BVIFA President, Mr Andy Bickerton said as football becomes more and more structured in its approach, investment in young people will begin to reap benefits on the regional and global stage. Photo: Provided

New General Secretary, Paul A. Hewlett addressing the next cadre of more than 20 hopeful football coaches as the BVIFA also launched its ‘Raising the Standards Campaign’ ahead of the second CONCACAF 'D' License programme on February 5, 2016. Photo: Provided

The next stage of the CONCACAF 'D' License is the First Aid Course, facilitated by the Red Cross, which takes place on Saturday February 13, 2016 from 9am until 2pm, at the BVIFA Head Office at the Botanic Station. It is a half day course and is mandatory for those wishing to gain the 'D' License. Photo: Provided

New General Secretary, Paul A. Hewlett addressed the next cadre of more than 20 hopeful football coaches as the BVIFA also launched its ‘Raising the Standards Campaign’ ahead of the second CONCACAF “D” License programme.

“Our World Governing Body, FIFA and CONCACAF,” commented Hewlett, “are moving towards standardising minimum levels across all Member Associations and their member clubs. So it is of upmost importance that we all understand our roles within such a framework, including the coaches’ pathway.”

Becoming a CONCACAF qualified coach, according to Hewlett, not only opens doors on opportunity and further education, but is important as the FA is moving towards only utilising qualified coaches for employment in some of their many youth development and national programmes.

BVIFA President, Mr Andy Bickerton was also on hand to address the participants, mentioning that as football becomes more and more structured in its approach, investment in young people will begin to reap benefits on the regional and global stage.

“Having more and more qualified coaches will only make players better prepared, play at a higher standard and position them to gain the rewards for hard work,” he stated

The next stage of the CONCACAF “D” License is the First Aid Course, facilitated by the Red Cross, which takes place on Saturday February 13, 2016 from 9am until 2pm, at the BVIFA Head Office at the Botanic Station.

It is a half day course and is mandatory for those wishing to gain the “D” License.

Practical and Theory Coaching begins on Thursday February 18, 2016 and runs through until Sunday February 21, 2016 when the participants will be tested on what they have learnt over the previous three days, including principles of attack and defense, small sided games, age appropriate training, session planning and technical training and knowledge of the Theory of Coaching.