Coaches of females embark on Positive and Safe Pathway

St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), is playing an integral part in getting the “ Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway”, entrenched.

Therefore, coaches of females here are being given a route to traverse hence, ensuring that the initiative is rolled out effectively and more so, sustained.

The Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway, is enforced by TAFISA (The Association For International Sport for All) and Nike.

Additionally, CANOC (Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees) provides support for the initiative.

Vincentian, Kelisha Ashton-Yorke, one of the point persons for the initiative explained to SEARCHLIGHT, the background to the undertaking.

“ The programme is designed to create a supportive and secure environment for young, female athletes, focusing on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, likewise equip coaches with the tools and knowledge necessary to foster positive, inclusive, and safe sports experiences for girls,” Ashton-Yorke said.

To this end, she, along with Danisha Brathwaite of Grenada, and Safiya Sylvester of Trinidad and Tobago have been hosting a series of training sessions, workshops and other educational activities towards promoting the importance of creating respectful and empowering coaching environments.

According to Ashton- Yorke, “ Essentially, what we are doing is addressing key issues such as gender equity, harassment prevention, and the promotion of positive body image [seeking] to transform the landscape of girls’ sports, ensuring that every young athlete can thrive and reach her full potential”.

Locally, Ashton-Yorke spearheaded a session on June 8, 2024, at Olympic House, Villa Point, where coaches were able to learn more from Shimano Bailey, who delved into Safeguarding; while Shane Cadogan, utilized the Zoom platform, to look at Body Confidence.

At that session, the coaches in attendance shared many stories and brought the cultural meaning and examples home.

Critically, they all affirmed to develop a safe training plan with affirming words for girls.

Giving her assessment of the programme thus far, both online and in-person, Ashton-Yorke said, “The sessions so far were very informative even for me as a coach, as I have learnt so much over these three weeks, and as we get closer to our online workshops we are all excited to hear from the presenters who are advocates for Women in sports.”

Ashton- Yorke confirmed that the final workshop takes place on June, 29, 2024 in Tobago.

However, it is not over for the Vincentian participants, as revealed by Ashton- Yorke, “ There will be pop-up monitoring sessions with the coaches to see how they are incorporating the information in their training programme”.