1 1974 - 2015

It is a wonderful feeling to see the revival of the Grenada Football Association’s Newsletter after a few months absences and on behalf of all of our

Issue 13 - January 2015

President’s MessageIn This Issue

• GFA President met with Grenada’s Prime Minister

• President’s Message

• The GoalPost is Back

• Women’s Football to receive more focus in 2015

• Grenadian appointed FIFA Match Officials receive their badges & pins

• GFA Officials visit Mexico

• Award Season is upon us

• GFA holds discussions with Corporate Entities

• GFA Appoints a Women’s Development Officer

• Grenada considers FIFA 11 for Health

• Being Frank on Football

• Grenada to Play Puerto Rico in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers

• Jake Rennie steps into the spotlight

The

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRENADA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

President of the Grenada Football Association, Mr. Cheney Joseph, met with this country’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honorable Keith Mitchell at the Ministerial Complex this month.

Discussions surrounded updates on GFA’s activities for 2015, as well as issues involving football in Grenada. Among the items mentioned were a status report on FIFA Gold Project, the FIFA Fond Playing Field Special lighting Project and Grenada’s participation in regional and international tournaments.

GFA President met with Grenada’s Prime Minister

During the meeting the GFA President acknowledged the continual support received from the government and expressed his commitment to ensure further development of football in Grenada.

The Prime Minister emphasized his government’s intentions to provide adequate support to sports through educational, infrastructural and concessional assistance as well as provide avenues for young people to use sports as a vehicle of change.

affiliates let me especially congratulate Ms. Malaika Church on her tenacity and commitment for having insisted on the resurfacing of the Goalpost. It is anticipated that we shall once again enjoy reading about some of the activities of the Association in the coming months and years. 2015 will be a busy year for the Grenada Football Association as we continue our mandate to develop football on the island. We have seen the commencement of visits to the various parishes by the President and General Secretary and this will continue during the year.

...continues on page 2

2 Happy 41st Independence Grenada

The long awaited Grenada Football Association Newsletter “Goalpost” has finally returned.

President of the Association, Cheney Joseph expressed his apologizes to the public for the abrupt halt to the Newsletter a year ago.

“When the Chief-Editor and Writer of the Newsletter, Malaika Church left to pursue her Master’s Degree in China we found it challenging to locate someone of her caliber to continue the Newsletter voluntarily. As a result, the Association was unable to move forward with its continuation at that time. Now that Ms. Church has returned we assure our readers and sponsors that the Goalpost will be around for 2015 and beyond.

New and exciting elements have been added to the Newsletter to attract sponsorship this time around. The Association hopes these features will entice sponsors to come on board.

Marketing and Communication Officer, Oslyn Crosby says that the Goalpost will be one avenue the Association will be using to generate revenue. Many businesses have expressed their interest in partnering with the Association and this is just one of the areas in which businesses can do so.

To advertise in the Goalpost contact the Grenada Football Association Secretariat at 440-9903 or email gfa@spiceisle.com to find out more about our special packages.

is BACK!!

The

The development of clubs into strong institutions is a mandate of FIFA and CONCACAF and also of your President. To do so, affiliates must be committed to impacting on their communities in a very positive manner. Therefore the challenge is to identify opportunities to engage others to assist with the restructuring of our affiliates, recruitment of new members and to meaningfully embrace change for positive development. Our women’s football is expected to take a giant leap forward in 2015 with increased activities for this year. It would be the first time in the history of GFA that we would see so many activities being undertaken in Women’s Football. This year will see the largest ever budget being provided for the development of women’s football. This year we have embarked on introducing additional competitions as well as to engage potential partners in ensuring our competitions are attractive and of a high quality. We will be seeking to reintroduce our own knock out competitions with a view to increasing the number of matches that our players can play in 2015.

Support is committed for our clubs through an organized parish structure and we encourage our affiliates to take full advantage of these opportunities. Our youth programs are already planned and the execution of these plans will require support to our Technical department. Again this year we hope to introduce competitions at under seventeen, under fourteen and under twelve to increase the number of competitions for the nation’s youth. This we believe will also provide us with a nursery to identify future national players from an earlier age. Both our men’s and women’s national teams as well as male and female youth teams will be engaged in regional competitions and we trust that success will follow them in these tournaments. Finally, let me wish each and every affiliate all the best in 2015 and to encourage you to embrace the new challenges coming from the executive committee. We are mandating that each of our affiliates must have a youth and women’s team in the next year and therefore will be making it mandatory that our Premier League teams have such by 2016. I trust that this new challenge will ignite the passion amongst our affiliates as we collectively develop football in the State.

President’s Message...continued from page 1

3 1974 - 2015

Women's participation in football in Grenada will be given more attention in 2015 by the Grenada Football Association (GFA).

This year the Association plans to provide its female players with many competition opportunities to showcase the talents of its female players on the island.

The Association in keeping with such objective participated in three regional friendlies last year in preparation for the busy year ahead.

The matches which took place in St. Vincent and Barbados all ended in draws for the National Women’s Team.

Head Coach of the National Women’s Team, Franklyn “Nat” Simpson expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and applauded the Association for stepping up its efforts in Women’s Football.

“The interest being shown in Women’s Football for 2015 is to be

commended by the Association. I have notice a change in the player’s morale and spirit on and off the field given the investment being pumped into Women’s Football.

Women’s Development Officer, Malaika Church expressed that the Association wanted to ensure things were in place before the momentum got going.

“We at the GFA sought the advice

from experts regarding our female players and their needs to ensure that we were able to develop the individual as a whole” “We provided camp sessions which looked at issues surrounding Personal Development skills, Team Building and National Consciousness. It’s not just about the game for us but developing the individual.”

Grenada will take part international in the Windward Indies Football Association Women’s Competition, CONCACAF U-17 Qua l i f i e r, CONCACAF U-20 Qualifier and the Olympic Qualifiers this year.

On the other hand, locally, there will be a Women’s League Tournament, National Primary School “Champion of Champions” Tournament and non-competition related activities scheduled.

Women's Football to receive more focus in 2015

Connie John Goalkeeper at Women's League

Women’s Training Session

4 Happy 41st Independence Grenada

Grenada appointed FIFA International Match Officials for 2015 received their badges and pins from the Grenada Football Association Vice President, Allan James this month.

Ms. Arsha Wellington (Woman Referee) and Ms.Tia Mc Intosh (Woman Assistant Referee) are the first female officials to make the FIFA list.

This momentous occasion marked the first time female appointments were made for Grenada since the establishment of the Association in 1924.

Vice President of the Association and Chairman of the Women’s Committee, Allan James congratulated the recipients on their accomplishments for being the first women to represent Grenada on the list.

“It gives me great pleasure to highlight the achievements of these two ladies on making it on FIFA 2015 International Match Official List. Continue to be exemplars in this field. This opportunity that you both have been given will inspire others to believe that such an accomplishment can be achieved, Congratulations to you both and Mr. Budd”.

Mr. Kuan Budd (Assistant Referee) who was also appointed to the FIFA list is in his 3rd consecutive year.

Grenadian appointed FIFA Match Officials receive their badges & pins

Chairman of the Technical and Development Committee, Patrick Francis and Technical Director, Lester Smith travelled to Mexico to initiate discussions regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the Mexican Football Federation and the Grenada Football Association.

During their visit they held high level discussions with their Mexican counterparts in areas relating to Women’s Football, Youth Football, Refereeing and Coaching.

The visit is expected to also see the extension of co-operation between the Associations for another three years.

GFA Officials visit Mexico

FIFA Ref - GFA VP Allan James & Tia Mc Intosh

Kuan Budd & Arsha Wellington -badge

5 1974 - 2015

Award Season is upon us

The Grenada Football Association has begun its preparations for this year’s Annual Award Ceremony. A small committee

GFA Logo.

“The inclusion of the Women’s League Awards at this year’s event was to facilitate the unveiling of the New GFA logo and to also have our fellow footballers witness and support the inaugural winners from the Women’s League”.

The unveiling of the logo marks the first steps towards the rebranding of the GFA.

President of the Association, Mr. Cheney Joseph said, the rebranding of the Association logo is in keeping with the Association’s vision to identify with its core values of Football in Grenada.

This year’s categories include:

Male & Female Referee of the year

Kellon Baptiste Goal Keeper Award

CFU Award Merit

Coach of the Year

President’s Award

Club of the Year

Sponsor of the Year

National U-17 player-Female

National U-20 player-Female

National U-15 player-Female

National Senior-Male

Golden Boot -Second Division

Golden Boot-First Division

Tyrone Harbin Golden Boots Award

MVP -Second Division

MVP -First Division

Dyer Marquez MVP Award

Exemplary Service to Women’s Football

Second Division 3rd Place

Second Division 2nd Place

Second Division champion

First Division 2nd place

First Division champion

Premier League 3rd place

Premier League 2nd place

Premier League champion

Women’s League 3rd place

Women’s League 2nd place

Women’s League champion

Female Junior player of the Year

Male Junior player of the Year

Female Senior Player of the Year

Male Senior Player of the Year

Golden Boots- Female

Women’s League Appreciation Moment

Youngest Player Award -Female

The Award Ceremony will take place at the Grenada Trade Center Annex on Saturday 28th February at 6:30 PM. The Theme for this year’s activity is “Preparing for the next Opportunity.”

comprising of eight persons are charged with the responsible of making this year’s event even more spectacular. The Grenada Football Association has begun its preparations for this year ’s Annual Award Ceremony. A small committee comprising of eight persons are charged with the responsible of making this year’s event even more spectacular.

Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Eric Peters, spoke on the inclusion of the Women’s League Awards at this year’s ceremony.

Peters also mentioned that the Association will utilize this opportunity to unveil its new

6 Happy 41st Independence Grenada

In an effort to improve relations and secure financial support for its various programs, the Association has begun discussions with several corporate entities to solicit sponsorship for it’s 2015/2016 Season.

President of the Association, Cheney Joseph expressed satisfaction with the responses received thus far. He is hopeful that this time around the Association will be able to build sustained relationships for the further development of Football in Grenada.

GFA holds discussions with Corporate Entities

GFA Appoints a Women’s Development OfficerFor the first time a female will be solely dedicated to the development of Women’s Football on the island.

Ms. Malaika Church, has been charged with the responsibility of promoting the development of women's football with her recent appointment as Women's Development Officer.

Church will be responsible for the implementation of the Association's four year plan which was submitted to FIFA and

received high commendation.

“I feel honored to be welcomed back by the Association in this capacity. Before leaving for my studies I volunteered with the Association as their Media Officer and had the opportunity then to work with the Women’s National Coach, Mr. Franklyn “Nat” Simpson and the Technical Director, Mr. Lester Smith on Women’s Football and Grassroots football respectively. I truly am excited about the schedule of activities planned for Women’s Football this year”.

Initial discussions surrounding the FIFA 11 for Health program began last year during the CONCACAF Summit in the Grand Cayman. President of the Association Cheney Joseph and Minister of Sports Honorable Emmalin Pierre expressed their interest for Grenada to be a part of the programme.

Grenada considers FIFA 11 for Health Now, the Grenada Football Association is one of eight (8) countries being considered by FIFA for its 11+Health Program within the CONCACAF federation.

As a result, the association invited various ministerial stakeholders to discuss the FIFA 11 for Health implementation strategy plan in December.

This pilot programme is designed to promote “Football for Health”. It looks at protecting players from injuries and teaching them how to live a healthy lifestyle.

R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s i n a t t e n d a n c e included Dhanray Ramkhelawan –Ministry of Health; Dr. Francis Martin – Director of Primary Health Care; Ms. Hermione Baptiste-HFLE Coordinator; Ms. Theresa Bowen Ministry of Sports and Bruce Swan from the Ministry of Sports.

7 1974 - 2015

Being Frank on FootballThe assertive Roneisha Frank brings an abundance of energy whether on or off the field.

Her petite frame might have you underestimating what she is capable of, but best believe she is well capable of carrying the accomplishments that goes along with her name.

In 2010 and 2011, Frank carried the St. Joseph Convent, St. George’s Football Team to first place in the Republic Bank Right Start Youth Football Tournament. Frank’s talent became more visible in 2011 when she scored 24 goals during the Secondary School Football Tournament and was awarded both the Golden Boots and the Most Valuable Player awards.

In the next three consecutive years, Frank dominated Women’s Football locally.

The diminutive right footer is hoping to balance her footballing attributes with academics with a view of securing a scholarship at a North American University. During a phone interview Frank shared with us what it’s like. How did you first get interested in Football?-My father and older siblings had me playing with them since I was seven. Only when I entered Primary School I began taking the sport seriously.

Who would you say was responsible for your current skills in the game?- I credit my coach Mr. Franklyn “Nat” Simpson, who saw and molded my potential.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years in football?- I am hoping that I can become the first Women’s Football Ambassador for my country. This would be a great accomplishment for me and my family.

Other than being a professional footballer, have you considered another career path?- I have always seen myself working or being involved in sports. I guess if I ’m not physically playing football, I’ll be active in another sport. I also play basketball, swimming and track and field.

What is your favorite meal?- I love home-made Pelau. Who is your favorite football player?- Leo Messi definitely is my favorite player

If you had one wish what would it be? - I really aspire to be the best footballer in the world.

How was your experience representing Grenada at the various levels (U-17,U-20 and Senior )?- When I travelled with the under 17 it was not a challenge for me as the players and I were about the same age so everyone got along for the most part, but with the senior team in the initial stage I felt a bit left out given the age difference. Now that I’ve been around them more I know their likes and dislike and it is much better.

Which Club do you support locally in Football?-To be honest I do not really follow football locally.

What is your favorite colour?- That would definitely be blue

What advice do you have for young girls wanting to play football?- Well, playing football is not easy, you might experience injuries when you now start but just like anything you do, you have to work at it.

Photo Credit: O

ris Robinson (Orisphotography)

8 Happy 41st Independence Grenada

Grenada will face Puerto Rico in the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers in June this year.

The Qualifiers which will be played in a round robin format; home and away matches, first leg will be held between the period June 8 - 16, 2015.

The selection of the countries’ to compete were made in a draw at CONCACAF’s Headquarters in Miami

on January 15th.

F o l l o w i n g the draw, the Grenada Football A s s o c i a t i o n m o v e d i n t o implementation mode and has already drawn up a checklist, ensur ing the home game will

be executed smoothly and within the rules of the competition.

President of GFA Cheney Joseph speaking to the upcoming qualifiers said he is excited that after a very long time Grenadians at home will get to see the senior men in action.

“We do not want to be complacent, however, I think we can consider

ourselves fortunate to get that particular draw. We must now put all wheels in motion and ensure we go unto the third and fourth rounds”, Joseph said.

Grenada last played Puerto Rico in September 2014 at the CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifiers where the match ended in a draw; 2 - 2.

As of January 8th 2015 Grenada is ranked 155 in the world and 18th in the CONCACAF ranking, while Puerto Rico is ranked 161 in the world and 21 in CONCACAF.

The highest Grenada has ever ranked on the world circuit was 88th in 2009, while Puerto Rico’s highest ranking was 97 in March 1994.

Grenada to Play Puerto Rico in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers

Grenada vs Puerto Rico at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium 2010

9 1974 - 2015

10 Happy 41st Independence Grenada

Coming from a well-known sporting family Jake Rennie was determined to make his mark in 2014.

Last year, Rennie held the title of captain for the Paradise FC International and was able to steer his club to a convincing victory that earned the team the top position in the GFA Premier League.

His leadership qualities were also noticed by the Association as Rennie once again received the title of Captain for the Grenada National Men’s Senior Team that traveled to Puerto Rico last September to participate in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Men’s Tournament.

But there is so much more to Rennie off the field. The Goalpost sat down with Rennie to see what it is like for this star player.

A fluent Spanish speaker, Rennie obtained his Undergraduate Degree in Cuba in Physical Education. During

his time studying Rennie received the opportunity to play for the Havana City Strikers as a forward and took them to the finals. From then, Rennie got selected to visit Germany for one year where he played with Bonners Soccer Club and scored 13 goals in 9 games. That same year the team won the competition. Twelve months later Rennie returned to Cuba to complete his studies. “It was such an exciting period for me, being able to see how other parts of the world trained and played football, I thoroughly enjoyed the experienced”, said Rennie.

“I always saw myself playing football internationally for a period then returning home to give back to my country and my community, but you know you have to be patient; maybe one day I’ll get to live out that dream,” stated the quiet Rennie.

Presently a full time teacher at the Grenada Christian Academy, Rennie

teaches Integrated Science and Physical Education (PE). Rennie who teaches both Boys and Girls from Forms one to five says he encourages his students and players to work hard in the classroom and on the playing field. He stressed believing in oneself, being disciplined and working hard can soar rewards.

Growing up as a young boy, Rennie reminiscences his youthful days not having the luxury of a proper football, instead any disposable packet was used. He gives credit to persons within the community among them are Oscar Andall (Chess), Ms. Jenny (last name not recalled), his coaches, his former team mates at Progressive Youth and his family for the support growing up.

Jake Rennie believes Grenada has lots of talent and is hoping that maybe one of his own students may make him proud by one day playing professionally.

Jake Rennie steps into the spotlight

11 1974 - 2015

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.comEmail: 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

We PROMOTEHEALTHY Eating

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