The British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) has officially opened its CONCACAF B Licence Coaching Course, with 14 participants (green tops). Photo: BVIFA

CONCACAF is proposing that by 2023, coaches participating in major senior national-team and professional club competitions would be required to hold a CONCACAF Pro Licence, while coaches in amateur leagues and youth national-team programmes would also be expected to meet minimum licensing standards. Photo: BVIFA/File

The Virgin Islands is only the fifth territory/country in the Caribbean to deliver its own B Licence under the CONCACAF Coaching Convention, highlighting the territory’s growing commitment to professional coach development and the advancement of football standards.

'An investment in our people'- Paul Decle

According to the BVIFA, the course brings together a cohort of 14 ambitious coaches seeking to strengthen their technical knowledge, leadership skills and ability to develop players at the club and national levels. It will be delivered over six months, combining practical instruction, theoretical learning and ongoing assessments.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, BVIFA Technical Director Paul Decle explained that the initiative began as a conversation with CONCACAF more than a year ago. Once the need for the B Licence programme in the territory was identified, the Association committed itself to making the opportunity available locally.

“This is not simply a course; it is an investment in our people,” Decle said. “It is an investment in developing better coaches and, by extension, improving the football environment throughout the British Virgin Islands. Reaching this point is an achievement, but it is also the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.”

Decle thanked CONCACAF for its continued investment in VI football and acknowledged the individuals whose work made the programme possible.

'We want coaches to be recognised & respected'- CONCACAF official

CONCACAF Head of Coaching Education Andre Waugh encouraged the participants to approach the course with commitment, humility and an open mind. He emphasised that formal education and professional qualifications are essential to improving the status of coaches throughout the region.

“We want coaches to be recognised and respected as professionals who make valuable contributions to national development,” Waugh said. “That journey begins with being properly trained, qualified and committed to demonstrating the competence and positive image expected of the profession.”

Waugh also outlined CONCACAF's vision for raising coaching standards across the region by 2030. Under the proposed framework, coaches participating in major senior national-team and professional club competitions would be required to hold a CONCACAF Pro Licence, while coaches in amateur leagues and youth national-team programmes would also be expected to meet minimum licensing standards.

He reminded the participants that CONCACAF and the BVIFA can provide access to education and development opportunities, but each coach must take responsibility for applying the knowledge gained.