Football stakeholders benefit from partnership

The memorandum of understanding signed last year between the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and Argentina Football Association (AFA) continues to bear fruit.

This afternoon over 70 participants inclusive of coaches, technical directors, trainers and various other representatives from CFU member associations, connected online for a National Youth Team’s Management and Training Model for CFU Member Associations session.

During the opening of the virtual conference, CFU president Randolph Harris and Argentina’s ambassador to Barbados, Gustavo Pandiani, gave brief remarks.

Harris said that because Mexico, a member of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) of which CFU is a part, was hosting the 2026 World Cup along with the United States of America and Canada, the region’s teams would have an even greater opportunity to qualify.

“Our group in CONCACAF has three places automatically from being the hosts of the World Cup. It would mean the Caribbean would have another three and a half places. As president of the CFU, I want to be in a position where I can assist the CFU in ensuring that at least two of our countries qualify for that World Cup. The only way we can do that in the Caribbean is by further development and good planning,” he said.

According to Harris, the Caribbean struggles when it comes to coaching. He said: “where we fall down most is in our coaching and coaching education departments and we have to really look at having more of our people interested and qualified to take these young people, men and young, on a journey of love in this game of football.

“I am happy that the ambassador and the Argentina Football Association would think of the Caribbean to assist in this way. I can speak on behalf of everyone, to let you know how much this is appreciated. And I hope the participants will absorb the knowledge and try to spread it all around.”

During the session, participants were educated on the ten training models used by AFA to develop players. Instructors Jerònimo Aimar, Romàn Manassero and Hermes Desio conducted the presentation and emphasised to participants the importance of understanding the game.

Ambassador Pandiani expressed his gratitude to Harris and said COVID-19 wouldn’t stop their connection in football because their friendship was stronger than the virus.

“Together with CFU under the leadership of Randy Harris, the embassy of Argentina in Barbados will continue to connect our youth and sports communities, with or without Coronavirus, “ Pandiani said while adding that Argentina was willing to assist and share experiences with the Caribbean.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb