Monday 29th April was an important day for Nevis, as it marked the launch of the FIFA Football for Schools program. The opening ceremony and classroom activities were held at the Nevis Disaster Office conference room. The ceremony was chaired by Mr Jamir Claxton, Director of Sports on Nevis, and included an invocation by Ms Zahnela Claxton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, as well as remarks by Atiba Harris, SKNFA President, who played a key role in ensuring the program’s launch in Nevis.
Ms. Malaika Church, FIFA Regional Development Manager, also addressed the gathering, noting that this was the first Caribbean country to have such a program launch on the sister island and wishing the program every success. The main facilitator of the instructors’ course, Mr Antonio Sanchez, the FIFA Football for Schools Manager, warned the participants that the course would be hectic and that he came with a lot of energy to pass on the required knowledge. He gave an overview of the two-day sessions, which would include classroom theoretical activities and practical work such as a beach session and activities at the Football field situated at the Nevis Athletic Stadium.
The final speaker was Hon. Troy Liburd, Minister of Sports, who stressed the importance of academics and sports, particularly football, going together for the betterment of school children. He urged the coaches present to learn as much as possible so that they could successfully implement the program in the various schools.
All primary schools on the island, whether public or private, were well represented by their coaches, and there were also some other coaches in attendance as well.