Biffin eyes strong start in CONCACAF qualifiers

As Guyana’s National Under-17 girls’ football team prepares to open its Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) U17 Qualifiers campaign this Sunday, midfielder Ellie Biffin believes the Junior Lady Jags are ready to rise to the challenge.
The qualifiers run from January 24 to February 2, with Guyana set to face Jamaica in their opening match on Sunday, January 25. Guyana has been placed in Group D of the first round, alongside Jamaica and Honduras, with matches being hosted in St Vincent and the Grenadines and Aruba.
Speaking from the team’s camp in Guyana, Biffin expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation and overall strength.
“I think we have a great team for this camp,” Biffin said. “We’ve been working on a lot of different aspects, like technical passing, finishing, and things in the final third. I think we have a really strong team this season, and I’m excited to see how it goes in the tournament.”
For Biffin, representing Guyana at the international level is both an honour and a responsibility, particularly as the team looks to build on the progress made by the country’s youth programmes in recent years.
“It’s always an honour to represent the Guyanese national team,” she noted. “Continuing on the legacy that the U-20s started is important for us. This is a great opportunity to potentially win our group, and I’m very excited to see if we can make it into a World Cup.”

Guyana will face stiff competition in Group D, with Jamaica and Honduras considered among the stronger sides in the region. However, Biffin believes the Junior Lady Jags’ approach and unity can make a difference.
“Our game plan is mainly to move the ball and really communicate with each other,” she explained. “It’s never easy against big powerhouses like Jamaica and Honduras, but moving the ball and ensuring communication within the team will provide a good, strong structure for us.”
With confidence high and preparations nearing completion, Biffin and the Junior Lady Jags are eager to take the field and showcase their growth as they begin their CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers journey.
The National U17 girls’ team includes:
Goalkeepers Jasmine Solomon-Ross, Alexis Mars, and Sara Ernest.
Defenders Aliyah John, Ella Yhip, Kuleni Springer, Lily Biffin, Avril Pasvolsky, Laila Ross, Laila So, and Caraleena Elliston.
Midfielders Kimora Edwards, Sydney Glean, Arianna Chin, Carissa Lombardi, Ellie Biffin, and Ayah Stewart.
Forwards Alexaudria Chasles, Tanya De Vair, Anaya Joseph, and Eleanna Isaacs.