Minister hails new Football Coaches Association

KINGSTON — Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, says the establishment of the Jamaica Football Coaches Association (JFCA) is an important first step towards improving the standard of the game in Jamaica.

“We know the general feeling (that) when the team does well, (it) is because of the hard work of the players. But when the team does not do very well, it’s the coach’s fault. I see the establishment of this association as a step towards changing that perspective, over time,” the Sports Minister said.

She was speaking at the launch of the JFCA at the Wyndham Hotel, New Kingston, on Thursday (June 30).

The Association says it is committed to the support, welfare and continued professional and ethical development of its members, through the provision of quality coaching education, member services and networking with all football stakeholders. It is headed by coach of the national women’s football team, Vin Blaine.

In a brief speech read by sports administrator, David Mais, Miss Grange said that coaches are pivotal to sports, but lamented that appropriate attention has not been given to key issues impacting these “unseen stakeholders” in Jamaican sports.

“I am pleased with your stated objectives to support the welfare and continued professionalism and ethical development of all your members,” she said.

Alluding to the recent performances of the country’s national senior and under-17 footballers, Miss Grange said both teams should be credited for the results they achieved.

“The performances of our national football teams must inspire both players and coaches across the country, to lift their game. She said the performances demonstrated what good coaching can do.

The launch was also addressed by Chairman of the Professional Football Association of Jamaica (PFAJ), the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, Chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) Technical Committee, Howard McIntosh and JCFA President, Vin Blaine.

Also present were representatives of the JCFA’s main sponsors, Sales Development Specialist and Coaching Support Officer at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), Michael Collins, and Chief Operating Officer of the Wyndham Hotel, New Kingston, Delroy owell.

By DOUGLAS McINTOSH, JIS Reporter