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“[…] This is not merely an issue of late bookings. It reflects a pattern of dysfunction and a laissez-faire—or as we say locally, vay ki vay—approach to administration by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
“[…] This kind of uncertainty and improvisation has no place in the professional administration of sport, especially when it affects our youth. These young players deserve structure, preparation, and respect…”
The following Letter to the Editor on the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s difficulties in getting its team to the Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship was submitted to Wired868 by Orson Rogers of Belmont:
Photo: TTFA Media.
I write with deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent logistical debacle involving Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-15 national football team and their delayed travel arrangements for the Concacaf Championship in Aruba.
Despite the tournament being a fixed part of the regional football calendar, reports indicate that, just days before kickoff, our national team had no confirmed travel plans, forcing administrators to consider last-minute and prohibitively expensive charter options—costing anywhere between US$50,000 and US$125,000.
The technical staff, including head coach Densill Theobald and technical director Anton Corneal, expressed justifiable frustration as the young athletes faced uncertainty, stress, and the real prospect of missing out on a crucial development opportunity.
This is not merely an issue of late bookings. It reflects a pattern of dysfunction and a laissez-faire—or as we say locally, vay ki vay—approach to administration by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
In previous instances, youth players have been denied opportunities due to poor communication or late notifications about screening and deadlines. Such negligence squanders potential and undermines trust.
President Kieron Edwards eventually assured the public that the team would make it to Aruba in time. But his refusal to clarify the source of funding or confirm the travel method only deepened the perception of opacity and poor planning.
This kind of uncertainty and improvisation has no place in the professional administration of sport, especially when it affects our youth. These young players deserve structure, preparation, and respect.
(via TTFA Media.)
If we claim to be serious about developing football talent in this country, then our actions must reflect that seriousness—starting with the basic logistics of getting our teams to tournaments.
The TTFA urgently needs to rebuild public trust by implementing clear planning protocols, transparent communication, and accountable leadership. Anything less continues to betray the dreams of the very players we claim to support.
Trinidad and Tobago started their Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship campaign today with a straightforward but scrappy 2-0 win over Antigua Read more
The Trinidad and Tobago Boys National Under-15 Team finally departed yesterday for the Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship in Aruba—two days Read more
Trinidad and Tobago will get to Aruba two days late for the Concacaf Under-15 Championship. But, crucially, they will be Read more
Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has promised that the National Under-15 team will get to Aruba Read more
Less than 72 hours before the Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship kicks off across Costa Rica, Aruba and Curaçao, the Trinidad Read more
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In recent days, the TTFA’s response to the U-15 team travel debacle and the subsequent internal directive to the Technical Department reveal a controlling and defensive mindset focused on managing narrative and information flow, rather than on transparency, accountability, or prioritizing safeguarding.
The public statements by the TTFA about the chaotic travel and mismanagement of the U-15 team have been criticized for downplaying serious safeguarding risks and mismanagement, framing the situation as mere “logistical challenges” and praising staff and players for “patience and professionalism.” This approach reflects a careless attitude widely perceived as symptomatic of deeper organizational dysfunction—and one that fails to acknowledge or address the real trauma and risks experienced by the young players and their families.
The internal TTFA memo instructing members of the Technical Department not to engage with media without prior authorization and threatening serious disciplinary action for breaches further emphasizes a culture of secrecy and control. While it is understandable for large organizations to want to ensure consistent, accurate messaging, the tone and timing here—coming after high-profile public criticism—suggest a punitive approach aimed at preventing staff from speaking out about internal issues, including safeguarding failures or operational deficiencies.
This kind of communication policy, especially when coupled with the handling of the U-15 team’s travel, signals a mentality that places protecting the organization’s image above openness, meaningful dialogue, or accountability. It risks suppressing legitimate concerns that could drive improvement. Moreover, professional safeguarding standards require transparent reporting and open communication lines internally and externally to protect young athletes.
The TTFA also recently updated its safeguarding policy to emphasize protection of children, professional conduct, and due diligence in hiring, highlighting a theoretical commitment to safeguarding principles. However, the handling of the U-15 travel fiasco and the media gag directive indicate these principles are not yet embedded culturally or operationally across the organization.
In the end, the public and internal statements from the TTFA reflect:
• A defensive, hierarchical culture that prioritizes control over transparency.
• A dismissive attitude toward safeguarding failures affecting youth players.
• A reluctance to engage openly with stakeholders or media reporting on internal problems.
• A need for a cultural shift toward greater openness, accountability, and child-centered governance consistent with its safeguarding policies.
Meaningful reform requires the TTFA to embrace transparent communication and foster an environment where staff and players can raise concerns without fear, alongside rigorous safeguarding compliance and improved operational professionalism. This is a real opportunity to ensure that the safe guarding initiative is utilized in a meaningful way.