The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) wants to extend its ‘Generation Amazing Programme to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Recently, a team from the regional football governing body visited Turks and Caicos to introduce the programme to the political directorate, as well as sports administrators to pitch the initiative.
Among the individuals the met with were Minister of Education Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services Hon. Rachel Taylor; Permanent Secretary, Cheryl Ann Jones; Director of Sports Mr. Jarrett Forbes; and Education Officer, Mr. David Bowen.
The meeting took place on Providenciales Wednesday, October 18. The CONCACAF team was represented by CSR Coordinator Jennifer Roche, as well as Coach and Mentor Andre’ Virtue. Accompanying the team were Mr. Oliver Smith, General Secretary and Mr. Dane Ritchie, Technical Director of the Turks & Caicos Football Association. The team appraised the Ministry of the ‘Generation Amazing Programme’ and the immense benefits that it would have on school children once implemented.
The team pointed out that the major goal of the football program is to build social skills as well as to foster coping and conflict resolution skills among young children. The principle is that the game of football can be used to teach and create positive change. The novel project is designed to benefit children between the ages of 8 to 12 years old.
The team noted that in the first instance, up to 25 schools and at least 625 children are likely to be exposed and impacted by this initiative.
Already, Concacaf has identified and trained local facilitators who will act as coordinators of the program through the islands. Volunteers, teachers, and coaches are to be trained and supported to deliver the program within the schools of Turks and Caicos Islands.
Once implemented, Turks and Caicos Islands will join other countries who have already joined or are participating in this football for change program. The aim is to have Generation Amazing in place in all 41 Concacaf countries prior to the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Mexico & Canada.
Hon. Rachel Taylor, commenting on the initiative, stated: “Our efforts at the Ministry are centered on building Human Capacity. Programs of this nature is an effective avenue toward engagement and empowerment of our young people through the power of Sports.
“This is indeed a perfect opportunity to continue to embrace and strengthen partnerships with Concacaf and the TCI Football Association. We are already implementing the Football for Schools program which is proving quite effective and enjoyable for our children.
“This partnership will ensure that our children are provided with equal experiences and development and in a safe and structured environment. We look forward to launching the Generation Amazing Program here in the Turks & Caicos Islands.”
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