The Cayman Islands Women’s U-20 Football Team are gearing up for World Cup qualifiers this week.

The team left on Thursday for Miami for warm up games with Bahamas and Coral Springs.

Then they will fly to Trinidad and Tobago this weekend for two World Cup Qualifiers against Suriname on Tuesday and against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.

Coach Thiago Cunha said, “We are not a team we are a family. These girls are working very hard every day and have a great chance of qualifying.”

Shanice Monteith, player in the U-20 side said, “I think the older players who went to Costa Rica have more experience and we know what to expect. We can help those who have gone overseas understand that playing international football is not easy like in Cayman. It’s actually like a war, everyone is fighting to win and you cant go there playing soft.”

When asked what the team’s relationship with each other is like Ms. Monteith said, “I think all of us are pretty close. When we first came together everyone had their own groups but after a while we had a camp and everyone started to come together and learn more about each other.”

Brittni Ebanks was asked about her feelings towards the trip and her experience.

“I am very excited, Coach Thiago did not hold up with training at all, he pushed us to our limits and we’re really grateful because we want to come back with victories to show Cayman that we are really determined to win and get what we deserve.

“We worked hard for and deserve the exposure and if we don’t go and show what we can do, then we won’t be experiencing it again.”

Brittany Mobley was also asked how she felt about the opportunity and the experience.

“I am excited and I have experienced games overseas before. When we went to Haiti, it was nothing compared to playing football here in Cayman.

“We played in front of 25,000 people where you can’t hear your teammates on field calling for the ball.

“I know the whole team is excited to go and we are very excited to show what we can do. We’re ready to show Cayman that we are willing to fight and put in the effort and to just try our best in the games.”

The team currently has not named their captain but they plan to do so when they meet up with Coach Eric and another five members who are currently in Florida awaiting their arrival.

Andrew Zarczynski, Marketing & Public Relations of the Cayman Islands Football Association added, “I will be traveling with the girls and they are a great group.

“It’s been said before that they are like a family and they include everyone in that family whether you’re on a team or you’re on the sideline.

“I have to commend them on their commitment and attitude they are very positive and they’ve got bright futures ahead of them and it’s going to be a great experience for them as people and as football players as well.”