Soccer: Soca Warriors Head to Germany
The recent qualification of Trinidad and Tobago, for the World Cup to be held in Germany next year, is major milestone for such a small country. They are certain to be the smallest nation represented in this major event. With a population of just over a million people, the locals have every reason to celebrate, because unlike most large countries, attending major international events like these, are a rare event.
To put it bluntly, it was only the second time in the last twenty years that the twin islands had a chance to qualify. The other time was on the eve of the 1990 World Cup when they just failed to qualify.
For small countries the world of professional sport is a very limited option. A few manage to take their skills abroad, and with experience and determination gradually enter the big league. But for most sportspeople, this rarely happens. Sports for most smaller countries including the Caribbean, is tied to amateur structures which rarely have the commitment or finance, for harnessing and developing local talent.
In the old days in Trinidad, football was run along those lines. Games were simply part time activities, done after work, or on weekends. In 1999 under the championing of the now FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, a small professional league was born.
Today, it comprises of just seven teams playing two or three competitions throughout the year. Its success has now attracted not just sponsorship, but national recognition so much that the government now readily supports the Pro League. Also interesting, the league also attracts players, not only from the Caribbean, but from other countries like Brazil, Colombia and Nigeria.
Expect the outpouring of emotions as the Soca Warriors readies itself for the World Cup. The citizens of the twin islands will support them all the way. Whatever happens in Germany, there will be celebrations in Port of Spain.
The recent qualification of Trinidad and Tobago, for the World Cup to be held in Germany next year, is major milestone for such a small country. They are certain to be the smallest nation represented in this major event. With a population of just over a million people, the locals have every reason to celebrate, because unlike most large countries, attending major international events like these, are a rare event.
To put it bluntly, it was only the second time in the last twenty years that the twin islands had a chance to qualify. The other time was on the eve of the 1990 World Cup when they just failed to qualify.
For small countries the world of professional sport is a very limited option. A few manage to take their skills abroad, and with experience and determination gradually enter the big league. But for most sportspeople, this rarely happens. Sports for most smaller countries including the Caribbean, is tied to amateur structures which rarely have the commitment or finance, for harnessing and developing local talent.
In the old days in Trinidad, football was run along those lines. Games were simply part time activities, done after work, or on weekends. In 1999 under the championing of the now FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, a small professional league was born.
Today, it comprises of just seven teams playing two or three competitions throughout the year. Its success has now attracted not just sponsorship, but national recognition so much that the government now readily supports the Pro League. Also interesting, the league also attracts players, not only from the Caribbean, but from other countries like Brazil, Colombia and Nigeria.
Expect the outpouring of emotions as the Soca Warriors readies itself for the World Cup. The citizens of the twin islands will support them all the way. Whatever happens in Germany, there will be celebrations in Port of Spain.
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