Team Marvin is the only choice – Fraser

Once elected to serve football in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) for the next four years, presidential candidate, Marvin Fraser says he has a well -documented, feasible and plausible plan to fix the sport, by addressing Sustainable Development, Administration, and Integrity.

These are the salient issues for him and his team going into the March 21, 2024, Elective Congress of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation(SVFF).

Citing some of the shortfalls of the previous administration, Fraser noted that an investment in a well-structured and organized Grass roots Development Programme that specifically encourages football from an early age, is paramount to rebuilding the Vincentian Football product.

Clearing the pathway for the implementation, Fraser said “We will establish collaborative programmes with schools to introduce and educate students about the diverse career opportunities within football, as well assist and assign the responsibility to the Technical Department for developing a Technical Strategic Plan, forming the buttress for our football development”.

Fraser also made reference to the establishment of a “world-class Youth Football Academy,” the incorporation of elements of mentorship, tactical, psychological and fitness into the Player Development Plan to ensure a holistic and progressive approach to nurturing players, while focusing on their growth as both athletes and individuals.

Also on the plan for Fraser is the procurement of appropriate technological software and programmes to properly monitor players, clubs, tournaments and national teams to ensure the best statistical results are documented.

Fraser, who served in the top position for 15 months between 2018 and 2019, identifies flaws in the administrative arm of the SVGFF that he says need urgent attention and has outlined the means of remedying them.

“ When elected, my team and I will deploy proper protocols to resolve communication issues between stakeholders and the secretariat. This will be done by ensuring we have a functioning website that provides real time information…

“We also intend to work very closely with our affiliates, establishing key contact information which is vital in maintaining an amicable and productive relationship,” Fraser underscored.

The presidential hopeful added that “Restructuring of the secretariat; assessment of staff; and the necessary recruitment of additional professional personnel who will all be given specific roles and responsibilities, are all necessary.”

Needed as well is Human Resource Management personnel who will be contracted to work along with administrative staff to ensure the proper management of the daily operations, as well as to provide support for employees.

On the matter of integrity, Fraser and his team plan to establish a properly constructed finance committee, disciplinary committee, appeals committee,and club/league licensing committee.

“ Our plan is that in addition to the financial staff, we will guarantee that biannual audits are completed, presented to affiliates and published on our website for all stakeholders to access…

“This is paramount in our determination to promote accountability, transparency and certify integrity”, Fraser underscored.

Expounding further he said “ We will create and implement a transparent and effective selection process for national players and coaches, incorporating all the components that protect the personnel responsible for the same and the promotion of the integrity of the sport”.

Foregoing Stipend

Fraser also sees as pertinent, an Education and scholarship programme initiative for students, office staff, coaches and officials.

“ We will establish an education and scholarship fund where he will donate the president’s Concacaf stipend…

“The future of the youths and their development is of paramount importance to myself as president and it must be demonstrated by actions; people don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care”, Fraser emphasised.

The president of the SVGFF is assured approximately US $100 000, as honorarium for his/her four year tenure.

“ I have that compassion for all players, staff, and by extension youths of St Vincent and the Grenadines and not influenced by financial rewards; I want others to follow my example as we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of generations to come, giving wholeheartedly to their educational, psychological and physical development,” Fraser declared.

“Also, immediately after taking office, a significant drive to ensure Vincy Heat has all its needs met to compete in the World Cup Qualifiers, inclusive of ensuring that a recognized head coach, overseas players with Vincentian heritage, international friendlies as my team and I have already made links with Philippines national team to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Fraser revealed.

He gave the assurance that club football will see a pre-season tournament immediately after being elected, and clubs and leagues will be properly licenced.

Fraser, along with incumbent Carl Dickson, Otashie Spring, Wayne Grant and Renson Haynes, are in a five -way race to be president of the SVGFF.