All around the globe, soccer clubs are nearing the end of their pre-season and looking towards the 2011-2012 campaign. Trinidad’s 1st division club, T&T Highlanders FC is no different. We profiled them earlier this year in an installment of the Eat Soccer News Page. This is the first year for the T&T Highlanders, and we caught up with their owner, James Baird to find out more about their 3 ingredients for success this season.
No club can begin to function successfully without funding. Since our last report, the club has secured Lensyl Products Limited, a privately owned, international soft furnishings manufacturer, as its major sponsor. According to Baird, “We really owe a lot to Justin Lall and the Lensyl team for helping T&T Highlanders FC to get off on the right foot financially.”
Secondly, Baird has been tapping his network of contacts to provide international opportunities for top players from his 1st team. Sean Aberdeen is a talented attacking midfielder/striker who came to the club from current pro league side Joe Public. With a track record as a very quick and reliable striker, there is interest in him going to an American university this fall. Another attacking midfielder/winger, Jabari Raphael came to the club from local side Valtrin United. Raphael’s talents have generated interest in him trialing with a few European clubs in the not-so-distant future.
Lastly, the club is discovering quality players in through its academy program. As detailed by Baird, “We have two 15 year old players, Kyron Glasgow and Gehorkey Nunes, who have been promoted to the first team squad. They are both talented wingers, and if they continue to improve, they will make excellent professionals.”
This formula seems to have the T&T Highlanders off to a solid start. A recent pre-season match against local side Sparta FC yielded a 5-3 victory, with Jason Patron scoring 3 and Sean Aberdeen scoring 2 for the club.
To follow the progress of the T&T Highlanders, click here.
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