Head coach Marlon Harte has commended the Junior Tridents team following an outstanding performance at the 2026 Under-17 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers in Trinidad.
Playing in Group A, Barbados completed its campaign last night with a 6-0 demolition of Saint Martin, to finish second in the group behind winners and World Cup qualifiers Mexico.
A 4-1 defeat by Mexico was the team’s only loss, after a 1–0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago and a 7–1 drubbing of St Maarten.
Scores of parents and well wishers were on hand for the team’s return on Friday morning, along with a delegation from the Barbados Football Association headed by general secretary Nicholas Brancker.
Coach Harte says it’s an exciting time for youth football on the island.
“A great opportunity that shows the commitment of all the clubs, the coaches and the work being done. I also think it was an important part of the exposure that a number of our Under 17’s got to the top levels, both in the Prime Minister’s Cup and the Premier League. I think that’s a key factor that would have given them the experiences and the confidence to play well,” Harte said.
The coach said his immediate priority will be to keep the squad’s core together, with various players competing at the youth level, in the BFA’s Premiership and abroad. “That’s our main goal to focus on where these guys are going and where they’re playing and keep monitoring them, keep in contact. We need to use the parents as well to let them know that we’re still interested in their development because that’s key.”
Harte added, “We actually train next Saturday, so you know we’re not sitting down on the successes here, we’re looking to build on it and also expand the pool and see what other new players we can bring in and give them opportunities as well, but you know we’re very happy with where we are and where we’re going.”
One of the designated captains, Tariq Barker, revealed that team bonding was a key part of their success Tariq Barker.
“I’m proud of the boys and the hard work we put in because it really showed the levels that we can play at and everything.
“I can’t really get too in depth because it just came naturally, you know, the spirit between the boys, everybody gelled together, like a family,” Barker said.
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