Welcome to Nat’s News a newsletter by Natalie Nedd goalkeeper for the GWNT.
Nat’s News Volume 3 Edition 1 August 2022. Making an Impact- U-15 Lady Jags
The U-15 Guyana Women’s National Team ended the CONCACAF Women’s Development Tournament with a 3-1 victory over Turks and Caicos. Over the competition, the Lady Jags faced several adversities which they overcame as a team. These remarkable young ladies showed resilience, strength, teamwork, and dedication on and off the field of play. The Lady Jags knew they would be short on subs in the tournament’s first match; however, the group of young players knew that this was a factor that they could not control. The team played with all their heart and had an inspired came back from a 0-2 deficit to tie the game 2-2 against Turks and Caicos despite playing a player down due to injury in the first half of the match. The team’s bond was truly unique, making playing and living together feel like a family. The second match of the tournament was against the Cayman Islands, the Lady Jags continued to battle obstacles whether it was the heat, injuries, or the limited substitutions. The team left everything on the field and ended the match 2-1 losing to the Cayman Islands. This result did not lower the spirit of the players’ mentality, on the contrary, the team was fired up for their next match against Nicaragua. The Lady Jags knew that they would be facing a team leading the group and no team had scored against them. However, the Lady Jags stepped on the field with full confidence and pride that they were going to fight to the end. The match ended 3-1 in favour of Nicaragua, the result of this game didn’t reflect the amazing performance from the Lady Jags, it was truly something you needed to see with your own eyes. This performance carried over to the fourth match of the tournament for the Jags as they face Turks and Caicos again. Where the Lady Jags took a 3-1 victory over their opponent. Overall, this group of players made an impact in the competition, which was seen by other teams, players, and coaches. The Lady Jags U-15 were truly a force to reckoned with.
Head Coach Delon Williams stated, “Personally this is the best tournament I’ve ever gone on. Not just the tournament itself but the amazing staff I was exposed to, along with the players who were anxious to play which made it easier for me to coach. Working with coach Paul and coach Kayla for the first time was a great experience for me. It’s a whole different environment from which I am accustomed to coaching in. Going Forward with the same staff and the future of these same girls are a force to be reckoned with at the U-17 level.”
Player Ashley Haynes commented, “Personally I really enjoyed the tournament, being able to meet new players and building team chemistry with them against different countries was a great experience. As this was a developmental tournament it was nice to have an understanding of what my next years in the Guyanese women’s football system would be like.”
Player Heike Clarke noted that, “The Tampa tournament was an incredible opportunity both on the field and off the field for me. I loved how professional the experience was and how instantly strong our team chemistry was. It was an amazing experience where I made many friends and memories. I learned a lot about myself both as a player, and person, and was able to see a different side of the football. I had a lot of fun on the field and at the hotel.
Player Fayon Harry summed up her experience by saying, “it was a great experience for me. I got to play my favorite sport in an international country representing my birth home. My fellow teammates were very kind and cooperative towards everyone and players on the other teams that we played. As a team, we were kind and strong-minded towards each game we played. I also got to visit a few places while there and I really enjoyed my experience.”
This tournament allowed the U-15 Lady Jags to showcase their talent and abilities, which were seen by the coaching staff and the parents of players who traveled to Tampa to support the team. The future of Football is bright for the Lady Jags at all international levels.
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