Development, improvement must be given top priority

Editor: Happy New Year to all sportsmen and women; also to the various sporting organizations.

In 2018, all concerned should make an input into improving sports results. Ideas should be discussed also about “recognition,” because we need to “recognize” what and who can improve and develop the life of the performers and their organizations.

Time and the components that complement performances need the best administrators. If it comes to replacing persons, let’s thank them sincerely for their services and have them placed in a supporting position; there are various sub-committees; after all they love sports and they did their best to keep sport ongoing, but “development and improving” to get better results need to be given priority “now;” if we do not “restart” properly, we can only hope for worse.

Are we really not able to “recognize,” or we just have to place square pegs in round holes, which results in suffering for individuals and their organizations?

In soccer, we have received from FIFA 26 years of technical, educational and financial assistance. Those in authority never recognized the value of this assistance; they have done absolutely nothing to complement the assistance, but enjoy the benefits of the sport and its performers.

There are no technical reports anyone can read and use to improve the performances of their players and teams. There is definitely room for improvement. Others blame administrators and coaches, but we should reach out to the voters and help them to recognize, so they will not elect those who make promises and give them materials for their votes, but elect persons who are experienced and knowledgeable of the sport’s process of development. There are persons who have and are developing and improving the performers and the sport; let’s recognize them.

It is time for a progressive change. Technical reports must be published for clubs and supporters, especially for spectators, sponsors and fans, to update their knowledge, so that they will make their contribution in time to assist the development process.

Inexperienced coaches are also not knowledgeable of the content of the components – physical, technical, tactical and psychological. They will never be able to help the players learn what is necessary to improve their ability, standard and quality. The results will not improve; intelligent players collectively win games.

The SVGFF has been invited to participate in the CONCACAF League Competition. This is a new tournament, which, in addition to the World Cup, will make for plenty soccer to play and see in 2018.

There should plenty proper preparation if the teams are to do better than the national team and the home FIFA is offering should be situated in the Leeward or Windward side of the island.

The voting affiliates must let their voices be heard and do not let those with self-interest dictate the sport’s life. Otherwise suffering will continue. This home must be situated in or very near to a community to lift soccer. Apart from having parking space and a two or three lane road around the home, we must have spaces for shops under and around its pavilion; also facility rooms for rent, which will maintain this home financially.

Had the voting affiliates held sub-committee position, there would be no problem having this home and all the rumours of accountability to FIFA. Do not think they are satisfied with the behaviour of those elected; they want to know the truth like all of us.

Congratulations to all the champions of the various soccer competitions; teams have to now work harder because there is more regional soccer to be played in 2018; it’s the opening of a new window of opportunity. Be prepared to be seen by foreign scouts and to play professional soccer.

Congratulations to Avenues Limited on the eve of “fifty years,” 1968-2018. They have won the championship again; from 2010 – 2017, they have won four times. And more congratulations: our netballers won the two games they played over the weekend of 13th and 14th January 2018 in Grenada.

Congratulations to the new inspirational captain Davis and her players, as they now place SVGNA among the ranked teams in the world.

Looking forward to your continuing support to lift soccer.

Seymour ‘Rollit’ Walrond