Kelvin Jack: Trinidad and Tobago Goalkeeping in Need of a Good Save

Is goalkeeping in trouble in Trinidad and Tobago?

Photo: Comunicaciones attacker Emiliano Lopez (left) dribbles around Central FC goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams (centre) while defender Marcelle Francois looks on during 2015 CONCACAF Champions League action. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Comunicaciones attacker Emiliano Lopez (left) dribbles around Central FC goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams (centre) while defender Marcelle Francois looks on during 2015 CONCACAF Champions League action.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

I think so and I’ll offer a bit of evidence: We no longer have any goalkeepers playing in the top European leagues. This means our goalkeepers are not exposed to top quality strikers, coaching and tactical systems.

In the past we had Shaka Hislop, Clayton Ince, Anthony Warner and myself playing at a decent level in the UK. Playing at a quality level improves every aspect of your game and is crucial for your development and experience.

Those who know me personally know my ultimate ambition is to manage the national side to a World Cup final. Only time will tell whether I get that opportunity or not but I’m confident in my ability to do so.

I’ve always been a keen follower of Trinidad and Tobago football and now that I’m compiling my coaching qualifications in the UK, I’m looking at the game more analytically. I’m looking at all levels and leagues: Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), Pro League, national at every stage — for both the men’s and women’s teams.

We need to improve our up and coming goalkeepers. This is not a slight on the goalkeepers or goalkeeping coaches in Trinidad and Tobago but an honest observation that needs urgent addressing.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago and Morvant Caledonia United goalkeeper Marvin Phillip. (Courtesy CONCACAF)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago and Morvant Caledonia United goalkeeper Marvin Phillip.
(Courtesy CONCACAF)

Our young goalies are being left behind our foreign counterparts and sadly the gap is now quite big. Our goalkeepers are still blessed with admirable athleticism but that’s not all there is to it.

There are so many other attributes which make a quality goalkeeper. Technical and tactical ability, good feet, distribution, concentration, mental strength and good old hard work will all supplement your God given talent. These attributes must be stimulated in the player so they can grow.

I think the time has come for me to make a meaningful contribution to the development of the young goalkeepers in Trinidad and Tobago. It is time to share my knowledge and experience to improve our goalkeeping standards. I cannot sit back and do nothing.

While doing my courses here in the UK, I’m always asked about players and goalkeepers. Coaches over here are interested in knowing when they will see the next quality goalkeeper from Trinidad and Tobago. They also ask about programmes for their training. Sadly, there do not appear to be any.

With this in mind, I have devised a programme which Minister of Sport, Darryl Smith, now has in his possession which I believe can improve the situation and help many young talented keepers to realise their full potential. The young players are the future.

Photo: QRC goalkeeper Jardel Poon-Lewis (right) makes a fine save to deny Naparima College striker Shobal Celestine during a 2015 SSFL contest. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: QRC goalkeeper Jardel Poon-Lewis (right) makes a fine save to deny Naparima College striker Shobal Celestine during a 2015 SSFL contest.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

This training programme is aimed at the SSFL goalkeepers throughout the country. The idea is for each participating school to nominate two goalkeepers for specialised training.


The programme is designed to operate for approximately 33 weeks from January to the end of August each year. It is also designed to cause as little disruption as possible to the preparation plans of the various coaches of the SSFL schools.

I have spoken to experienced coaches like Michael Grayson and Nigel Grosvenor about this programme and they were very excited as they felt it is certainly needed. Anthony Creed, SSFL president, thought that it was something long overdue.

The SSFL is quite organised and it appears to be well led by Mr Creed and his board. The SSFL and the Ministry of Sport have a unique relationship so this programme is a brilliant fit.

There are some talented kids in the league but they must be pushed on to the next level as they certainly have the potential. I must reiterate, that me offering my professional assistance and expertise is in no way a slight on the many goalkeeping coaches in Trinidad and Tobago.

I’m not professing to be a saviour but goalkeeping is my forte and it’s time I help raise the standard.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Kelvin Jack wrestles with Paraguay forward Nelson Valdez (left) during the 2006 World Cup. (Copyright AFP 2014/Roberto Schmidt)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Kelvin Jack wrestles with Paraguay forward Nelson Valdez (left) during the 2006 World Cup.
(Copyright AFP 2014/Roberto Schmidt)

We have managed somehow to produce good quality guys between our sticks: Lincoln Phillips, Michael Maurice, Earl Carter, Shaka Hislop and John Granville to name only a few, were very good. We must make sure this tradition continues.

The country must feel secure with whoever is in goal.  Minister Smith is an ex-footballer. He knows the need and the importance of this programme. Our young goalkeepers can go far, very far, but not without training.

More from Wired868
TTFA outlaws Toda-World FA and controversial ex-national youth coach, Marcelle

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has officially outlawed former national youth coach Terrence Marcelle and his club, Toda-World Read more

Dear Editor: Will SSFL act on Miracle Ministries’ six substitutions against Moruga?

“[…] On Monday 4th March 2024, in a Big 5 match for promotion to the top flight (Premier League), six Read more

TTFA apologises to ticketed fans turned away from Canada match, promises free entry to Jamaica friendly

It turns out that the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team were not the only party unprepared for last Read more

Dear Editor: Eve’s renewal shows Normalisation Committee is arrogant and deceitful to the end

“[…] I have no problem with Angus Eve being given an extension. Clearly, he may have had to work the Read more

T&T coach, Eve, gets two-year contract extension; Hadad: “we’re excited for the future!”

Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve will lead the Soca Warriors into the 2026 FIFA Read more

Haynes: I’m a “possession-oriented coach”; TTFA unveils new Men’s U-20 coach

Former Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team attacker Brian Haynes will serve as the head coach of the Men’s Read more

About Kelvin Jack

Kelvin Jack is a former Trinidad and Tobago international football team goalkeeper and was first choice at the 2006 Germany World Cup although injury restricted him to one outing against Paraguay. Jack is an ex-San Juan Jabloteh captain and played professionally in the UK with Dundee (Scotland) and Gillingham (England).

Check Also

TTFA outlaws Toda-World FA and controversial ex-national youth coach, Marcelle

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has officially outlawed former national youth coach Terrence …

15 comments

  1. Manage T&T to a World Cup final? Come nah man.

  2. doesn’t the national snr team have a gk coach ?

  3. What about funding for the project though Narada? I’m guessing that will be the immediate issue.

  4. It’s long overdue that our many former nationals with international playing experience give back to the game. Their knowledge and expertise is needed to move the game forward. I also support Narada’s call for Kelvin Jack to this on his own merit.

  5. I applaud this initiative but I would say that leaving in the hands of the ministry to assist especially when many move like these are on the table I’d hope is not the plan A and no need to associate too much with ssfl persons that names called in scandals. Kelvin you are prominent figure and can do this on your own merit. Just my thoughts

  6. We have had a generation of players from David Nakhid come forward who were exposed to professional football abroad and have their coaching badges.
    With all due respect to veterans like Ken Elie who served us well over the years, I feel we have to find ways to get our former pros involved.

  7. Hahahaha I made a mistake yes my prolific goalscorer for life I saw the fella diving in the picture eh and I thought was Michael Jan Williams eh, and I thought that it was him that was doing the story eh, my apologies eh.

  8. So why wasn’t Kelvin Jack and Kelvin Barkley name mentioned to eh, as two of our other best goal keepers eh, that also played in the professional leagues in foreign eh, and just recently eh Kelvin Jack was discussing about returning to start an academy where this is concern eh and I also said that a goal keeper academy was long time overdue in our sweet country and depending on natural talent like our pass goal keepers was out the window, so we have some serious ketching up to do eh. Them really good yes

  9. Kelvin

    Wishing you the best with this endeavor, as you are correct our goal keeping technical, tactical, distribution,concentration etc leaves much to be desired.

    I am assuming that you have approached the MOS with a proposal for funding which I do not begrudge. However, how can we implement your excellent much needed ideas in the event there is no government support?

    Also appreciate you sensitivity to local coaches, very classy respectful approach.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.