Ritchie Attends FIFA Grassroots Football Committee Meeting in Doha

TCIFA Technical Director Dane Ritchie recently marked a major milestone in his international football administration career after attending his first meeting of the FIFA Grassroots and Amateur Football Committee in Doha, Qatar.  

The meeting formed part of a wider series of high-level FIFA engagements that brought together more than 500 committee members from across the globe to discuss the development, governance, and future direction of the sport. 

The Doha meetings coincided with the FIFA Council meeting, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and The Best FIFA Football Awards, creating a significant convergence of football leadership and decision-making. Central to the discussions were strategic priorities for the 2025–2029 cycle, with a strong focus on strengthening grassroots football, advancing women’s football initiatives, and assessing the future structure of club football worldwide. 

The FIFA Grassroots and Amateur Football Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that encourage participation at the entry and community levels of the game. Its work supports sustainable development pathways, ensuring that young players are introduced to football in inclusive, structured, and enjoyable environments.  

Ritchie’s participation allowed the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) to contribute to global dialogue while gaining valuable insights that can be applied to local youth and community football programmes. 

Also representing the TCIFA was President Sonia Fulford, who attended her first meeting of the FIFA Football Social Responsibility Committee. As the FIFA Council delegate appointed to this committee, Fulford worked alongside Chairperson Zaw Zaw of Myanmar and Deputy Chairperson Javier Zanetti of Argentina. The committee focuses on ensuring football serves as a positive force in society by promoting inclusion, education, equality, and social development through the sport. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino commended the Qatar Football Association for its exemplary hosting of the meetings, noting Doha’s continued ability to stage world-class football events and provide a platform for meaningful global collaboration. 

The involvement of both Ritchie and Fulford in these influential FIFA committees represents a significant step forward for the TCIFA. Their participation underscores the association’s growing role within international football governance and aligns the Turks and Caicos Islands more closely with FIFA’s global objectives. Importantly, it also ensures that the perspectives and developmental needs of smaller member associations are represented as football continues to evolve worldwide.