The Turks and Caicos Football Association (TCIFA) continues to develop and strengthen the game in the country with the addition of three new staff members directly assigned to administration and coaching.
The trio re Lenford Singh, Jerisha Durham and Monae Gooden.
Singh’s sixteen-year long experience with the TCIFA’s National Football Team Programme, coupled with his strong work ethic and leadership skills, supported his transfer to the coaching staff as they begin a new era of success.
Singh played for the Turks and Caicos Islands Men’s National Football Team as striker and wide midfielder. He retired in September 2022. Singh joins the Technical Department as Football Coach, Talent Development Leader and Assistant Coach for the Boys U15 National Football Team.
“I have always been extremely passionate about football, even as a young boy growing up in my community. I see football as a positive way to encourage young people to express their talents and achieve their maximum level of athletic potential. I am, therefore, driven and committed to continue providing knowledge and nurturing personal growth as I motivate our young people, keeping them on a positive path to achieving their goals,” said Singh.
“I am excited to contribute to the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association in my new capacity- the association which has been so instrumental in shaping me as a person, player, and now coach. Though there have been many great moments and memories as a player, now is the time to shift my focus.
"I look forward to influencing and molding our players into the leaders they are destined to be, whether on or off the field; and look forward to an exciting future ahead. I am thankful for the belief and continued investments ushered by President Sonia Fulford and the rest of the TCIFA.”
With a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, Durham holds 5 years teaching experience at the Enid Capron and Ianthe Pratt Primary Schools in Providenciales. Durham now occupies the position of Executive Assistant to the Office of the President and General Secretary at the TCIFA, carrying a myriad of responsibilities.
Her exemplary communication, organizational skills, and adaptability are but a few of her many strengths.
She commented, "Babe Ruth once said, ‘Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back.’ This is the motto that I live by. Football is new to me, yet, I am not afraid to start afresh or embark on this wonderful experience in my capacity at the TCIFA. I am filled with so much gratitude.
"The opportunity has already proven to be rewarding one, by the great people I have come in contact with, and the professional and collaborative work environment that exists. I am looking forward to a bright future in football administration, and learning more about the nuts and bolts of the beautiful game.”
After spending much of her childhood years playing in the youth football programme and volunteering, Gooden returns to the TCIFA as Clerical Assistant.
In 2017, she was awarded a football scholarship by ASA College in Miami, Florida, USA- a result of the 2017 Identification Camp organized by TCIFA. There, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.
Gooden continues to further her education at the University of the West Indies Bachelor’s Programme, studying Business Management and Economics.
“The unparalleled beauty of the game is the reason for my passion,” said Gooden. “I am ecstatic to return home to be a part of the administration that continues to invest in the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, through football. In future endeavors, I hope to also do this as a player and a coach.”
TCIFA President Sonia Fulford commented, “It is truly an exciting time for football. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Singh, Durham and Gooden to the offices of the TCIFA. Not only will they bring a tighter focus to the work we are doing, but they will put forth significant contributions to our next chapter of growth and success. Our members of staff, each, embody the TCIFA’s values and mission.
"We are climbing the ladder and achieving a breakthrough. We are experiencing more active competition, both locally and internationally, than ever before. We are embracing this growth in every way possible and instituting multiple courses of action to keep up with this exciting momentum. We look forward to the new perspectives and dimension that these individuals will bring as we work collaboratively to raise the profile of football in these Turks and Caicos Islands.”
President Fulford continued, “It gives me great joy to see more Turks and Caicos Islanders becoming interested in football coaching and administration, as with our new members of staff, and we encourage more persons to become involved through our volunteer programme. I am also thrilled that Singh and Gooden has decided to shift gears and give back to our TCIFA from a different space. Football offers several options beyond the player’s field, and opportunities abound with exceptional growth chances. With that being said, there is always a place for everyone in football.”