Dickson confident of re-election

Holding fast to his exemplary tenure as President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) from 2019 to the present, Carl Dickson believes that one good term, deserves another.

Dickson’s basis for such profound confidence are his impeccable integrity exhibited during his stewardship along with the use of his acumen to stabilize the financials of the SVGFF, as well as the enhancements of the infrastructure of the organisation.

Dickson who entered the fray in November 2019, new to national Football administration, but not a novice to sporting service, immediately was called upon to set a better financial standing for the SVGFF.

He thus revealed: “I, in my capacity as President, inherited  an organization that was on the brink of becoming bankrupt and was operating under restricted funding from FIFA because of some governance issues”.

Dickson revealed that he had to put his banking and financial services competencies to work on the finances of the organization which was tethering on the brink of bankruptcy and operating under restricted funding from FIFA due to governance issues.

“We are now in a far better position and in good standings with FIFA, CONCACAF and the CFU,” he said.

His showings earned the confidence of the governing bodies, that saw Dickson elected on CONCACAF’s Finance Committee.

Such has been Dickson’s input and standings that he was able to realise several projects for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

On the matter of Infrastructural Development, Dickson has listed two standouts: the enhancement of the Brighton Technical Centre and the progress made towards the establishment of a Home for Football.

“During my presidency, we have seen the Brighton Technical Centre refurbished; the playing field resurfaced, re-grassed, a perimeter wall erected and the drainage around the facility bettered,” Dickson related.

He also listed the fact that the facility has been improved, making provisions for the Director of Technical Matters and his coaching staff, who are now in a more conducive environment.

In addition, Dickson disclosed that the facility will soon be lit.

“ I can say without any contradiction that the Brighton Playing Field will be lit… The lights contract being signed Monday October 9, 2023 and expected to be completed within 5-6 months weather permitting,” Dickson assured.

To complement the lighting, Dickson informed of the erection of a Gym, which is set for commencement at the end of November.

And, Dickson was more than excited to tell the nation and the Football fraternity especially of the latest developments, relative to the proposed Home for Football at Cane Grove.

“Having just returned from the FIFA Financial workshop in Miami held between September 27-29, we have been given the go ahead for Phase One of the long-awaited project, which will include the laying of the Synthetic Field, securing the pitch and lighting the facility with capability of hosting international games, which would be about 1000 Lux… Indeed, that is good news for all of us”, Dickson declared.

Dickson reiterated that when he presented himself as a candidate four years ago, he unveiled a 10-point plan.

Lodged in that plan were the establishment of a Home for Football; the implementation of a development structure to serve the technical development from the youth to senior level, along with the revamping of the Youth Programme and enhancement of the sport’s human resources.

Dickson also targetted then an overhaul of the secretariat of the SVGFF.

Four years after, Dickson affirmed that he has achieved most of his objectives and others outside the 10- point plan.

The election of a new executive of the SVGFF should take place during the latter part of next month.