Dear Editor: TTFA’s treatment of young female players in NYL is unacceptable

“[…] Even worse were the conditions under which these young women participated for the last few weeks. There were no tents, no substitute benches, no changing areas, and no toilet facilities available for the players on the training field.

“Substitutes sat directly on the ground under the scorching sun, and when rain fell, players had to retreat to the maxi for shelter. This treatment of female athletes is unacceptable…”

The following Letter to the Editor on the conditions faced by players in the TTFA 2026 National Youth League (NYL) was submitted by Crown Trace FC president Nicholas Griffith:

As the TTFA National Youth League group stage comes to an end, one would assume that after nearly eight weeks of troubling administrative issues, systems would have improved. Unfortunately, the situation has only gotten worse.

As usual, fixtures for the girls’ division were distributed midweek, through the designated group. One such fixture listed Crown Trace Football Club vs Neo FC at 10.30am on Saturday 16th May 2026 at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

It was my first opportunity to see the girls in action, so I journeyed south with the team in anticipation of what should have been a competitive and enjoyable football experience. However, from the moment we arrived, confusion and disappointment overshadowed the day.

Upon entering the facility, security officers asked the purpose of our visit. To our shock, we were informed that there was no booking for any TTFA game at the venue.

Still hoping there had been some misunderstanding, we proceeded toward the training grounds. Outside, a Special Olympics event was taking place, while on the training field coach Dunstan Williams was conducting a training session with his academy.

Present at the venue were three referees, two full girls’ teams with their coaching staff, and a growing sense of frustration and disbelief.

Security officers firmly stated: “You all are not allowed to take the field. There is no booking for any game by TTFA.”

For nearly an hour we waited, made enquiries, and hoped for clarification. Yet the response never changed. Security said no. The facility manager instructed no.

Approval from SporTT was required. And, as has become far too common, no one from TTFA contacted anyone via phone call or text to explain the situation.

By 11.30am, nothing had changed.

Another $500 was wasted on transportation and preparation, with no refund and no communication. More importantly, young female footballers were once again left feeling neglected and disrespected.

Sadly, this was not an isolated incident. During the first three weeks of competition, the girls played on the main field. Then suddenly, despite fixtures still listing Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, matches were moved to the training grounds without any communication to teams or officials.

Even worse were the conditions under which these young women participated for the last few weeks. There were no tents, no substitute benches, no changing areas, and no toilet facilities available for the players on the training field.

Substitutes sat directly on the ground under the scorching sun, and when rain fell, players had to retreat to the maxi for shelter.

This treatment of female athletes is unacceptable.

Football development cannot only be spoken about during press conferences and promotional campaigns. It must be reflected in the basic organization, communication, and respect shown to players and clubs.

Coaches, parents, and clubs continue to sacrifice time, money, and effort for the development of youth football—yet they are repeatedly met with confusion, silence, and poor administration.

The TTFA must do better.

What should have been a day of football became another painful reminder that the female game continues to be treated as an afterthought. Sadly, it has gone from bad to worse.

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