Ex-Cardiff City academy star called up for Trinidad & Tobago

Llanelli Town defender James Lester has been called up to the Trinidad & Tobago squad for a training camp later this month.

News broke on Wednesday morning with Llanelli confirming on their social media feeds that their young player had received a call-up. His inclusion in the side marks a significant milestone in the young centre-back’s developing career.

Lester Included in Travelling Squad for Bolivia

The Caribbean nation has scheduled an international friendly against Bolivia on March 15, and the 19-year-old will be part of the travelling contingent as the Soca Warriors prepare for the fixture.

The Guardian in Trinidad & Tobago say that Lester has already linked up and trained for the first time with them. It is expected that Lester will remain with his national side for the matches against Venezuela on March 27 and then Gabon on March 30, which will take place in Uzbekistan.

As a result, he will miss matches against Briton Ferry Llansawel, Cardiff Met, and Flint Town United, having been absent against Bala Town last time out.

Llanelli Town Praise Young Defender’s Progress

In a statement released by the club, Llanelli Town highlighted Lester’s dedication and development throughout the campaign.

“This is a fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition for James after his consistent performances in the Cymru Premier this season.

“His call-up is a testament to the hard work and dedication he puts into every aspect of his game.

“Everyone at Llanelli Town AFC is incredibly proud and wishes James the very best for this opportunity and hopefully his first international cap. Safe travels and good luck, James!”

Who is James Lester? Former Cardiff City youngster

Lester was previously on the books at Cardiff City, where he joined the Bluebirds’ Under-13s team, departing the Welsh capital in 2024.

He was part of the club’s scholarship intake for the 2023/24 season, crossing paths with former Barry Town United manager and current Academy Manager Gavin Chesterfield.

In his cohort was Ronan Kpakio, who has gone on to play for the Wales senior team and has been part of Cardiff’s youthful revolution following their relegation to the EFL League One. Dakari Mafico, who has also made senior appearances for Cardiff and later a loan move to Yeovil Town, was in his group.

Regular Game Time for relegated Reds

Lester, who plays primarily as a centre-back, has featured 22 times for Llanelli Town during their current league campaign.

Although the Reds have already been relegated from the Cymru Premier, the club continues to focus on building for the future. Lester’s international recognition is a positive sign of the club’s development pathway.

Providing young players with opportunities at the senior level remains a point of pride for Llanelli, and Lester’s call-up reflects the progress he has made since becoming a regular in the first team.

Aston Villa & Man United legend leaves Trinidad & Tobago job

When Lester joins up with the national squad, he will do so under new management.

The Soca Warriors were previously led by former Aston Villa and Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, but he was relieved of his duties in the past week. Derek King has since been appointed as interim head coach and will oversee the upcoming training camp and friendly against Bolivia.

The camp will provide Lester with the opportunity to impress the new coaching staff and potentially earn his first senior international cap for Trinidad & Tobago.

“A lot is going on, so I’m tying up some loose ends,” said King to the Guardian.

“I think the team looks good, but it’s now about getting them to play with discipline, because international football is a different thing.

“We saw that we could have added to the team, so we brought in some young players, particularly some from the under-17 and under-20 teams, and those in the T&T Premier Football League who have been showing promise.”

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