April 29th, 2003
13 Complete CIFA Coaching Course

Three women and ten men who participated in the Cayman Islands Football Association’ (CIFA) Basic Level Football Instructor Course received their certificates of completion this past weekend (12th April) at a presentation ceremony at the Seaharvest Restaurant.

National Technical Director Marcio Maximo Barcellos conducted the course, which started in January and ran for two Saturdays each month up to April. The course provided basic information about coaching analysis and identification systems, fundamentals, video analysis and practical aspects. Its objective was to give new coaches the basic tools and expertise they needed to prepare their teams for competition.

Course participants who were certified are Carlo Forbes, Desmond Wright, William Humphreys, Martha Godet, Dalton Evans, Al Frederick, Wade Mitchell, McAndy Thomas, Garnal Ebanks Gill Commins, Elias Forero, Alban Ruiz, Mitchum Sandford

Participants hailed from as far away as Cayman Brac. Also represented were the East End, North Side, Bodden Town, Savannah and George Town districts.

CIFA president, Jeffrey Webb, who presented the participants with their certificates implored the new coaches to use their newly acquired skills to improve the game at all levels, but to focus on young players. “While you work with kids, impress upon them the discipline, dedication and the commitment needed to develop a love for the game, do not judge them by victories or losses. We as administrators and coaches should not put pressure on young players to win at all costs but instead facilitate their interest, love and passion for the game. Additionally we should continue to re-evaluate and monitor their individual and overall team development,” Mr. Webb said.

Coach Maximo was very pleased with the turn out but noted that this was only the first step towards improving the quality of coaches available at all levels of the game. “This is a good opportunity for all clubs to improve their level of football. These new coaches represent 13 new instructors, who are drawn from all districts and will therefore be available to clubs in each district,” Coach Maximo said.

Newly certified Football Coaching Instructor’s gather round with Instructor and National Technical Director Marcio Maximo and CIFA President Jeffrey Webb. The eleven were last week presented with their certificates of completion at the closing ceremony held in their honour at the Sea Harvest Restaurant.

Pictured seated (left to right) are: Gill Comins, National Technical Director Marcio Maximo and
CIFA President Jeffrey Webb and Dalton Evans. Standing from (L –R) William Humphreys, Garnal Ebanks
Mitchum Sandford, Alban Ruiz, Desmond Wright, Elias Forero,
Wade Mitchell, Al Frederick and Martha Godet.