CASTRIES, St. Lucia — Team Saint Lucia has been officially named for the upcoming CONCACAF Under 17 Women Qualifiers, as the island prepares to compete in Curaçao from January 26 to February 2.
The squad was announced by the Saint Lucia Football Association as part of preparations for the opening round of the 2026 qualifying cycle. Team Saint Lucia has been drawn into Group C, where it will face Antigua and Barbuda, the Cayman Islands, Guatemala, and Haiti.
The CONCACAF Under 17 Women Qualifiers feature 28 nations competing across several host venues in the region. Round One action begins January 24 in Managua, Nicaragua, with group play determining which teams advance and remain in contention for places at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Team Saint Lucia departed the island on Friday, January 23, following final training sessions. Officials say preparations have focused on tactical discipline, fitness, and adapting to the demands of tournament football.
Tournament format and qualification pathway
Round One of the CONCACAF Under 17 Women Qualifiers is played in a round-robin format within each group. Teams earn three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss, with standings determined by points total.
If teams finish level on points, rankings are decided by goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head results, and fair play criteria. These measures are designed to ensure clear progression from tightly contested group stages.
The top team from each group, and in some cycles additional high-performing runners-up, will advance to the Final Round. Advancing teams are placed into new groups and contest another round-robin phase, with the leading sides earning qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Organizers say the format is intended to promote competitive balance while giving young players exposure to high-level international football across the region.
Squad selection and technical staff
Team Saint Lucia’s squad includes two goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and three forwards. Kevlyn Fostin and Alyssa Flavius have been selected as goalkeepers.
The defensive unit features Alice Phillips, Le Nesse Robinson, Aria Andrew, Daria Tisson, Ivana Marshall, Joyceline Neptune, Raina Modeste, Tori Fanis, and captain Hayla Samuel. Midfield duties will be handled by Kyla Lionel, Nyeesha Antoine, Dhunya Jn. Baptiste, Kennya Richard, and Sashaly Martyr.
In attack, the team will rely on Azia William, Kayla Polius, and Amaya Emmanuel to lead scoring efforts during group play.
The technical team is led by head coach Minerva Charles, supported by assistant coaches Trevor Anderson, Wade Clovis, and Adele Pierre. Shenell St. Louis serves as team manager, with Johnia Clifford as assistant manager, while Dr. Natasha Innocent has been named team doctor.
Officials say the tournament represents a key development opportunity for Saint Lucia’s women’s football program. Team Saint Lucia is expected to open Group C play later this week as it seeks to make an impact in the CONCACAF Under 17 Women Qualifiers.
