The Cayman Islands girls’ under-17 national team is set to kick off their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign at the upcoming 2025 CONCACAF qualifiers on Monday, 27 Jan.
The Cayman Islands Football Association announced the team of 20 players who will make the trip to Puerto Rico, where they will join under-17 teams from Bermuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the hosts in Group A.
“We are thrilled to see our young players compete on such a significant stage,” Martha Godet, CIFA women’s technical director, said in a release. “This tournament is not just about competition; it’s a platform for our players to showcase their talent, dedication and the spirit of Cayman football.”
Godet noted her confidence in the team who she hopes will represent their nation with “honor and strive for excellence”.
Cayman will first play Bermuda, on 27 Jan., before meeting Puerto Rico on 29 Jan. They will finish group stage action on 31 Jan., against St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The tournament will see 22 teams vying for a chance to advance to the final round, with the top six group winners and the two best second-place finishers joining the four highest-ranked teams in the subsequent round.
This event marks the first stage of the qualifiers to be conducted under a new two-round format.
Several members of team Cayman over the past year have travelled together for international tournaments and friendlies, including to Puerto Rico and Portugal.
Cayman women’s football team set for ‘new experience’ in Portugal
Players like Cayman striker Jada Dixon Lam benefited from those preparation trips, saying it’s about teamwork.
“We all know how each other plays,” Dixon Lam said. “Understanding each other’s play and how we communicate with each other on the pitch and off the pitch. It feels like an honor because I’m representing my country.”
The rest of the team comprises:
Forwards: Casey Coles, Olivia Ridley, Lena Price, Cosabella Windsor, Reese Bateson, Clara De Quintal, Lea Dos Santos Smith and Renee Wambugu
Goalkeepers: Naomi Wilson and Imogen Smailes
Defenders: Tessa Clark, Estella Ridley, Shardaye Powell and Kezia Parchmont
Midfielders: Siena Kelly, Marley Rando, Cayden Coles, Harper Nelson and Malia Hydes
For more information on the tournament and to follow the team’s journey, visit CONCACAF’s website.
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