Jamaican coaches grow in knowledge after FIFA course

Photo: Graduates of the FIFA Women’s Football Course and JFF Officials (Ian Allen)

Twenty five coaches, including nine females, completed a one week course focused on preparing female football players, at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Technical training centre recently.

The participants were treated to five intense days of hands on coaching where they had the opportunity to work with the Jamaica Under-15 and Senior Reggae Girlz. Both teams are preparing for competitions next month so it came in as ideal training sessions for them.

The teams were exposed to the training methods of Fitness and Performance Coach for the USA Women’s Football Program Dawn Scott and the coaches were allowed to express themselves by showing off their own training methods on a daily basis.

The course featured physical preparation methods while paying close attention to the specific needs of the female player based on their physiological and psychological needs and physical make up.

Scott who was pleased with the outcome of her first course in the island said, “It was a wonderful experience for me working with the coaches here in Jamaica. I had to tweak my plans on a daily basis to fit their specific needs but it was a great experience. I learned a lot from them and I certainly hope they learned from me.”

She continued, “They were all excited to learn and it showed in their attitude out there on the practise pitches each day. I think Jamaica’s football will benefit from the week they have had and I certainly expect to see some of them making a difference in Women’s Football in the country,” she concluded.

Alicia James, player/coach at local women’s football champions Barbican FC, was delighted to be a part of the course. She stated, “It was my first course and the way it was presented it was very well done. I don’t think anyone could have presented it better. I love how it was interactive it was and Dawn allowed us to make the course entertaining. She gave us ideas and asked for feedback and all the coaches asked questions to gain knowledge. She allowed the coaches to feel free to ask questions and answered as best as she could.”

“As a player transitioning into coaching for this to be my first course it was a really good first step. It was good for me to begin with fitness. I have learned a lot and will applying what I have learned immediately.”

Former University of the West Indies Women’s head coach and now Boys Town Wildcats head coach Dwayne Richards was among the participants. “It was a real eye opener for me. The different preparation methods that we were exposed to will be of great significance. Most important for me was how to prepare a team physically based on the limitations of time. Dawn explained that quite clearly for us and now I am much better prepared for any situation.”

“I really want to thank FIFA and the JFF for affording us the opportunity to learn from someone with so much knowledge and experience and her delivery was perfect. I am also pleased with the number of female coaches who participated because we need more women on the touchline in the local game,” Richards said.