SVG unlikely to participate in Concacaf Girls U-15 Qualifiers

UNCERTAINTY LIES AHEAD regarding the participation of St Vincent and the Grenadines at the 2022 Concacaf Under-15 Girls Qualifiers in Florida, USA from July 31 to August 30.

The uncertainty stems from the reluctance of parents and guardians to have their daughters fully vaccinated against the COVID- 19.

According to tournament rules, all participants must be fully vaccinated against the virus.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT on the matter, Wayne Grant, second vicepresident of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation ( SVGFF), disclosed that efforts to have the girls vaccinated are proving to be futile.

“ We have had meetings with the parents and guardians explaining the conditions under which the tournament is to be played and the mandatory vaccination requirement, but while some have complied, the majority seem not ready to have their wards/ daughters immunized”, Grant explained.

Expounding further, Grant told SEARCHLIGHT: “It must be taken into consideration that the players are minors and cannot make such decisions of their own, and we have to respect the desires of the parents and guardians”.

Unlike some other national sports associations the SVGFF does not have a mandatory vaccination policy for travelling national players.

But Grant informed SEARCHLIGHT that should the plug be pulled on SVG’s Concacaf participation, a back-up plan is being hatched to ensure the players are engaged in some football. He said these plans will be crystallised in the upcoming weeks.

More than two weeks ago, the SVGFF had announced the names of 30 players from which the final travel party was to be selected for the USA trip.

Those announced were Nathalia Nanton, Alorn Guy, Amelia Young, Ammunique Edwards, Azumi Quow, Chelsea Cumberbatch, Cherish Laborde, Clarisse Thomas, Deja Stowe, Delicia Hackshaw, Gabbriel Durrant, Giselle Bynoe, G-Riesa Joseph, Kailee Williams, Kelisha Bowens, Kenya Lavia, Keyone Hazel, Larissa Richards, Leona Barrow, Mackyla Timm, Meiya Wilson, Nasheeka Prescod, Raydalia Bute, Rayna Campbell, Rebekah John, Rhea Thompson, Rhia Brudy, Terrecia Simon,Zakayla Harry, Zoe Francis and Zonia Harry.

The management team comprised Danielle Jackson, manager; Keith Ollivierre, head coach; Amalis Marshall, assistant coach; and goalkeeper coach, John Hinds.