Congratulations to Mexico for winning the Under-17 World Cup. It's a good thing not only for their country but also for the CONCACAF region.It goes to show that countries like this can win big tournaments, no matter what their size. It's all about the quality of the players you are bringing out of your youth programme.Mexico have won two of the last four World Cups at this level and that's an indication of how many good players are emerging from that country.They are head and shoulders above every other nation in CONCACAF because they have the right club structure and are pumping money into the sport, which is important.But there's no real reason why the smaller nations can't emulate what they are doing. It wouldn't be hard because you are doing it on a smaller scale, but you need the right people in the various assocations and players who want to play and learn.* * * *The United States got through some tough matches in the Women's World Cup but will now meet Japan in today's final in GermanyThey had to come from behind to beat Brazil and also struggled against France when they were being dominated.But the US are a strong team and they do all the basic things very well, they fight for everything. Even a goal down they have the heart to come back.If you want to win world titles you have to show this determination. Certainly the women's game is getting better, they have improved in every aspect.It won't be easy against Japan, who knocked out the champions Germany and Sweden.Considering what has happened in their country this year, the earthquake and so forth, you can't help but root for them and hope they can make their country proud.The quake and tsunami affected the whole country and for these girls to go out there and show their strength and heart, as they are doing now, is truly amazing.They aren't just beating teams, they are playing the game the way it should be played, entertaining and eventful, so I'll be interested to see how the match against USA unfolds.* * * *Reggie Lambe and Nahki Wells are back in England trying to earn themselves contracts and I wish them the best because this is the time that you have to get yourself in the door.When you are 16 to 18 in Bermuda you have to be overseas because players like Wayne Roone have played over 200 games by that age and are way ahead in the learning curve of the game.I happened to be in England with people my age. Bermuda has to send players away at an early age and to quality clubs.* * * *This year I will be honoured for my part in Cup Match in the 1960s and I'm very proud.I played two Cup Matches, although people didn't think I could play the game. They might forget that I got into the Somerset side at the age of 15.I'm thrilled to be recognised in this way and I'm just happy I had the opportunity to play in the classic alongside with some superb people and fantastic athletes.I'd like to thank those who gave me the chance, and two people I would like to single out are Victor Trott and Dennis Wainwright who were on the opposing side.They gave me encouragement to go out there as a kid and play the game I loved.I didn't score many runs but back then there was no protective gear as there is now. My first game was a complete disaster. When I was getting ready to bat, I saw Lee Raynor hit Reggie Tucker and the nerves got to me.People might not believe Cup Match is that intense. I have seen players putting on the wrong pads, left on the right foot and the other way round, but I wouldn't trade any of those memories for the world.