis Marshall and Akiria Samuel, along with manager – Wayne Grant, chaperone – Liz Cordice and second Vice President of the SVGFF – Marvin Fraser.(RT)