A newly designed uniform for all national football teams will be unveiled on July 1.
This is among several new concrete developments that have come about in recent weeks aimed at improving the image and operations of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
On July 1, TTFA president Raymond Tim Kee will speak about some of the new steps initiated and carried out by Tim Kee, recently appointed general secretary Sheldon Phillips, and the executive committee.
Among them is the switch back to the TTFA, which was first incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1982. The TTFF logo was used in an international match for the final time, last Friday, in T&T’s friendly against Estonia in Tallinn.
“This is a new era for our football and we are extremely satisfied about some of these new developments and equally excited about it,” Tim Kee told TTFF Media.
“The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association is now back and we are pleased about this direction we’ve taken. This has been under discussions for some time now since I took office in December. The executive committee met a couple weeks ago to ratify this, among other steps that we are taking, which includes a new logo for the Association.”
An improved approach involving the business and operations of national teams at all levels, development programmes and other projects will take focus in the coming months, according to Tim Kee.
Tim Kee also met with president of the Romanian Football Association, Mircea Sandu as he led a TTFA delegation which included Phillips and director of communications Shaun Fuentes.
“President Sandu and the Romanian Federation were most gracious hosts. They left nothing undone with regards to ensuring our stay was most comfortable and enjoyable. The national team was afforded luxurious accommodation in the heart of Bucharest and the opportunity to train at some excellent facilities in Bucharest and Buftea,” Tim Kee said.
“We were able to exchange some ideas,” the TTFA president continued, “and they have agreed to share with us some of the measures and approaches they have applied over the years, particularly with the structure of their federation and the operations of their leagues. Romania has a rich football history, and they must have been doing something right. And Estonia have also made some inroads.
Both countries have expressed a willingness to maintain this relationship and possibly pay us a visit in the future.”
Sandu, who has been president of the Romanian Football Federation since 1990 and is currently a member of the UEFA executive committee, said he was impressed by the TTFA’s initiatives.
“The visit of the Trinidad and Tobago national team,” said Sandu, “was a historic one as it was not just the first time a national team has been to Romania but I am aware that your country has not played in Europe since 2006, and it was an honour for us to host you. We had some good discussions with the TTFA president Raymond Tim Kee and his general secretary Mr Phillips, and it’s pleasing to hear their intentions for the way forward in the football in Trinidad and Tobago. We are always willing to assist wherever possible.”
Sandu was particularly interested in the business and cultural sectors in T&T.
Estonian FA president, Aivar Pohlak spoke of the similarities between Estonia and T&T, citing his country’s population of 1.34 million and its many beautiful beaches.
“There are similarities between us, and football-wise we have the same desires for success. These are all makings of a hopefully cordial and long-lasting relationship between the two countries.”