CIFA commits to training local coaches

(CNS): The Cayman Islands Football Association has said it is keen to fix what it describes as a shortcoming in local football by training and certifying coaches. Following a four day D License coaching course in the Cayman Islands held by CONCACAF and attended by 29 coaches, who are already involved at the club level, Bruce Blake said, “CIFA is committed to developing and certifying all coaches.” The recent course combined intensive classroom sessions with practical work on the field, focusing on coaching techniques for those instructing children aged 6-12.

“From volunteer to professional, every coach in the Cayman Islands, who is interacting with the youth, should know how to teach the game correctly,” said Blake. “This can only be achieved through proper training, certification, and assessment of our coaches.”

The course was conducted by CONCACAF instructors Lenny Lake from St Kitts & Nevis and Neil Ellis from the United States and centered on creating engaging exercises that encourage greater participation in the game, while introducing fundamental technical skills.

“The instructors made us see football in a whole new light,” said George Thomas, who manages the Roma United Football Club. “The information enhanced our ability to teach our players and develop the right skills from a younger age.”

Gisela Gamba, player-coach with Sunset Football Club and Assistant National Women’s Coach added, “Anyone aspiring to become a coach should take at least one course. Every day I see people volunteering as coaches, they have the best intentions, but they don't have the basic understanding on how to coach young kids, or how to play football.”