After securing their place in the CONCACAF finals in Costa Rica, Cayman’s women’s U-17 team have received accolades from no less than the FIFA vice president Jack Warner and the Minister of Sport Hon. Mark Scotland.
The FIFA vice president said that history had been made by the Cayman Islands being one of the four Caribbean countries that will be represented in the competitions.
“It is indeed a great pleasure to extend heartiest congratulations to you on the qualification of the Women’s U-17 team, the first team ever from the Cayman Islands to qualify for any major tournament in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF),” he said.
Mr Scotland also congratulated the U-17 team on the win on Saturday, 12 December. “By becoming the first-ever national football team to make it to the second round of the World Cup qualifiers, they have firmly played their way into the history books,” he said.
His message continued: “It was a nail biting match, but their hard work, dedication and perseverance certainly paid off. I applaud Coach Bobby McLaren and the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) Women’s Technical Director Thiago Cunha for standing by their team through thick and thin, and for teaching the players to compete with enthusiasm and win with grace.”
Mr Warner, in his letter addressed to the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) president Jeffrey Webb, said the investment from FIFA, CONCACAF and the CFU had borne fruit.
“The euphoria in the Cayman Islands must be great. In qualifying for the CONCACAF U-17 World Cup Qualifiers you have indeed raised the bar and sent a positive signal to the rest of the teams in the Caribbean Football Union,” said Mr Warner. “I am pleased that the Cayman Islands finally will represent our Union at the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. I extend my best wishes to the team and my heartiest congratulations to you, Mr President. Let me also offer greetings of the Holiday Season to you, your family and the entire football family with best wishes for a happy, successful and prosperous
2010,” he added.
The Minister of Sports said that he also commended the CIFA for always demonstrating an unwavering belief in our young football players. “Above all, the weekend’s win proves once again that Cayman’s athletes have the talent and resolve to make their mark on the sports arena, both locally and further afield.
“I wish the team the best of luck in all their future games as they are heading to the CONCACAF Under 17 Women’s Championships next March in Costa Rica. Let us all support them as they prepare with this event, especially as they will be up against the defending champions, the United States, hosts Costa Rica, and Haiti,” Mr Scotland said.
