Gareth Smith, the USVI Soccer Association Head of Coach Education, had a very busy month of public speaking during July 2023. The organization hosted an online presentation on July 18 on the USVISA Coaching Education Pathway. Seventeen attendees representing staff members and USVISA club representatives were updated on the next steps needed to align with the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) coaching education convention standards.
Great accomplishments at the end of the Grassroots Coaching Course were achieved, with all 18 student coaches successfully completing the required course work and receiving their Grassroots Coach License. The course was held July 23 and July 24 at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex. Over 30 student coaches were engaged during the month.
As part of the implementation of the USVISA National Coaching Education pathway, 15 coaches started and completed, Block 1 (Education Block) of the D License course on St. Croix. The student coaches will now progress to Phase 2 (development period) of the course and are required to complete their coach’s logbook (i.e., coaching training session experience) and coach development plan in their club environment.
The final assessment required before becoming a D Licensed coach, will happen later this fall semester. One of the many highlights of the courses was the female participation levels from coaches across all clubs.
The department head said, “We had a high level of attendance and educational commitment during all of our Grassroots courses and D license.” The next phase of the planning is to offer Block 1 of the D License to clubs in St. Thomas. The goal is to offer educational opportunities on all Islands to make education accessible and low barrier/expense.
The coaching courses are open to all members of the USVI community. If an organization is interested in attending or hosting a course, please contact the Technical Department at ebailey@usvisoccerassociation.com or call 719-9707.
USVISA Coach Education Motto:
Better coaches = better environments = better player experience = better players
For more information on USVI Soccer Association programs, sponsorship or to volunteer, contact the USVI Soccer Association office at 719-9707 or email us at usvisoccer@gmail.com. Follow USVISA on Facebook at USVI Soccer Association
