Trinidad and Tobago FIFA referees Joel Davidson and Rodphin Harris, along with assistant referee Caleb Wales have earned appointments for the 2013 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup which takes place in Dallas, Texas from March 24-31.

The Dallas Cup has been around for the past three decades and is one of the most celebrated youth tournaments, even attracting top clubs out of giant footballing nations like Spain, Brazil, England, Germany and Argentina.

T&T have been represented at the Dallas Cup in the past by clubs such as Alcons, St Ann's Rangers and SKHY FC who participated in the invitational tournament which attracts the youth teams of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal and others. Over 180 teams from 13 countries, forming various age groups, will participate in the 2013 edition and for the first time, FIFA is co-sponsoring the referee events surrounding the tournament which is earmarked for talented young referees and assistant referees.

Dion Neil, a FIFA assistant referee for the past six years, said the Dallas Cup represented a big opportunity for the trio of T&T officials.

"They are just three months into their international career. This is the first time that new FIFA/CONCACAF referees are given this opportunity," continued Neil. "In our times this never happened. This is a big opportunity for FIFA/CONCACAF referee assessors to see them and assess their performances. This is a great opportunity for them to do high level games and mesh with other FIFA referees from CONCACAF. It's a big challenge and I hope they step up to the plate and realise and appreciate the opportunity that they are getting."

"It's a major tournament," said the 28 year-old Davidson. "We train right through the week here in Trinidad and this is also an opportunity to make our colleagues proud, and let other referees in CONCACAF know the work that our instructors are doing ".