Turks and Caicos to Learn From Outrigger Challenge Cup | FYM News

Reporting from Springdale, Arkansas

The Marshall Islands are set to make their international debut, the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and Turks and Caicos Islands are already reaping benefits from participating in the Outrigger Challenge Cup. This unique tournament provides a valuable platform for these nations to develop their soccer programs and prepare for future competitions. As Terrence Jones, manager of the U.S. Virgin Islands said, his team focuses on executing their strengths, a strategy that has served them well.

For the Marshall Islands, this marks a historic moment. Meanwhile, the USVI and Turks and Caicos are focused on leveraging the tournament for long-term growth, gaining experience and building team cohesion. Both teams aim to use the competition to refine their strategies, identify promising young talents, and build a solid foundation for future success in international soccer.

Marshall Islands’ Historic Debut

The Marshall Islands, with a population of just under 40,000, are fielding a team that includes players from their diaspora community, particularly from Northwest Arkansas. This historic first-ever game is a significant step for the nation, providing an opportunity to showcase their talent and build a sense of national pride.

Lloyd Owers, the manager of the Marshall Islands team, emphasized the importance of being competitive and enjoying the experience. With limited access to outdoor facilities, expectations are tempered, but the focus remains on evaluating the game as it unfolds and adjusting strategies accordingly.

“For us, the goal is to be as competitive as we can, enjoy the experience, evaluate the game as it goes. If we’re stronger in the first 10-15 minutes than we thought, we can readjust our approach and strategy. We’re expecting them to have a lot of the ball, but if that’s different, we’ll evaluate from there.” – Lloyd Owers

Despite the challenges, the Marshall Islands’ debut is a testament to their commitment to developing soccer and representing their nation on the international stage. The game serves as a foundation for future growth and provides valuable insights for the team’s development.

USVI Aims for Victory

Terrence Jones, the USVI manager, has set a clear goal for his team: to win the Outrigger Challenge Cup. Despite the lack of film to study their opponents, Jones remains confident in his team’s ability to execute their game plan and achieve victory.

“We’ve come here to win it, you know? We didn’t come here to play around. We came here to do a job – being friendly and sportsmanlike – but we came here to win the tournament. We want to be the first holders of the Marshall Islands Outrigger Cup.” – Terrence Jones

The USVI’s participation in the tournament is not just about winning a trophy; it’s about building a team for the future. Jones is focused on developing young players and preparing them for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. These tournaments, though smaller in scale, provide crucial experience and opportunities for growth.

Turks and Caicos Focuses on Youth Development

Aaron Lawrence, the manager of the Turks and Caicos Islands team, is primarily focused on youth development, particularly with an eye toward the U-20 championship in early 2026. Lawrence brought a young squad to Arkansas, hoping that the exposure to international play will benefit their development.

“We don’t have any Nations League games this year, so this tournament is good for us. That’s why we’ve chosen to come play. It’s a good stepping stone for us for the future.” – Aaron Lawrence

By participating in the Outrigger Challenge Cup, the Turks and Caicos Islands are providing their young players with invaluable experience and preparing them for future challenges. The tournament serves as a critical stepping stone in their journey toward becoming competitive international players.

Building for the Future: USVI’s Long-Term Vision

Terrence Jones also emphasized the importance of long-term planning for the USVI team. The focus is not just on immediate results but on building a strong foundation for future success in World Cup qualifiers and other international competitions.

“The big picture is building. The team has a lot of new players, young players. We’re building for World Cup qualifiers coming. We didn’t make it but have a new crop and are looking four years from now. We start from here, these tournaments that aren’t as big but you have to beat who you play. Then, everything works out.” – Terrence Jones

With a young roster, the USVI is investing in the development of its players, providing them with opportunities to gain experience and grow as a team. This long-term vision is essential for achieving sustained success on the international stage.

USVI’s Penalty Shootout Triumph Over TCI

In a hard-fought match against the Turks and Caicos Islands, the USVI emerged victorious after a penalty shootout. The game saw Carmelo Rodríguez equalize after an opener from TCI, leading to a bruising second half that ended in a draw. The USVI players celebrated exuberantly after their first victory since 2022.

Jett Blaschka, the USVI’s all-time cap leader, highlighted the team’s resilience and unity in overcoming adversity. This victory is a testament to their determination and ability to perform under pressure.

“It means a lot. It was a tough game, a good opponent. We stuck together as a team and fought through adversity: Injuries, calls that didn’t go our way, whatever. We fought to the end and finished the job.” – Jett Blaschka

Conclusion: Growth and Aspirations in Arkansas

The Outrigger Challenge Cup in Arkansas is proving to be a valuable experience for the USVI and Turks and Caicos Islands. While the Marshall Islands celebrated their debut, both Concacaf invitees are leveraging the tournament to develop their teams, identify young talent, and prepare for future international competitions.

For the USVI, the focus is on building a team for future World Cup qualifiers, while Turks and Caicos are investing in youth development with an eye on the U-20 championship in 2026. The experiences and learnings from this week in Arkansas will undoubtedly contribute to their growth and progress in the world of international soccer.