Announced at the “Town Hall” meeting for clubs and teams on Monday November 16, 2015, amongst other new procedures, initiatives and expectations for 2016, was the BVI Football Association’s “Raising Standards” Programme. Photo: Provided

The introduction workshop will explain to all the prospective course attendees exactly what will be expected from them, what the BVIFA offers in return with opportunity to become involved in National Youth and Senior Teams, Development Programmes such as the soon to be re-launched Digicel Centre of Excellence and also the BDO Primary and BVIFA High School Leagues and what the requirements and expectations are for the CONCACAF “D” License Course. Photo: Provided

In addition to the CONCACAF License course, the BVIFA has introduced a First Aid component to the course to ensure all coaches have at least a basic understanding of how to look after their players in case of injury. Photo: Provided

The Programme commences early 2016 with the second Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) “D” License Coaching Course.

“The “D” License is a four-day course full of learning from technical to tactical to theory,” commented BVI Football Association (BVIFA) Technical Director, Katie Rowson. “It is the first step for our coaches into a structured coaching pathway and also an important step as we look to ensure those working, especially with our youth, are fully qualified.”

The course, which is scheduled for Thursday February 18- 21, 2016, also covers Principles of Attack, Principles of Defense, Small Sided Games, Session Planning and concludes with both a theory test and practical exam.

In addition to the CONCACAF License course, the BVIFA has introduced a First Aid component to the course to ensure all coaches have at least a basic understanding of how to look after their players in case of injury.

“First Aid is obviously something all coaches should be certified in,” added Rowson. “We will be holding the First Aid Course on Saturday 13^th February and attendance at both the First Aid and also the introduction to the BVIFA Raising Standards Programme will be a pre-requisite to gain a place on the “D” License,” stated Rowson.

The introduction workshop will explain to all the prospective course attendees exactly what will be expected from them, what the BVIFA offers in return with opportunity to become involved in National Youth and Senior Teams, Development Programmes such as the soon to be re-launched Digicel Centre of Excellence and also the BDO Primary and BVIFA High School Leagues and what the requirements and expectations are for the CONCACAF “D” License Course.

“It might not prove to be for everybody, this time around,” noted Rowson. “However, it is important that we make it clear what is expected ahead of the course as space is limited and therefore it is crucial to make sure each attendee completes the training. The BVIFA have agreed that each course will be free of charge to participants and also to support suitable Coaches in further Education and Licensing Programmes.”

Anyone interested in signing up for the Coaches Development Programme can contact either the FA’s Ag. General Secretary, Arletta Bickerton via email: bvifa@surfbvi.com or the Technical Director, Katie Rowson via coachkatebvi@gmail.com .

Alternatively, the BVIFA Office number is 494 5655.