CONWAY, Ark. – Senior men's soccer players Devonte Richards and Tajio James were called up as additions to the Barbados National Team for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, the team announced late Tuesday night.
 
Richards and James, who have both played for their home country's youth teams before, are called up for the first half of June, where they will play in second round CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. Barbados is set to face Aruba on June 4 and Saint Lucia on June 10.
 
"Devonte and Tajio have shown incredible growth during their time with us as players. They believe in themselves because of the time and effort they have dedicated to their craft," Head coach Kyle Segebart said. "Barbados are getting a pair of players that can make a difference for them in a number of positions. If either of them gets a chance, I know they will make the most of it."
 
Richards has been playing his summer soccer for Dothan United, and became the first player for the club selected to a national team during the USL League Two season. Richards' last season for the Bears was a remarkable one, as he led the team with 19 points (7 goals, 5 assists) and helped bring the team to its third ASUN Championship final in four years. He tallied a hat trick in the Final, scoring all three goals for the Bears before the team fell in PKs. The Barbadian has ten goals and 11 assists in two seasons in Conway.
 
James has played for the senior men's Barbados team before, making his international debut back in 2022, and scored his first goal for his country in 2023. As a Bear, James was named a Second Team All-ASUN forward this past season, and earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors along with Richards. He made a burst down the stretch to get the Bears to the ASUN Championship final, logging ten points (4 goals, 2 assists) in a three-match span.
 
"UCA men's soccer program is dedicated to finding, attracting and developing players who can compete at the highest level in our sport," Segebart added. "We are proud of Devonte and Tajio, and we will be cheering for them and Barbados from Conway!"