11

Issue 15 / April 2015

GFA hosts Referees’ Course

8GFA’s Season Opening

Date has changed

3SpiceBoyz Are No

Strangers to Success

6

The

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRENADA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Grenada’s Paralympic Committee looks at introducing Football Category

CONCACAF Women’s Football Day 23rd May

Grenada to participate in WIFA Men’s Competition in May

FIFA 11 for Health Caribbean Region Implementation Workshop

Spice Girlz in Group 1 of CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Tournament 2016

GFA mourns the passing of a sporting icon

Grenada hopes for improved performances with New Coach

GFA’s U-15 Football Tournament commerce this month

Easter weekend in Grenada has become synonymous for the

Digicel Kick Start Clinic.

For many of our nation’s footballing youth Digicel Kick Start Clinic provides the island’s best talent with the opportunities to display their capacities to top coaches attached to the Chelsea Football Club.

President of the Grenada Football Association, Cheney Joseph, continues to hold Digicel in high praise for

its commitment to assisting in the advancement of Youth Football.

“The opportunities derived from the clinic have been tremendous and we at the GFA welcome such a partnership for the greater good of Football”.

The three persons selected to attend the Chelsea Academy in Barbados are: - Josh Gabriel, Zarrel Phillip, Rahim Benjamin with Zion St. Cyr as the wild card pick.

The Digicel Kick Start Clinic

Also Inside2

2

3

4

4

6

7

10

1 2

FOOTBALL FOR ALL. A slogan unanimous with the sport is looking to be actualized

in the Spice Island as the Paralympics Committee works with the Association to facilitate having this type of football category introduced to the island.

Football 5-a-side made its Paralympic debut 11 years ago at the Athens Games

GRENADA’S PARALYMPIC COMMITTEElooks at introducing Football Category

Regional Footballing body, Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), has announced 23rd May as Women’s Football Day.

The inaugural event which was first mentioned at the CONCACAF “Let’s Develop Women’s Football” seminar in last October will bring awareness to Women’s Football throughout the 41 Member Associations within the region.

The day will strive to be the first Women’s Football occasion that will be simultaneously executed by all of CONCACAF’s members.

Women’s Development Officer, Malaika Church, expressed that several activities are being arranged for Grenada. “I for one am very excited for this event. Women’s Football is on the rise and this event will allow for all females involved in Football in Grenada to come and enjoy a day of fun and football.

in 2004. The sport caters to athletes with visual impairments.

Public Relations Officer attached to the Paralympics, Kwame Hypolite, says “we are still in the planning stages in having the sport included as there are impairment requirements needed to participate.”

The sport consist of five players on

each team and the game lasts 50 minutes. Rules are similar to the able-bodied game with a few modifications. The ball makes a noise when it moves and everyone, aside from the goalkeeper, uses eye shades to ensure fairness. The goalkeeper may be sighted and act as a guide during the game. Also, the measurements on the field are smaller and there are no offside rulings.

At the last Olympic Games held in London, 64 athletes competed

in the sport and even though Grenada is a long shot from fielding a team for such competitions we are definitely capable of laying the foundations to have such someday said Malaika Church, Women’s Development Officer.

CONCACAF WOMEN’S Football Day 23rd May

13

GFA’S SEASON OPENING DATE HAS CHANGED

GRENADA TO PARTICIPATE IN WIFA MEN’S COMPETITION IN MAY

The Grenada Football Association wishes to inform the public that its

Season’s Opening will now commence on Saturday 16th May at Victoria Park in Grenville.

A double header will signal the start of the Season with newly promoted Shamrock versus Five Stars in a First Division encounter followed by the main event featuring last year’s champion Paradise FC versus newly promoted Chantimelle.

Kick-off time is 4:30PM sharp with admission prices at $10 adults and children half price.

Grenada is currently preparing for the Windward Islands Footba l l Associat ion

host, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

"We understand the importance of peaking at the right time and therefore while our results in recent matches were not what we had hoped for, we are seeking to secure improved performances in the WIFA tournament" said Technical Director of the Association, Lester Smith.

Team Grenada will be hoping for good results in this tournament and to take the momentum into the World Cup qualification matches.

competition which takes place later this month in St. Lucia. Other islands involved in the competition include the

1 4

FIFA 11 FOR HEALTH CARIBBEAN REGION Implementation Workshop

Seven Caribbean countries gathered in Puerto Rico for two days this month to

participate in the FIFA 11 for Health Workshop.

The FIFA 11 for Health program is a football based health educational program designed for both boys and girls ages 11-12 years.

The program is expected to increase the physical activity of children and to improve the awareness of communicable and non-communicable diseases at an early age.

National Project Leader for the program, Hermione Baptiste, expressed pleasure with the outline of the program and is looking forward to the establishment of the program within the selected schools throughout the tri-islands.

These views were also applauded by the Government Representative, Dr. Francis Martin, “This initiative will look at improving the health of our children through football and has actually come at the right time as the Ministry of Health is in the process of reviewing its School Health Program as part of its National Primary Healthcare Program.”

The Association’s representative, Malaika Church, elaborated on the program stressing that within the three years pilot study the selected schools would allocate 90 minutes twice a week for the sessions. Forty-five minutes being given to the football skills session and another 45 minutes to a health issue.”

Countries present at the workshop included: Cayman Islands, Curacao, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia.

SPICE GIRLZ IN GROUP 1 OF CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Tournament 2016

Grenada’s Spice Girlz have been drawn in Group 1 of the Caribbean Football Union’s qualification round of the 2016 Olympic

Football qualification Tournament.

Carded to take place in Puerto Rico the other teams in Group 1 are Haiti, Puerto Rico and Aruba.

The Spice Girlz first match is against Puerto Rico on August 21st, followed by Haiti on August 23rd and their final match will be against Aruba on August 25th.

The Caribbean Football Union Women's qualifiers scheduled for between August and October of this year will result in three teams qualifying from the Caribbean to represent the CFU in the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Tournament slated for January 2016.

15

T h e r e t u r n o f t h e G F A

18 JUL - 25 OCT

EACH TEAM VIES FOR SUPREMACYOnly one will be crowned the champion

1 6

Grenada’s National Senior Men’s Team has surprised many opponents on big

occasions. The team has enjoyed good results against teams such as Jamaica, Trinidad, Costa Rica, Cuba and the U.S.A against whom the team narrowly lost 3-2 at home in Grenada.

Many on the island believe the team can do well in the upcoming Russia 2018 World Cup preliminary qualification matches against Puerto Rico.

Grenada is also currently in pursuit of overseas based players although the Association will not name all these players at this time.

Technical Director, Lester Smith, who was charged with early preparation says Grenada will be targeting players mainly from the UK and Scotland and is encouraged by the progress made in recruiting these players.

The GFA has engaged the services of two of its former national players, Otis Roberts and Jason Roberts to hold discussions with players based in the

SPICEBOYZ ARE NO STRANGERS TO SUCCESS

UK. “We are not committed to selecting players who are not willing to play for the Red, Green and Yellow. We want players who are going to embrace this opportunity to bring Grenada glory” said Otis Roberts, GFA’s Football Ambassador.

“When I was given the chance to represent this country I did not know what to expect, but I must admit those who were around were willing to die playing for country”, Roberts further stated.

Meanwhile, Jason Roberts, another former decorated player who played for many teams in the English Premiere League including Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletics, believes the island has made tremendous strides in attracting overseas based players. Jason Roberts says once the Association can honor its commitments more players will emerge in the future.

Grenada will play Puerto Rico on 12th June in Puerto Rico and then on 16th June in Grenada.

GFA mourns the passing of a sporting icon

It is with regret that the Grenada Football Association received the sad news on the passing of a former sporting icon, Oswald Clovey of Victoria, St. Mark.

We in the football fraternity know too well his contributions in both football and cricket.

Clovey made his name as a staunch defender and a fearless fast bowler and though on the field of play he was feared by many, he lived a simple life as a loving individual.

“As President of the Grenada Football Association, let me place on record our sincerest sympathy to his family especially his wife and daughter, Oslyn Crosby who also served as GFA’s Marketing & Communication Officer for a short period” expressed Cheney Joseph.

On behalf of the entire Grenada sporting family and the Grenada Football Association in particular, we extend best wishes to his family during their period of bereavement.

Grenada has lost a sporting hero, father, family man and icon in the village of Victoria. We will all miss him dearly.

17

The Grenada Footbal l Association is making efforts to ensure its National Senior

Men’s team is better prepared for their upcoming encounter against Puerto Rico in June.

The Association has recently recruited Uruguayan Coach, Jorge Añon, to take charge of the team.

Añon has worked extensively in his native country at the highest level. His most recent assignment was with Top Division team River Plate as its Youth Academy Team Coach.

The Uruguayan believes his experience in South America will improve the National Team’s preparation in the coming months. “I’ve worked with different players at different levels and my experience speaks volumes” he outlined.

In his meeting with the technical staff, Coach Añon emphasized three key important ingredients for success: Discipline, Application to Training, and Patriotism for country as the most important things that he expects from the players.

I have watched the team's performance since 2011 and I like what has been taking place with football in Grenada. We have a lot of work to do but I feel confident your country will develop quality players soon.

“I want to win every match, but we must not forget it is important to develop new players, so while I am in Grenada for this assignment, I will be training your coaches and developing professional methods of training" Añon stated.

“Grenada is a very good place to be. I have been following Caribbean football, and the Spice Island has much talent. We shall see how they adopt to my new methods of training" he said.

I must say in order to succeed support must come from the Association, Government, the players, the coaches and all the administrators within the Grenada Football Association structure.

“These people must understand like my country that support must be given if we are to enjoy success”

The 53 year-old Añon holds many Diplomas in coaching and has been involved in the coaching profession since retiring as a player.

GRENADA HOPES FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCES WITH NEW COACH

“ Grenada is a very good place to be. I have been following Caribbean football,

and the Spice Island has much talent. We shall see how they adopt to my new

methods of training

1 8

GFA HOSTS REFEREES’ COURSE

The Grenada Football Association held a five-day Refereeing Course this month at the National Stadium

A screening progress was used to select twenty-five participants.

The course covered a series of learning modules, fitness tests and practical field sessions.

Some of the modules were: Severity of Fouls, Penalty Area Incidents, positioning and movement. Participants took part in fitness tests as well as quizzes on the various modules.

Instructors for the course included:- FIFA Technical Instructor, Denmore Roberts from Antigua, FiFA Fitness

Instructor Alan Brown from Costa Rica, local Technical Instructor Valman Bedeau and local Referee Assessor, George Phillip.

19

SUPER 8

The Battle of the Champions

Eight of the nation’s finest teams go head to head this November5 Premiere League Teams

2 First Division Teams1 Second Division Team

21st November-26th December at Athletic & Football StadiumWho will emerge as the Ultimate Winner?

Compete for CA$H

1 10

Eleven teams are taking part in the Grenada Football Association National U-15 Football Tournament

Staged as a round robin event participants of the tournament will vie for a spot on the elite team within their parishes as well as compete for the coveted positions on the National U-15 Squad.

Chairman of the Youth Committee and President of the Association, Cheney Joseph, believes the tournament will serve the GFA’s long term vision of producing better players for future national teams.

“We want to identify these kids much earlier and secure the proper training for them to play at a much higher level” Joseph stated.

“If we are to really compete internationally, we must identify talent early and nurture them, hence the reason why we are now focusing on under thirteen and under fifteen boys and girls” said the President.

The National Youth League is an idea of the Executive Committee of the Grenada Football Association and is aimed at identifying talent at an earlier stage.

GFA’S U-15 FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT commences this month

Group StageGROUP ASt. George SouthSt. George CentralS. Andrew EastSt. Patrick WestCarriacou

TEAMS P W D L PTS POS

St. Andrew East 3 2 1 0 7 1

St. George Central 3 1 1 0 5 2

St. George South 3 1 2 1 4 3

St. Patrick West 3 1 0 2 3 4

Carriacou 3 0 2 0 0 5

TEAMS P W D L PTS POS

St. Andrew South 3 2 1 0 7 1

St. Mark 3 2 0 1 6 2

St. David 3 1 2 0 5 3

St. Patrick East 3 1 1 1 4 4

St. John 3 1 1 2 3 5

St. George North 3 0 1 3 0 6

GROUP ASt. George North EastSt. Andrew WestSt. Patrick EastSt. DavidSt. MarkSt. John

Results of week ending 3 May, 2015

111

1 12

Grenada Football Association P.O.Box 326 , St. George’s Grenada National Stadium, Queen’s Park, St. George’s, GrenadaTel: (473) 440-9903, Web: www.grenadafa.com ■ Email: gfa@spiceisle.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/GFAGrenadaTwitter: NewsGFA

Helping Businesses Make the Right Moves!

Advertising & Marketing Graphic & Web Design Printing & Publishing

#1303 Bruce Street Mall, St. George’s, Grenada . T: 473.440.4467 . F: 473.435.4467E: info@imscaribbean.com . www.imscaribbean.com

P.O. Box 8 , S t . George 's , Grenada ▪ Te l : 473.409.4467Emai l : in fo@imscar ibbean.com ▪ web: www. imscar ibbean.com

INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup evaporated low-fat milk

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Cooking spray

TOPPING:1.5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1/3 cup)

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/2 cup chopped pecans

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. To prepare potatoes, place potatoes in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until tender; drain. Cool 5 minutes.

3. Place potatoes in a large bowl; add granulated sugar, evaporated milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and vanilla. Beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add eggs; beat well. Pour potato mixture into a 13 x 9–inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.

4. To prepare topping, weigh or lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, brown sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt; stir with a whisk. Stir in 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle flour mixture evenly over potato mixture; arrange pecans evenly over top. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or just until golden.

5. Preheat broiler (remove casserole from oven).

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE