…WFA President says team is “well-rounded”, ready to impress
Women’s Football Association (WFA) President Andrea Johnson says the 18-player squad representing Guyana in the upcoming CONCACAF Under-15 Girls’ Championship is well-rounded and equipped with the skills to make a strong impression at the regional competition.
The tournament, taking place in Aruba, features 28 youth teams from across the Caribbean, with matches scheduled from August 5 to August 11.
Guyana are placed in League C, Group G, alongside Anguilla, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Aruba All Stars. Their opening game is set for August 5 at 09:00h in Oranjestad against Anguilla.
The junior national team have nine locally-based players and nine international youth players.
The U15 squad is “well-rounded”
Most of the local players recently participated in the inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF)-Blue Water Shipping Girls’ Under-15 Secondary School Championship. A total of 46 girls, including standout performers from the hinterland regions, were in camp from July 10, working closely with the coaching staff in preparation for the selection process.
WFA President Johnson noted that the selection process was challenging, as the players demonstrated high skill levels.
“Due to the girls’ performances, selecting the final squad was a challenging task for the coaching staff. Our encampment focused on delivering high-quality training, team-building activities, and fostering camaraderie among players from across Guyana.”
“We have selected a well-rounded team, and I am confident that Guyana will perform admirably,” Johnson shared.
Additionally, she explained that two additional players will be accompanying the team as part of their developmental process, gaining valuable international exposure. However, they will not take part in any of the matches.
A portion of the U15 team was selected through a Talent I.D showcase
The fifth edition of the regional competition will also be hosted simultaneously in Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago. All three venues will feature a group stage followed by a knockout stage, with each league crowning its own champion.
GFF President Wayne Forde added, “This is the core purpose behind the launch of the GFF-Blue Water Shipping Girls’ Under-15 Championship. We have successfully established a registry of the top youth girls from across Guyana to represent the country on the international stage.”
“They are the future of football, and based on their performance in the tournament, I have absolute confidence in the squad and wish them all the best,” he shared.
The tournament was last held in 2022 in Tampa, Florida, USA, where 20 teams competed.
Selected Team
Goalkeepers:
1. Jasmine Solomon-Ross
2. Sara Ernest
Defenders:
3. Ayah Stewart
4. Kuleni Springer-Williams
5. Lily Biffin
Midfielders:
6. Aliya John
7. Jada LaCruz
8. Ellie Biffin
9. Sydney Glean
10.Kemora Edwards
11.Ella Yhip
12. Arianna Chin
Forwards:
13. Tanya Devair
14. Erin Peneux
15. Mariah Woolford
16. Allia Henry
17. Sabana Simon
18. Veronica Chatta
Developmental Players:
1. Sonia Simon
2. Lehiana Bengamin
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