Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 05/Aug 04:44

Randolph Boyce appointed coach of national men’s Under-20 football team

ST Benedict's College football team coach Randolph Boyce was announced as the new coach of Trinidad and Tobago men's Under-20 football team by the TT Football Association (TTFA) on August 4. Boyce, who led St Benedict's to their first national title in over 50 years when they captured the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division crown in 2022, will take over from predecessor Brian Haynes, who was in charge of the TT Under-20 team which contested the 2024 Concacaf Under-20 qualifiers at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo in February. TT were unable to advance to the Concacaf championships after losing to Canada by a 3-0 margin in their final qualifying match. The TTFA release described Boyce as a "well-acquitted local coach with extensive experience in youth development, (who) brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh vision to the team." Apart from his coaching role with St Benedict's, Boyce has also coached Central FC in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL). TTFA president Kieron Edwards, who also serves as the chairman of the TTFA technical committee, was excited to welcome Boyce to the coaching setup. "(Boyce's) dedication to youth development and his strategic approach to the game align perfectly with our goals for the Under-20 team. We are confident that under his leadership, our young players will not only be prepared for the next qualifying campaign but will also gain invaluable experience through our programme in the coming months." Edwards said Boyce's appointment is part of the association's broader plans "to strengthen the foundation of TT’s football by investing in the youth." "The vision extends beyond immediate goals. The TTFA aims to prepare players well in advance, providing them with opportunities to engage in training camps and we are also looking to set up international practice matches in different windows so that the team can gain crucial exposure," Edwards said. Boyce wants to take the Under-20 programme to the next level. "It's an honour to lead the men’s Under-20 team. My goal is to build a team that not only excels in the next qualifying campaign but also sets a new standard for youth football in TT," Boyce said. "We will focus on developing a strong team ethic, tactical awareness, and individual skill, ensuring that our players are well-prepared for the challenges ahead." The 2024 Concacaf Under-20 Championship concluded on August 4, with Mexico and the US contesting the final. The next Concacaf Under-20 qualifying cycle isn't expected to commence until 2026. The TTFA has already initiated preparations towards that end, though, with a subsequent release announcing the commencement of zonal screenings for the national Under-20 team on August 6. The screening session is geared towards Under-20 players within the Eastern Football Association (EFA), and will commence at 3 pm at the Phase 2 La Horquetta Recreation Grounds. Boyce will oversee the sessions. Edwards said, "The zonal screenings are a fundamental step in identifying and nurturing the next generation of football stars. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all eligible players to demonstrate their talents," Edwards said. "Our aim is to build a strong and competitive Under-20 team that will represent our nation with pride and excellence." Haynes was appointed on an initial six-month contract when he was unveiled as the men's Under-20 coach on November 1, 2023. He was also expected to spearhead an Under-23 team which would have served as a feeder for the senior squad. Haynes' tenure eventually lasted a span of three competitive games, though. In the first game of the Concacaf Under-20 Championship qualifiers in February, TT eked out a last-minute 3-2 win against St Vincent and the Grenadines, before whipping Dominica by a 5-0 margin in the next match. Their campaign then came to an abrupt end with the humbling loss to Canada. The post Randolph Boyce appointed coach of national men’s Under-20 football team appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.