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The present crisis in local football may not be obvious [to] the majority, but the undeniable fact [is]that the Federation is in the deep. The problems are too numerous to detail here, but they may not be soberly taken as a challenge by any leader during this time. Who brought it here, or the reasons are truly not as important as finding workable solutions to ease the strain on the ailing organization, both technically and Administratively…and who knows, financially?
While we have no doubt that the acting president mean[s] well, good intention cannot appease the critical situation that now exists, which seems to be strangling our local talents and stifle[ing] development of home base players.
The present short term leader and acting President Bruce Gaynor do realize that the energy and time to moan and groan could be better spent encouraging the members of the current football leadership that have made invaluable contribution[s] to the sport for four and more decades, but are now applying brakes unconsciously as they are failing to recognize the present difficult situation
All will need to embrace the inevitable change of direction necessary, if we are to reverse or stem the rate of decline as well as the unavoidable collision course [with continuing underperformance?] that the Federation in presently on. Maintaining a false view that football is in good hands and is OK can only be looked at as talking conviction, rather than good sense with the canned views and expressions the organization could do better without.
With prudent leadership, workable strategy can be employed to tackle the apparent insurmountable administrative crisis that could cripple football for a very long time, and the people who will feel the most hurt are the thousands of young player’s island wide, some of whom have big dreams and desire to make football a career. We must begin to see that they are our primary responsibilities and our every action in this governance, should whole heartedly pave the way for these kids who are prepared to work hard, but need proper guidance for them to make the transition to the professional ranks.
In addition there are tens of thousands of football loving supporters who are yearning to see good-quality football in our regional leagues. good on-field organized football in our local leagues. They, and the many sponsors or advertisers who have demonstrated a willingness to use there exemplary marketing skills to put on the well-supported show piece they have invested in.
To point fingers and blame local players for the present lapse in performance of our national teams can only be seen as unfortunate. The harsh truth is that local football was not a propriety and as a result there was never a broad national program, adequate training for coaches and trainers, nor was there any meaningful resource made available for ongoing football development, during the many interviews given by former National technical director Rene Simoes, he made statements to support this claim, when he said that the football had not grown since 1998 when he left the program nearly 20 years ago.
The scaling down or closure of the JFF marketing department, certainly could not have been in the best interest of development for the sport of football, more so when we recognize that the only successful football local games are those that are given full support by the sponsors’ marketing department and personnel; for this reason, Mr. President, please acts with urgency and the requisite wisdom to get this department going once more. Further the problems on the technical side may not need haste in arriving at a quick fix, but a foundation can now begin to be laid, to provide better and more practical guidance to local coaches, who will now begin to teach the game to players of all levels.
Starting from where we are, and using what we have and at the same time doing the best we can for the benefit of all involve, failure to recognize that what we have been doing have not given us the results we are happy with, as the saying goes “To eat an elephant, requires only one bite at a time” there is no time to be overwhelmed by the mountainous nature of both personnel and physical resources needed at this time, however it is possible to begin with the strategic end in mind; To Improve the overall performance of all local football landscape beginning now.
In view of these situations and a matter of urgency, a team of 3 or four Technical Educators/coaches who may not have all the qualities needed to lead the change as individuals but could be very helpful collectively under fit and proper coordinated leadership, this could be the turning point for the kind type of football we need throughout the country to maximize the benefit from the mountain of local football aspirants as shown in local school boys football competitions. We may not be able to implement this for the gold cup but should not be overlooked as the need for a change in a development direction that could be more meaningful and lasting for football and the young future superstars. The primary skill needed here is leadership, as we may not necessarily find the technical competence but a good coordinating ability can make up for any challenge this team could face in the short term.
Whenever resourceful personnel make pledges to support your program don’t wait on them to come to you, you have a duty to reach out to them and figure out a way to use them in the interest to the sport of football. What is good for the coaches may be also excellent in the administration as well, let’s not rule anything out unless those are the ones we need to change, for the greater good of football? If at the end of this very short presidency we could join hands in making things much easier for the next generation of football leadership, let your major landmark not be winning the Gold cup 2017, but rather laying the strategic foundation for lasting change and the development within the business of football.
To respond to this article please contact Evan McKenzie (ewm147@gmail.com)
The FIT Method
Phone:- 876 567 2383; 876 770 7567 FL Land L 876 934 2068
Improving The Quality, Marketability, and Esthetics
of Football, Through Coaching Education
This article by Evan McKenzie is echoing the call for Club leadership and quality control training which is the current way out for the football family. Club Leaders everywhere should take note.
The Soccer/Football Whisperer
