A Trial Open Day staged by the St Lucia Football Association (SLFA) last Saturday for players hoping to play on the national team, paid off in a big way.

The Trial which was held at the George Odlum Stadium, gave the SLFA coaching staff the opportunity to evaluate the performance of players who had not already been selected to the national team. Participants ranging in from 14 to 32 attended the trial. Registration of the players, some of whom attended with parents, began early as several arrived before 10 am. The sessions started promptly at 1 pm, after existing Under-20 and Senior National players went through their paces during training. Participants were then separated into teams, with each player taking part in at least two short games each.

"This is part of a process that will see the SLFA rolling out a detailed structured program which includes training modules, intensive developmental work, a scouting initiative and its elite national program," said SLFA Technical Director, Cess Podd. "We hope Saturday's Trial was an indication that everybody has a chance to play for the national team." He went on to say: "Those that didn't quite make the cut this time around, were able to see and receive guidance on what they need to do to improve, be it fitness, technical, tactical or psychological elements of their game."

However, for 10 talented players the dream of making the national team this year lives on. The SLFA's technical team asked the following players to return for a second look on Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Gros Islet Playing Field, where they undertook a more rigorous evaluation: Dyson Langellier, Emmery Edward, Dellon Joseph, Gervan Janvier, Denzel Albert, Vernon Abbott, Wayne Theodule, Eric Gabriel, Johnta Alexander and Kury Fedee.

Hopefully a few of the players mentioned will make the grade.