Saint Lucian coaches and coach educators are called to elevate their skills to become more effective and relevant in the sport.
During this week’s two-day workshop, SLFA President Lyndon Cooper emphasized that coaches can no longer rely solely on a C-License or other certificates; these certifications must now be renewed annually.
This regulation is mandated by major football authorities to ensure coaches remain aligned with evolving trends and continue the development of the sport.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the SLFA convened the second block of its coach development program, “Train The Trainers,” with a two-day theoretical and practical workshop at Olympic House, La Clery. Practical sessions took place at La Clery Playing Field.
Facilitated by Andre Waugh, CONCACAF Head of Coach Education; Lenny Lake, FIFA representative; and Rajish Latchoo, Coach Educator, this workshop was designed to train nine established coaches in Saint Lucia, preparing them to deliver the SLFA’s coaching qualifications and courses and further the coach development process.
“The SLFA is committed to urgently improving the standard of the game and the level of play in Saint Lucia,” Cooper stated during the media launch on Wednesday.
Emphasizing Saint Lucia’s vital role in football’s “global family,” he affirmed that the SLFA is implementing programs that reflect its commitment to fully developing the sport on the island.
Central to the SLFA’s strategic plan are two critical objectives: to enhance the game and achieve FIFA World Cup representation.
Cooper highlighted that the coaching education program is essential for overall football development in the territories. He added that the SLFA is resolute in rethinking its strategy with a strong focus on youth development.
In determining the optimal criteria for selecting national teams, he asserted the SLFA would explore all strategies to identify and nurture the “best players” to represent Saint Lucia.
The SLFA president noted that after extensive discussions on how to further develop and strengthen the game, implementing the Coach Education program is non-negotiable.
Cooper stated the SLFA will operate with a sense of urgency, ensuring that all coaches are certified. He reiterated that licenses issued by the SLFA will receive recognition among the federal members of CONCACAF.
In his remarks, Coach Educator Latchoo remarked that CONCACAF’s Train the Trainer program is vital in empowering and developing coach educators in each country.
This second session is focused on fine-tuning coaches and educators to achieve CONCACAF coaching convention status.
Latchoo acknowledged that the selected coaches at the workshop are head coaches from the island’s major regions, including Miram Louis, Mineva Charles, Terrance Caroo, Solomon Alexander, John Sealy, Stuart Charles-Fevrier, and Earl Jean.