Teachers/Coaches back to class

When the 2010 inter-secondary schools’ football tournament rolls around in September, a higher level of competition is expected than that of previous years.{{more}}

This sentiment was echoed by stakeholders in the development of the sport; namely the Ministries of Sports and Education, as the game’s governing body, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, hosted a three-day coaching workshop for teachers at the Arnos Vale Playing Field this week.

Teachers from a number of schools engaged in a number of practical and theoretical sessions given to them by national technical football director Sammy Carrington as well as Brazilian technical advisor Carlos Falopa and their staff on Monday.

The call was made by Junior Minister of Sports Cecil Mckie for the teachers/ coaches to pay special attention to the technical sessions of the workshop, so that the level of the game can be lifted in that area.

“While we have been extremely blessed with raw talent over the years, I think the technical aspect would be the one are where we can point to where we have been deficient over the years.”

“I am sure that when we get into the secondary school competition that you guys would make a difference in your teams in your various schools so that we will see a better brand of football than we would have seen over the past years.”

Mckie said that he was confident that the workshop was part of the Federation’s strategic development plan which should involve coaching at the grass root level, as well as talent identification and other youth development programs.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Federation, Earl Bennett, speaking in the capacity of a Ministry of Education representative, said that his ministry understands the holistic development of the child and was committed to the development of football in schools.

He noted that much is expected from the teachers, following sessions such as the one held earlier this week.

“We charge you to coach and not just pick a team,” he added.

“We know that we have competent persons here. So that when September comes when there is a national schools’ football competition, the players should have been going through some developmental stages.”

This week’s workshop is the first in a series of seminars designed for youth footballers and coaches.

Federation Vice President Ian Sardine disclosed that a follow-up session is expected to be held in August, and another tentatively in December.

Technical Director and Advisor Carrington and Falopa both indicated that they were happy to be a part of the workshop, and indicated that the techniques and skills that they were about to impart on the coaches will benefit both the teachers and students for a long time.(JJ)