Goal Programme - Fédération Haïtienne de Football - 2001

Haiti last qualified for the final competition of the FIFA World Cup? in 1974 in Germany. Since then, however, we have not heard a great deal about the footballing exploits of a country often beset by political problems. Courses are often organised in collaboration with FIFA in an attempt to promote football, but a lack of follow-up action has meant that these courses have not been as effective as they could have been. The country itself has a wealth of young, talented footballers, but a lack of sufficient training etc has stifled their progress. A series of youth development and educational programmes should change that. FIFA's long-term planning strategy for Haiti should ensure that the projects to be implemented are realistic and sustained.

The new national training centre in Croix-des-Bouquets, a suburb of the capital city of Port-au-Prince, was opened on 25 April 2002. The guests of honour included FIFA vice-president, Jack Warner, and Haiti's Minister for Sport, Herman Nau. The new training centre boasts a 300-person auditorium, 16 air-conditioned rooms to accommodate 32 persons, and a new pitch. The complex will allow the national association to implement a number of new projects and provide a base for the various national teams to prepare for international matches. By donating land for the training centre, the Haiti Government has also contributed to the successful construction of the centre. «In the past, we have lost a lot of talented players because we did not have the facilities that this new complex boasts,» explained the Minister for Sport in his address. However, he went on to say that he was sure that this would now change and boost football in his country.