Barbados’ first-ever Fifa World Cup team is on its way to Azerbaijan, where the national Under-15 squad will make history at the inaugural Fifa Under-15 World Cup and Festival.
The team departed the island shortly after 2 p.m. on Monday, travelling to Panama. They are expected to continue on to Turkey and arrive in Azerbaijan in the early hours of Wednesday.
Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice Minister Michael Lashley (right) was on hand to wish good luck to his son Brent Lashley. (Photo by: Kurtis Hinds / Barbados TODAY)
The tournament, which runs from October 24 to 30 in Baku, will feature almost 1 000 matches, with teams competing in an eight-a-side format.
Fifa has invited all 211 member associations to participate in the Under-15 World Cup as part of its efforts to develop the game globally.
The tournament will feature 31 groups of six teams and one group of five, with Barbados drawn in Group E alongside Spain, Chile, Congo, Kuwait and Tajikistan.
Barbados Football Association President Randy Harris hailed the team’s participation as a major moment for local football.
“We can say now that we are participating in the World Cup, it’s the Under-15’s but it is the same thing as playing in the senior men’s World Cup.”
An elated Harris continued, “I am so happy that we were given this opportunity and I just want the players to be themselves and enjoy themselves because it is more than a World Cup, it’s a rally for 190 plus countries in the world and it is a great opportunity to make friends and build bridges.”
Head coach Stefan King was similarly upbeat and looking forward to the competition.
Head coach Stefan King. (Photo by: Kurtis Hinds/Barbados TODAY)
“The players are very excited, we’ve done the work, we’ve done all the planning and at this point the only thing left to do is to do it.
“You know honestly, it’s just a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are happy to be a part of the inaugural Under-15 World Cup representing Barbados. We don’t have intentions of just being there for the vibes, we want to go and compete and let our young athletes show what the Caribbean and specifically Barbados, can do.”
The squad will be captained by Danari Griffith, who will lead Barbados’ first-ever team to compete in a Fifa World Cup.
Team captain Danari Griffith. (Photo by: Kurtis Hinds / Barbados TODAY)
The 15-year-old Queen’s College student is relishing the opportunity to lead his teammates on the historic journey.
“It’s a very exciting feeling and I’m prepared for this opportunity and grateful for it. It’s our first World Cup and I think everyone’s excited, especially me. I worked hard for this and I just trust in my work,” he explained.
According to Griffith, the young squad is well prepared for the tough games ahead.
“The boys have been putting in the work, getting to the training ground every day and working hard. We’re prepared and just looking forward to it.
“Some boys may be nervous, but I think we prepared enough and we can at least show what we can do.”
(KH)
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