On Saturday 26 January, FIFA and the International Centre for Sport Studies (CIES) in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) launched the first two modules of the Caribbean Football Executive Programme focusing on the topics of “Organisation of Football” and “Administration and Finance."

Building on FIFA’s commitment to help strengthen and develop football leaders and administrators within Member Associations (MAs), the Football Executive Programme offers an enhanced, multi-faceted and comprehensive training programme for General Secretaries and senior football executives working for MAs across the Caribbean region. Further, through this Football Executive Programme, FIFA aims to further professionalise and develop top-level football administration in the Caribbean by addressing local needs and providing practical solutions.

The CIES Project Manager for the Football Executive Programme Dr. Matteo Tassi gave some insight into the programme.

"CIES is proud to launch another capacity buiding programme with FIFA. As CIES, we believe in education and training as tools to raise the level of management in football."

Taking place from January to July 2019 at the UWI, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, the programme will comprise of eight different modules which will focus on strengthening senior Caribbean football executives across several key aspects of football administration. This includes strategy, project management, communication, marketing, event management and development.

The programme will also provide several intensive practical sessions that will enable executives to benefit from and share knowledge with internationally renowned presenters and experienced professionals, which can then be applied by the participants within the day-to-day activities of their associations.

Mrs. Stacy Lewis-Daniel, Senior Development Manager at FIFA, said during her welcome speech: "With 26 participants from 17 member associations attending the first two modules, the Caribbean Football Executive Programme will provide an important opportunity for football administrators across the Caribbean to learn, share knowledge and enhance their skills so that they can go back and further develop football in their member association."

A FIFA/CIES/UWI course certificate will be distributed to all participants who successfully complete the full course.