CONCACAF President’s Tour of the Caribbean
Part 1: Strengthening Partnerships and Developing Football
CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani recently concluded a tour of three Caribbean nations – Jamaica, Bonaire, and Guyana – to observe the progress being made in football development and discuss new opportunities for growth in the region.
The tour emphasized strengthening partnerships with local football leaders and exploring initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, expanding leagues, and promoting youth involvement in the game.
Jamaica
In Jamaica, Montagliani met with Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts and General Secretary Dennis Chung to discuss ongoing efforts to upgrade the country’s National Stadium through collaboration with the government. The JFF officials also highlighted the progress of the Jamaica Premier League and the increasing prominence of women’s football, including Frazsiers Whip FC’s participation in CONCACAF’s W Champions Cup.
Bonaire
Montagliani’s next stop was Bonaire, where he engaged with local football stakeholders, including Bonaire Football Federation President Ludwig Balentin and the island’s Commissioner of Sport. The discussions centered on the development of football in Bonaire, with Montagliani visiting facilities and exploring ways to further promote the game in the region.
Guyana
The final leg of the tour took Montagliani to Guyana, where he was welcomed by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Ford. A key moment during this visit was the unveiling of a new multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility, made possible through a partnership between the GFF, Blue Water Shipping, CONCACAF, FIFA, and the Guyanese government. Montagliani also met with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to discuss the government’s continued role in supporting the growth of football in Guyana.
Reflections on the Tour
Reflecting on the tour, Montagliani said, "It was a privilege to visit Jamaica, Bonaire, and Guyana to see the incredible progress being made to develop football at all levels. From the improvement of local leagues to the creation of new facilities and the promotion of youth tournaments, there is remarkable work happening in the Caribbean."
Conclusion
CONCACAF is committed to supporting the growth of football in the Caribbean region. The organization will continue to work with local football associations to develop infrastructure, expand leagues, and promote youth involvement in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the purpose of CONCACAF President’s tour of the Caribbean?
A: The purpose of the tour was to observe the progress being made in football development and discuss new opportunities for growth in the region.
Q: Which countries did CONCACAF President visit during the tour?
A: The countries visited were Jamaica, Bonaire, and Guyana.
Q: What were the key outcomes of the tour?
A: The key outcomes included the strengthening of partnerships with local football leaders, the development of new infrastructure, and the promotion of youth involvement in the game.