GFA Newsletter Issue5 - February 2013

The THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRENADA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Issue 5 - February 2013

LIME Donates Referee Uniforms

Telecommunication company, LIME presented the Grenada Football Association with fifty uniforms for Referees this month at a Press Briefing and Hand Over Ceremony held at the Stadium Conference Room.

LIME General Manager, Angus Steele applauded the GFA for the positive steps being taken in the development of football programs, in particular the Grassroots Program. “On behalf of the LIME family we are pleased to assist the GFA and will continue to build a solid relationship with football as is the case

with one of your football clubs LIME Paradise” Steele said.

Also in attendance was the President of the GFA Cheney Joseph, Technical Director Lester Smith and Marketing Manager of LIME Vidya Singh.

Three Grenadian Officials Valman Bedeau, Allison Phillp and Kuan Budd were presented with their FIFA Badges for 2013.

LIME also presented GFA Referees with football boots from FIFA as a token of their committment to football in Grenada.

In This Issue ▪ Sandals Donates balls to Grenada Football Association ▪ LIME calls on businesses to assist GFA ▪ President wants more sponsorship of clubs ▪ GFA to continue discussions with Danish Coach and Football Ambassador ▪ Former Norwegian Professional Footballers head to Grenada ▪ Kennedy Phillip receives German International Coaching License ▪ Grassroots program reaches La Poterie ▪ Petro Caribe Queen’s Park Rangers launches its Grassroots program.

▪ Cheney Joseph to Chair CFU Marketing & Media Committee ▪ Grassroot program a beacon of Hope ▪ Meet Grenada’s Young Female Footballer Aaliyah Jackson

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Donates balls to Grenada Football Association Sandals Resorts International has made a generous contribution to the Grenada Football Association (GFA) with the donation of footballs.

President of the Grenada Football Association, Cheney Joseph made the request to Sandals Procurement Division Group Manager, Jordan Samuda, while he was in Grenada last October.

The international resort group which recently purchased the La Source Hotel will be operating under the brand name Sandals LaSource Grenada. Joseph made the request to Sandals during a visit here last year and solicited assistance. Sandals immediately offered to assist the association and have indicated their interest in developing synergies with the local community.

As a result of the President’s request, Sandals LaSource Grenada has ordered an unspecified amount of co-branded footballs which will assist the GFA with its ongoing development programs.

Samuda in responding to the President’s request said “We are here to stay and we want to show the people of Grenada that we care about the same things they do.”.

He is hoping that a long term relationship will be forged

between the Grenada Football Association and the resort.

Samuda believes there are opportunities for both the GFA and his facilities in football once they are up and fully functional.

Sandals LaSource Grenada will offer guests a romantic, authentic Caribbean vacation while providing the Luxury Included® amenities and exceptional service that have come to be associated with the Sandals Resorts experience.

Sandals Resorts Chairman, Gordon “Butch” Stewart has always had an interest in investing in Grenada. Stewart says “After looking to expand here for more than a decade, we are delighted to confirm the acquisition of our first ever resort in Grenada and are incredibly proud to have found the perfect location to add to our brand.

We are eager to make our debut and share not only the beauty of our new resort, but to share the beauty of Grenada, its culture and its people.”

Sandals LaSource Grenada is expected to open the facility on the island on November 20th. 2013.

CONGRATULATIONS

To Clive Murray and Merisha Charles at The 2012 National Sports Awards for Outstanding Male and Female Athlete in Football.

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Calls on businesses to assist GFA General Manager of LIME in Grenada, Angus Steele is calling on other businesses operating in Grenada to assist the association with its development programs.

Steele was speaking at the handing over ceremony at the national cricket stadium on January 30th when he called on the other businesses on the island to show support for the GFA. “I am satisfied that they are making progress, I have been reading your Newsletter and feel good about the wonderful things you have been doing in recent months” Steele said.

LIME made a donation of fifty (50) referees outfit to the Grenada Football Association which will be used in the 2013 GFA season. This gesture was made after GFA’s President Cheney Joseph’s persistent knocking on the doors of the company to assist the association.

Steele in his remarks at the handing over ceremony encouraged the GFA to continue on the path they have been going in the recent past and believes success will come the association’s way if this is continued.

“I have been reading your articles, I am also aware of what

you are doing with the Grassroots and Youth as well as the Women’s Program and encourage you to continue” the LIME General Manager urged. “What you are doing will certainly benefit Grenada in the future and we want to applaud the GFA for the foresight and vision in promoting football on the island”, he said.

Steele encouraged the GFA to maintain professionalism and admonished the GFA that LIME will be monitoring its efforts.

“We are here to assist but we must also encourage all other businesses to also assist the GFA”.

In giving the vote of thanks, FIFA Referee Assessor and former FIFA Referee, George Phillip assured LIME that the referees are going to wear their uniforms with distinction at all times.

“We wish to assure you that we the referees are now LIME Boys and you can rest assure we will be making your company proud of this donation”, Phillip remarked.

LIME has been sponsoring LIME Paradise since 2008 and has pledged its ongoing commitment to the St. Andrew’s Club which finished second in the GFA 2012 Premier League.

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GFA President wants more sponsorship of clubs the GFA encourage the local businesses to see the value of partnering with our clubs.

It is our development efforts that are producing the quality that is being exhibited in many of those privately organised competitions and we want businesses to understand our ongoing role in development.

The GFA is proud of its efforts in recent months in improving the image of football on the island. We have been encouraging our clubs to reorganise themselves in order to attract sponsors.

Our competitions provide heightened visibility due to positive publicity provided through the media.

President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA), Cheney Joseph is encouraging more businesses to consider sponsoring clubs in the GFA. Sponsorship provides a great means of broadening companies’ competitive edge by improving their image, prestige and credibility by supporting events and organisations. In recent years, corporate sponsorship has become the fastest growing type of marketing in the other parts of the region and we here in Grenada are calling on businesses to do likewise.

A broad spectrum of benefits that can be gained by sponsorship aside from enhancing visibility and image, football is undoubtedly the biggest and most popular sport on the island. We at

Therefore, in order to maximize the impact, companies sponsoring our clubs would augment the media coverage that we in the GFA seek to provide. Grenada Football Association believes the true benefits of sponsorship provide additional opportunities for companies to grow their businesses in these communities. We have seen the increased interest shown in football on the island and we are encouraged by those interest.

There are thirty five clubs currently affiliated with the GFA and many of these clubs are operating without sponsors. Additionally, the GFA continues to organise competitions; Premier, First and Second division as well as Women’s, Youth and Grassroots and many of these are being organised without a sponsor. We are therefore calling on both the business sector and government to embrace this call with a positive response.

GFA to continue discussions with Danish Coach and Football Ambassador Grenada Football Association is seeking to expand relations and development opportunities through Danish Football Coach, Jannik Riis.

Riis, who is a certified football coach in his native Denmark, has expressed interest in visiting the island to help the association with its development programs.

GFA’s Media Officer, Malaika Church has been in contact with the UEFA a Licence coach who has offered to assist the association in putting programs in place for future development programs.

The GFA Executive Committee is expected to make a decision when they meet later in the month. The GFA has already secured a commitment from British Airways and the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association who have offered assistance with airline tickets and accommodation.

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Former Norwegian Professional Footballers heads to Grenada coming to assist with the GFA ongoing Youth and Technical Development Program for the period of one week.

This arrangement was established by the GFA Football Ambassador, Mr. Marlon Glean who has continued to make positive marks on the sport since his acceptance of this position.

Glean has since advised that these two gentlemen will be in Grenada thanks to special efforts from Senator George Vincent, Minister of Tourism and the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association.

The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has secured a positive response from two Norwegian former professional footballers Mr. Trond Fylling and Mr. Petter Rudi. Both men are qualified Norwegian football coaches who will be

The GFA expresses its sincerest appreciation for the hard work Mr. Glean has been doing since his appointment as Football Ambassador.

Kennedy Phillip receives German International Coaching License Former National Midfielder Kennedy Phillip received his German International Coaching License certificate. The certificate was presented by German Ambassador Stefan Schluter, who journeyed from neighbouring island, Trinidad.

Mr. Phillip was successful in his final exams. The program covered topics such as Football Methodology, Sports Medicine, Laws of the Game, Tactics and Club Training Observations, to mention a few.

Kennedy who has played for Grenada for over fifteen years is presently retired and now dedicates his time to coaching. In attendance were the President of GFA Cheney Joseph, Technical Director Lester Smith and the German Consul, Margit Biebel-Potgieter here in Grenada. Phillip’s last assignment involved the preparation of the National U-17 Boys for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifiers 2011.

The Grenada Football Association is working to strengthen its relationship with the German Football Authorities to improve the development of football within the island.

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Grassroots Program reaches La Poterie Grenada Football Association is continuing with its Grassroots expansion program and the Grassroots Management Team journeyed to the rural village of La Poterie in St. Andrews to establish a centre there.

Close to thirty (30) boys and girls turned out for their first kick in the GFA Grassroots Program which will now continue every Saturday at the La Poterie playing field.

GFA Technical Director, Lester Smith is looking forward to the emergence of a club in the area and hopes that one day a club will be established in the area giving greater opportunities to the kids currently involved in the Grassroots Program.

There are no GFA clubs presently in La Poterie but the interest of sports and in particular football is very huge among the residents in the area. Many have also expressed the desire to secure a proper playing field which they have been promised by the government and is expected to be materialized in the not too distant future.

The GFA Grassroots Program objectives encompass reaching children all over the island and to bring joy and fun to them through football.

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Petro Caribe Queen’s Park Rangers launches its Grassroots Program.

2013 will see the start of a Long Term Player Development Plan for Petro Caribe Queen’s Park Rangers Football Club and it will give grassroots football an ideal chance to get its ‘moment in the spotlight’, says David Griffith, the Club’s President and Chairman.

Our club is celebrating forty-three years (43) of existence in September and we are proud that we are one of a few clubs still around from the 1960’s. As part of our year round celebration we want to mark what will be a memorable forty three years of existence with the assurance that our base is solid, said Griffith.

“It gives me a great opportunity to promote the love of the game that sometimes gets hidden behind the negatives that have previously plagued the sport here,” said Griffith.

Former National Men’s Team Player, Patrick Modeste who is charged with the responsibilities of managing the club’s Grassroots program believes it is important to highlight the work that was started many years ago by returning to the youth.

“It’s a real privilege to have this responsibility preparing our youth, at the end of the day, 98 percent of football is

played by children and in the grassroots game. It’s by far this nation’s biggest game.

The club is also hoping to start a community wide mobilization to get more women involved in the sport and will soon be extending invitation to persons interested in representing Queen’s Park Rangers.

Technical Director of the Grenada Football Association, Lester Smith in visiting the club’s first session for 2013 was very impressed with the turn out and encouraged the management of the club to ensure players enjoy the sport while they seek to provide training.

Smith believes this is good for Grenada’s football given his department’s own intention to commence an Elite Program later this month.

GFA provided the club with balls and other equipment and is planning to return to monitor the progress made with this Grassroots Program. “We know when QPR is playing well the football field is filled and the spectators come out, therefore we wish you well in your development program” Smith reminded the River Road organization.

GFA has been vigorously working on its Grassroots Program and is hoping to secure support from the private sector and government.

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Cheney Joseph to Chair CFU Marketing & Media Committee

Grassroot Program a beacon of Hope

President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) Cheney Joseph has been appointed to chair the Marketing and Media Committee of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU).

Joseph who is also a Vice President of the CFU is charged with leading the Caribbean Football Union’s marketing and media efforts until 2016.

The other members of the Committee are Franklin Wilson (Guyana), Egbert Lacle (Aruba), Neil Cochrane (Antigua & Barbuda), Canover Watson (Cayman Islands), Hector Martinez (Puerto Rico) and Stanley Jacobs (St. Kitts-Nevis).

According to the CFU, the Committee will be guided by its Terms of Reference, the CFU Executive Committee Policies and the CFU Statutes (2012 Edition).

The Marketing & Media Committee is a Standing Committee of the CFU with its goal being to raise the professional, financial and visual profile, image and identity of the CFU through the effective use of the region’s media and the mutually beneficial relationships fostered between and among the CFU, government, civil society and the private sector.

Members of the Committee will also provide support for CFU marketing events and initiatives; and act as football ambassadors for CFU at Union and Confederation levels.

Joseph also served as Chairman of Finance of the CFU Normalisation Committee and is a member of the FIFA Organising Committee for U-17 Football which will be staged in the United Arab Emirates as well as the CONCACAF Gold Cup Committee.

The GFA is proud to announce that it has also secured appointments in other CFU Committees. They include Bernadine Andrew, Women’s Committee, Ken Whiteman, Audit Committee, and Marlon Glean on the Football Committee.

After years of promises to the villagers of Hope in St. Andrew’s, the Grenada Football Association has finally delivered to this remote village.

Despite the many challenges due to inclement weather on their first visit, the Grassroots Management team led by GFA’s Technical Director, Lester Smith were able to deliver to the villagers in St. Andrew’s Southeast.

The inclement weather was a major concern to the Grassroots Management Team upon their arrival in Hope. However, with as many as thirty children waiting on the arrival of the GFA officials, and enthusiastic about playing their preferred sport, there was little chance that the association could have considered postponing the commencement of the Hope Grassroots Football Program.

With constant rain being received on the inaugural visit to Hope, the GFA Grassroots Management Team along with former national player Curt Rennie facilitated the enthusiastic group of boys and girls enjoying themselves and the beautiful game of football.

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Drink Up! Many of us may not know just how important the role water plays in our lives. Unlike food, humans can only survive a couple of days without water. Therefore, water must be replenished often in order to fulfill its numerous bodily functions.

If this isn’t enough to convince you to consume more water here are 4 reasons why.

TO BALANCE ELECTROLYTES IN THE BODY Every cell requires a certain balance of electrolytes, the proportion of these electrolytes must stay within a precise range. The body is able to stay within this range by excreting water when necessary and triggering thirst mechanisms in the body when needed.

TO COOL THE BODY Water keeps bodies cool by releasing sweat when the body gets too warm. When this happens, the sweat evaporates off the skin and cools the body, allowing the body to maintain homeostasis.

TO PROVIDE BODY FLUIDS All body fluids are comprised of mostly water. Water provides shock absorption, cleansing and protection for the body.

Water also allows the body to produce tears and saliva, and lubricates joints, allowing them to move easily.

TO MAINTAIN BODY PH The body's pH balance is important to carry out metabolic reactions in optimum conditions. Water is a major component of the maintenance of pH in the body. One of the major reactions in the body occurs when carbon dioxide reacts with water, forming carbonic acid. Carbonic acid then detaches to form hydrogen and bicarbonate, thereby increasing the body's acidity and lowering the body's pH.

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Meet Grenada’s Young Female Footballer Aaliyah Jackson to be drafted into the GFA Women’s Elite Program due to commence soon.

As a result of her natural ability displayed also in front of other GFA officials including the Women’s Football Coordinator and former Senior Men’s National Team Coach, Franklyn “Nat” Simpson, Aaliyah was given a pair of football boots and a ball to continue with her training.

Grenada Football Association, is excited about her future and would do all it can to ensure opportunities are afforded to this young sensation.

Born on August 22nd 2000, this young female footballer is already setting her eyes on great things in the future.

Young Aaliyah was spotted by Grenada Football Association’s Technical Director, Lester Smith while introducing the GFA Grassroots Program in Hope, St. Andrew’s. She was playing among the boys and looked quite comfortable controlling, tackling and dribbling barefooted and fearlessly challenged all of her opponents.

Speaking to her mom, Ms. Laurel Jackson about young Aaliyah Jackson, the senior Jackson proudly stated, “I am so proud of this little girl, she is always first or second in her class exams but once you miss her, she is outside somewhere kicking a football”.

The St. Giles Anglican School student would like to continue her football in secondary school and is hoping to attend the St. Joseph Convent, St. George’s after completing her Common Entrance Exams.

Aaliyah is an ardent football fan, she is familiar with all of the big names in football and would like to one day play professionally. She is a big fan of Manchester United’s Robin Van Persee and Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez. “I like how they play, they are skillful, score plenty goals and can also create assist” she said.

GFA’s Technical Director, Lester Smith, who is more than impressed with the young Jackson, feels she is good material

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The Grenada Football Association is heavily embarking on developing its women’s program and hopes to identify many more players of her calibre. The association has already indicated its intention to participate in the CONCACAF Under 17 and Under 20 Girls tournament later this year.

Grenada Football Association Salutes this country’s celebration of 39 years of independence.

“Heads, hearts and hands in unity to reach our destiny” (Lyrics from the Grenadian National Anthem)

Happy 39th Independence Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

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