The T&T Football Association (TTFA) will stage the third edition of the Jewels of the Caribbean Women’s Tournament, December 15-20, at the Ato Boldon and Larry Gomes Stadia.
The tourney is designed to showcase the rising football talent in the Under-20 age bracket in the region.
The tournament kicks off on Sunday with Jamaica taking on St Vincent and the Grenadines from 2 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima, the first of a doubleheader. Two hours later, Red Angels from T&T will take on Dominica from 4 pm.
The competition will serve as preparation for the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Tournaments in January and February 2025, featuring the region’s brightest female players.
In addition to Red Angels, T&T will also be represented by the White Angels, both being coached by former national standouts Ayanna Russell and Dernelle Mascall, who will use the tournament to assess the pool of players towards selection of the Final Women’s U-20 Squad for Concacaf qualifiers in February.
The Jewels of the Caribbean Tournament is fast becoming a staple on the Caribbean football calendar, offering valuable competitive opportunities for women’s teams outside of CONCACAF and CFU-organised events. This year’s event was made possible by the crucial support of Female Forward Sports, an NGO dedicated to empowering and supporting girls and women in sports.
Through their assistance, the tournament now carries the backing of First Citizens Bank as the titled sponsor, a partnership that organisers hope will be strengthened in the future to solidify the event as an annual fixture in December for women’s football.
Additionally, FIFA has stepped in to assist participating Member Associations (MAs) by covering key local expenses, including accommodation, meals, and internal transport. This support has eased the financial burden on teams and reinforced their commitment to the competition.
TTFA president Kieron Edwards stated, “This tournament is a tremendous step forward for women’s football in our region. This competition brings together the best talents from Dominica, Jamaica, St. Vincent, and T&T, showcasing the passion, skill, and dedication of our players. It underscores our commitment to elevating women’s football and providing opportunities for growth and development. We are excited to host this event, strengthen regional ties, and inspire the next generation of female footballers.”