FOR DIRECTV W Connection, today's Digicel Charity Shield clash with Defence Force is a much needed test, ahead of two CONCACAF Champions League matches later this month.

W Connection, the 2011-2012 Digicel Pro League champions, will get their first domestic competitive match in the Charity Shield, against last season's Digicel Pro Bowl winners Defence Force, from five p.m. at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, in Marabella.

The Charity Shield winners will have $10,000 donated to a charitable cause of their choice, while part proceeds generated from the gate receipts will help introduce the "Read to Rise" Primary Literacy Program to a school in the club's community.

The 2012-2013 season of the Pro League will feature eight teams--DIRECTV W Connection, Caledonia AIA, Defence Force, Police FC, North East Stars, St. Ann's Rangers, T&TEC FC and newcomers Central FC. The first round of league matches will be played next weekend.

Connection, coming off last week's 4-0 defeat against Chivas de Guadalajara in Mexico, sit at the bottom of the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) Group 8 table with just one point. Xelaju, of Guatemala, lead the group with four points, having held Connection 2-2 in Trinidad and defeated Chivas 1-0. Chivas, meanwhile, are second with the three points picked up against Connection. Chivas and Xelaju are well into their respective domestic competitions.

Connection's assistant coach, Earl Jean said the Charity Shield game will help prepare his team for their remaining CCL group matches, against Xelaju on September 18 in Guatemala, and against Chivas on September 26 here in T&T.

"We are taking part in the CONCACAF Champions League, and the results have been up and down. So playing against Defence Force right now is very important for us because we need match readiness. We need games right now because the season hasn't started yet. It is important for us to get some games before we go and play our next (CCL) game against Xelaju.

"It's also always interesting when a new trophy is coming out. We respect Defence Force and they have a quality squad, especially with (Devorn) Jorsling back into the squad. But we will be ready for it."