Turks and Caicos U15 Boys Score a Podium Finish: Kicking Their Way to 3rd Place in their League!
The Football Associations of Curaçao and the Dominican Republic hosted the fourth edition of the Concacaf Boys' Under-15 Championship from August 6-13, 2023.
The U15 Boys from Turks and Caicos Island confidently competed in League C, which comprised of a total of nine teams.
League C
Group I: British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Turks and Caicos Islands
Group J: Saint Maarten, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, US Virgin Islands
Group K: French Guiana, Anguilla, Saint Martin
On August 5th, the Turks and Caicos Islands Boys' U15 commenced their journey. Their destination? The Dominican Republic, not just to participate but to with an objective to excel in Concacaf's U15 Boys Championship. An event that provided the first taste of international football for these young players. This is their story.
Day one ignited the fierce competition as the Turks and Caicos Islands Boys' U15 team kicked off their journey in the Dominican Republic. The spotlight fell on their opening match against Dominica, where the players showed decent technical ability and passions that it appeared that every dribble and pass held the promise of triumph. Schuyler Selver, got the team off scoring from and as such being the first to score in League C. At the end of the game the scoreboard read 1:1, an equalizer by Dominica that echoed the relentless determination of both teams. While victory eluded them, what truly shone through was the unbreakable spirit and the raw talent that defined the Turks and Caicos squad—a point earned from an evenly competitive match but one that the TCIFA could have won if they capitalized on the goal scoring opportunities they created.
Day Two: Victory! In an impressive display of skill and sportsmanship, the Turks and Caicos Islands' Boys U15 football team made their mark on the pitch during day two of the intense competition. Led by their standout centre forward, Schuyler Selver, they demonstrated unwavering spirit and commitment to the sport. The team continued their journey with an impressive 5-0 victory against the British Virgin Islands thanks to Centre Forward Schuyler Selver's clinical finishing scoring all 5 goals.
On day three of the tournament, the Turks and Caicos Islands' Boys U15 faced Saint Martin in the semi -finals and suffered a 3-1 defeat which was not indicative of the level of play produced by the young TCI team. Despite the setback, their determination remained unshaken and in the 3rd place play-off game against Dominica, the TCI's Boys U15 emerged triumphant with a 1-0 win. This victory solidified their growth as a cohesive unit and their ability to learn and evolve from each match.
At the end of the competition, coach Omar Edwards stated, "The boys performed really well against the competition received from the various teams. Immense teamwork and understanding during the progression of the games was displayed. The exceptional brotherhood shown between the players and coaches was exceptional, we couldn't have asked for a better set of players."
In addition, Technical Director Dane Ritchie said, "The Concacaf U15 Boys Tournament was a crucial tournament for the players' development. Though the results for the tournament was one of the best for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the experience for the boys was paramount as they continue to prepare for future tournaments. Kudos to the coaching staff who worked assiduously to prepare the players, also to the parents for supporting."
This accomplishment showcased their talent and excellence on the field and emphasized their unwavering spirit and dedication to pushing beyond their limits.
Oliver Smith, the General Secretary, concluded with optimistic and proud remarks, stating, "The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association is proud of the Boys National U15 team. I witnessed their determination and passion for the sport and their country as young men. I expect this talented group of players to represent the Turks and Caicos well in future competitions. Again, we are incredibly proud."
