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During a visit to Zurich this month to attend a FIFA Committee Meeting, President of the Grenada Football Association, Cheney Joseph, met with FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter.

President Joseph provided status updates on the various Goal projects and special projects being undertaken on the island. He also spoke about football activities planned this year for Grassroots, Youth Football, and Women’s Football.

Blatter encouraged Grenada to continue to work hard and praised the Association on its Newsletter and work being done in youth and Women’s Football. He also assured that Youth Football would be supported in its development. “FIFA’s first objective in its Statutes is towards development and therefore Grenada can expect to benefit from future development initiatives undertaken by FIFA”.

FIFA President Praises the Grenada Football Association

Issue 14 - February 2015

In This Issue FIFA President Praises the

Grenada Football Association

A Night of Celebration-The Grenada Football Association Awards Ceremony 2014

GFA Launches New Logo

GFA hosted one of FIFA’s Presidency Candidates

GFA Delegation visits Athletic and

Football Stadium

Anton Corneal visits the GFA

WIFA annouces date for Men’s Tournament

More Tournaments for the Windward Islands Football Associations

GFA’sPresidentcallsonaffiliatesto improve their organizations.

Mutual Developmental Assistance for Grenada and Mexico

Grabbing hold of Every Opportunity, Goalkeeper Connie John

GFA met with National Women’s Team Medical Experts

The Goalpost receives raving reviews

Football is more than 90 minutes for Marc Marshall

The

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRENADA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

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A Night of Celebration-The Grenada Football Association Awards Ceremony 2014

In what was referred to as their night at the Oscars, players, coaches, administrators, match officials and

volunteers were all decked out in their finest outfits to receive awards and commendations at the 2014 GFA’s Awards Ceremony.

Jake Rennie and Roniesha Frank cupped the major titles as the Best Senior Male and Female Footballer of the Year. Rennie, who is Captain of both Paradise Football Club (Paradise FC) and the Grenada Senior Men’s National Team, secured three titles on the night. He received the award for Best Senior Player of the Year, Most Valuable player and also the Tyrone “Sampat” Harbin Golden Boots Award.

Roneisha Frank, who captured the GFA’s Female Footballer of the Year title in 2012 and 2013, made it a hat trick by taking the title once more. The Happy Hill Secondary School student, a resident of Willis, edged past her rivals to make it a clean sweep.

Frank was awarded Best Senior player –Female and the Golden Boots Award.The evening also included congratulation messages from FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter and CONCACAF President Jeff Webb.

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CATEGORIES AWARDEES

Women’s League Appreciation Sherryann Hector, Latoya Nelson, Alison Prosper, Innocent Lezema, Presley Samuel, Kasandra Pascal, Neisha Peters, Delis Peters, Bernie Nicholas, Michael Paul, Akeisha Clovey, Dexter George, Bernadine Andrew, Arsha Wellington, Alana Francois, Rockell Hood, Lindy Frederick,Vyna Wilson, Tia Mc Intosh, Afy Fletcher, Lottie Cato.

Broadcast of Televised Games Appreciation Franklyn Simpson and Raymond Roberts

Assistant Referee of the Year -Female Tia McIntosh

Assistant Referee of the Year- Male Kuan Budd

Referee of the Year-Female Arsha Abraham

Referee of the Year -Male Devon Roberts

Coach of the Year Andrew Munro

Fair Play Award: Christian Strikers

National U-15 - Women’s League Alisha Charles

National U-17- Women’s League Samantha Mc Sween

National U-20- Women’s League Sherice Hood

Youngest Player Award- Women’s League Kimel Robertson

Best Junior Player of the Year- Female Aaliyah Jackson

Best Junior Player of the Year-Male Lemoy Augustine

Sports Ambassador Inductees: Jason Roberts and Dr. Calum Macpherson

President’s Award-Volunteer of the Year Oscar Williams

President’s Award- Club of the Year Blue Stars

President’s Award-Sponsor of the Year Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Insurance Company

The FIFA President spoke on the Association’s past achievements and urged the GFA to continue with its development programs, while President Webb commended the GFA on its new initiatives as well as the unveiling of the Association’s New Logo.

Other individuals receiving awards on the night included: - (Ref. Annex Listing)

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CATEGORIES AWARDEES

2nd Division- 3rd place North Stars FC

2nd Division-2nd Place Shamrock FC

2nd Division-Champion Springs United FC

1st Division -3rd place: Hampshire United FC

1st Division-2nd place Boca Juniors FC

1st Division-Champion Chantimelle FC

Golden Boots-2nd Division Daryl Jeffery North Stars (23 goals)

Golden Boots-1st Division Carl Raeburn E.S.S (8 goals)

Kellon Baptiste Award Jason Belfon

Tyrone Harbin Golden Boots Jake Rennie (13 goals)

Most Valuable Player-2nd Division Luciano Charles

Most Valuable Player 1st Division: Mackell Ganess

Most Valuable player Premier League Jake Rennie

Women’s League 3rd Place Spice Divas (St. David)

Women’s League 2nd Place: Leapers Girls (St. Patricks)

Women’s League Champion Flamboyant (St. George’s A)

Premier League 3rd Place GBSS

Premier League 2nd Place Hurricane FC

Premier League Champion Paradise FC

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GFA Launches New Logo

The Grenada Football Association revealed its new logo at its Awards Ceremony. The digital unveiling was done by the Patron of the Association, Her Excellency Dame Cecile La Grenade.

The Association’s New Logo according to its Marketing & Communications Director, Malaika Church, signals a new direction, new ideas and a future full of prosperity for Football.

The logo which has six elements consists of:

The Yellow - exudes the joy, happiness and energy brought to people by the players

The Green - shows the harmony that defines the people

The Red - reflects the burning passion in each and every match

The Stars - reflect the fair play spirit that governs our behavior

The Rays - mirror our belief that hard work brings rewards

The Ball - shows our constant desire to improve on all aspects of the game.

The Grenada Football Association welcomed

Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein, the Vice President of FIFA this month. Prince Ali is one of the FIFA candidates vying for the FIFA Presidency this June.

The brief trip included a press conference and private meeting with the Association’s President, Mr.

Cheney Joseph and General Secretary Ambrose Phillip, to discuss the challenges and developments faced by the Association.

GFA hosted one of FIFA’s Presidency Candidates

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Through an invitation extended by the Minister of Sports, Honorable

Emmelin Pierre, a delegation from the Grenada Football Association was invited this month to a site visit of the Athletic and Football Stadium.

President of the Association, Cheney Joseph, highlighted the GFA’s concerns about the irrigation and drainage of the football field as well as FIFA codes relating to security. These concerns were to ensure that the Football aspects of the Stadium meet FIFA

GFA Delegation visits Athletic and Football Stadium

standards for hosting international matches.

The Ambassador of China to Grenada, Her Excellency Ou Boqian, expressed that even though the project was near completion the concerns put forth by the Association would be taken into consideration.

In attendance at the site visit were Minister of Sports, Ms. Emmelin Pierre, The Ambassador of China to Grenada, Her Excellency Ou Boqian, Permanent

Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Theresa Bowen, Coordinator of Sports, Conrad Francis, China State Construction Technical Personnel and the GFA Delegation (President – Cheney Joseph, Vice President Allan James, Technical Director, Lester Smith, Finance Officer, Wayne Francis and Marketing and Communication Director, Malaika Church).

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The Grenada Football Association welcomed FIFA’s Technical Director of the Southern Caribbean, Anton Corneal, on a 1 day visit. Mr. Corneal’s visit focused on Technical matters and status updates on existing programs.

Technical areas that were addressed included: - Women’s Football, Youth Football, Grassroots, and Coaching Education.

Mr. Corneal is also expected to assist the Association in developing a Coaching Education Licence system among other things in 2015.

Technical Director of the GFA, Lester Smith, welcomed Mr. Corneal’s visit and believes the licensing system will further strengthen current and new programs of the Association.

Corneal’s activities included a brief meeting with GFA’s Executive Members, a tour of the National Cricket Stadium and the GFA Secretariat.

Anton Corneal visits the GFA

WIFA annouces date for Men’s TournamentPresidents of the football associations of Dominica,

Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent have confirmed the date for the staging of the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) men’s tournament for 2015. The WIFA Men’s Championship will take place in St. Lucia from April 27- May 3rd, 2015. The tournament which was restarted in 2013 moves into its third year since its revival and will see the four teams participate in a one round tournament to determine the winner.

Grenada won the revived tournament in 2013 and St. Lucia copped the title in 2014 which was staged in Dominica.

The Grenada Football Association has welcomed the decision by Windward Islands Football Associations’ Presidents to

introduce tournaments for Under 14 boys and girls starting this year with the girls in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The meeting decided that further efforts must be made to develop youth football in the sub region. St. Vincent will also host the inaugural boy’s U-14 tournament to be staged in June 2016.

More Tournaments for the Windward Islands Football Associations

The Presidents met in St. Vincent and decided that further efforts must be made to develop youth football in the sub region.

The objective of these tournaments is to provide member associations with earlier identification programs and preparation of players ahead of the CONCACAF U15 tournaments which are staged every other year in the Cayman Islands.

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The Grenada Football Association has introduced a National Youth League and has indicated it will

be seeking to ensure there are continuous programs at both the parish and national level that would see the emergence of new talent on the island. The National Youth programmer will be in the U13, U15 and U17 categories with tournaments being staged in all of the parishes and culminate with the selection of parish teams to participate at national level. The Association intends to involve youth players from Carriacou and Petite Martinique as part of the tournament. The GFA is also planning on implementing a Parish Elite Program as well as a National Elite Program.

National Youth League to scout for Talent

President of the Grenada Football Association, Cheney Joseph, has

called on affiliates to assist with the rebranding of the Association.

In his address at the Association’s Awards Ceremony this month, Joseph identified the lack of proper club structure as one major areas of concern that is preventing the further development of the game on the island.

“As President of this Association, I am mindful of the arduous task of reshaping the GFA brand, a brand which was once the envy of many other organizations when I was growing up” Mr. Joseph stated.

He further went on to challenge club administrators to do what is required to take the sport forward on the island. “During the past decade, we

have seen the demise of the GFA’s brand and this is a major worry. To make the necessary turn around, persons within the Association must play a role in repairing” Joseph said.

“We have been calling on our affiliates to embrace change, a necessary ingredient for development. It is therefore my call to our clubs to fix that which is broken” said the former national player now GFA’s President.

The Grenada Football Association celebrates ninety-one years as an Association. There are thirty nine affiliates currently members of the GFA.

GFA’s President calls on affiliates to improve their organizations.

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Mutual Developmental Assistance for Grenada and Mexico

of International Business for the FMF and Mr. Rafael Orvananos – President of the Mexican Referees Commission.

» The Delegation then met with Eugenio Vagas – President of the Mexican Football Disciplinary Commission.

DAY 3 » An official visit to the Headquarters of the Mexican Football Federation and meeting with the General Secretary Mr. Fernando Cerrilla.

» The Delegation met with Mrs. Paola Camucho – General Manager of National Training System. A detailed presentation on the structure of FMF Training Systems was given.

DAY 4 » Attended the training session of the National Senior Women Team and held talks with the Head Coach Leonardo Cuellar.

» Attended a Pro League match: Club America vs Tigres at the Azteca Stadium.

The Grenada Football Association’s Technical Director, Lester Smith, accompanied by Chairman of the Technical

Committee, Patrick Francis, returned this month from a 4-day trip to Mexico.

Hosted by the Mexican Football Federation the Grenadian delegation experienced a packed trip of activities. The main purpose of the trip surrounded discussions with the General Secretary for assistance with developing a National Coaching Education License Program, Assistance in improving the GFA Elite Player Development and hosting National Teams or Clubs in Camp sessions to prepare for Competitions.

DAY 1Attended the Mexican National under 16 Team training session which has formulated a four year training plan for the FIFA under 20 World Cup.

DAY 2 » Tour of the Training Centre facilities which included: gym, dressing rooms, medical rooms, press area and the various football pitches (Beach Soccer and Astro Turf).

» The Delegation met with Mr. Inigo Riestra – Manager

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Grabbing hold of Every Opportunity, Goalkeeper Connie John

Known by many as “CJ”, Connie John is one of two National Senior Goalkeepers making

up the National training squad for the 2015 Season of Women’s competitions. With 11 years goalkeeping experience, John who hails from Pearls, St. Andrews believes that football is her only ticket to seeing another dream of hers’ materialize.

The twenty-four year old is hoping that through football she would be able to attend University and one day become a Child Psychologist.

John shares with us how she got started as a goalkeeper, what it is like being a female goalkeeper and a little bit about herself.

1. What’s it like living in Pearls?-Well, first off people tend to think when you are from Pearls you live on the Airport but actually I’m from the main street of Pearls closer to Moyah. It’s a great place to live.

2. You come from a large family, do your other siblings play football?Yeah I’m the 6th out of 9 siblings, unfortunately none of my brothers or sisters are into football, just my father. He always says I’m the only one who took after him.

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3. When did you start Goalkeeping?-I started playing football when I was in Primary School as a right defender. My dad, Alstead John was a footballer and he coached me, but it was only during a Women’s Tournament that I actually got the chance to be the goalkeeper. The actual goalkeeper did not show up and I ended up volunteering as the goalkeeper and that was when everyone saw my capabilities. My father who was there at the time really guided me through the match, and the coach saw my potential as a Goalkeeper.

4. Describe how being a Goalkeeper is for you?-Well, Its hard work and you really have to be confident. People tend to blame the results of a game on the goalkeeper at times and the crowd says nasty things to you, but once you have a positive mindset and you are determined, it’s alright.

5. Tell us about your aspirations?- I really would like to attend University. I got accepted into Midwestern State University not once but twice and due to financial challenges I wasn’t able to attend. Even though I love football I always wanted to study Child Psychology and eventually branch out into social work. I know what I want from playing football and being able to attend University is one of it. I make every opportunity count because you never know where it can lead to.

6. Is there a Goalkeeper you look up to?- Yes! Shemel Louison he is from Gouyave and played with Queen’s Park Rangers but now he is in Trinidad and Tobago. We are good friends actually. I recall how frightened I would get being in front of a crowd as people are so mean. He taught me how to focus and ignore the crowd.

7. You have been selected for the National Team many times. How has that experience been?-It’s great. I feel a sense of pride when I represent my country and I encourage other females who might be considering Football to come out and experience such an opportunity.

8. What’s your favorite dish?-I’m not your typical Grenadian when it comes to food. I love

Sushi, Chicken Alfredo and Mexican food. Sorry! I know you asked for one but they are all my favorites.

9. Which country did you enjoy visiting during a tournament?-I would have to say Barbados. I have been there many times as I have family there also so I’m accustomed to the food and people but even still it’s a great country.

10. If a local team had a women’s

side who would you want to play for?- I would have to say Paradise, as they are the closest team to where I live and their team spirit is commendable.

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In an effort to improve on the National Women’s Teams preparedness for

this year’s competitions, the Grenada Football Association has engaged female medical experts to facilitate in the formulation of a medical plan for 2015 and beyond. This meeting looked at establishing the content of medical assessment forms, anti-doping workshops and Food and Nutrition Workshops.

GFA met with National Women’s Team Medical Experts

assessments would be done in a first stage along with a series of anti-doping and nutritional sessions with parents.

Women’s Development Officer, Malaika Church, expressed thanks to the doctors and physiotherapist for assisting the Association in this capacity.

“We want to ensure that all of our players are in good health to participate in competitions, in addition to addressing new and existing injuries.”

The Medical team comprises: Dr. Sonia Johnson, Dr. Gail Friday, Adeltrude Griffith and Dr. Susan Lambert, Dr. Kerlene Calliste and Dr. Emma Henry-Thompson.

The Goalpost receives raving reviews

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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 ASSOCIATIONPresident 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 MinisterDuring 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

The return of the Grenada Football Association’s Newsletter, has received positive reviews from around

the world.

Special commendations poured in from affiliates, member associations and confederations as well as experts in the business. Here are some of the encouraging responses we received.

Otis Roberts "Excellent read, keep it up" - GFA Football Ambassador

“Excellent, this is a publication well done" - Marketing Manager at UEFA, Mooney Noel

“This is an excellent publication, I wish other member associations will consider doing the same." - Hugo Salcedo, CONCACAF Director of Development

“Well Done!” - Howard McIntosh, FIFA Development Officer

The Grenada Football Association extends appreciation to the editorial team towards the reintroduction of the "GOALPOST NEWSLETTER". Editorial team includes: Malaika Church, Angus Samuel and Ambrose Phillip.

Sole Sports Medicine practitioner on the island, Dr. Sonia Johnson, expressed her pleasure in the steps the Association is making in Women’s Football in this area. “I’m glad to see focus being placed on the medical requirements of our female footballers. The needs of our female footballers are different and therefore must be given special attention.”

Dr. Gail Friday mentioned that the medical

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Football is more than 90 minutes for Marc Marshall

Born and bred in the Limes, Grand Anse, St.

George, Marc Marshall, presently attached to the National Senior Men’s Training Squad, tells us why Football is a lot more than 90 minutes and about his future plans in the sport.

The last of four siblings, Marshall recounts learning from his older brothers the technical skills of the game and how local big names like Anthony Modeste and Brian Benjamin really inspired him to take on the sport more seriously.

“I tried everything... I think I was in that phase where I wanted to play all sports, so basketball, table tennis, and athletics I tried, but football stuck... It was like this was the right fit for me”.

Unlike other footballers Marshall strongly believe; that focusing on the players off the field is just as important as their capabilities on the field. “I’ve seen it all. Many people in my community lack guidance and it is because of this lack of guidance that so many people haven’t reach their fullest potential. The time off the field is just as

important as being on and when focus is not placed on the mental state of the players you can see and feel the disconnect amongst the team”.

The Iowa Central Community College Graduate said he is looking to further his studies in Developmental Psychology at St. George’s University later this year. “St. George’s University is one of my options, but I ’m also checking out international universities as well. I was able to secure a football scholarship through the assistance of Marlon Glean the first time around, so I’m hoping I’ll be fortunate to be able to obtain one to continue my education again.”

One of the coaches attached to the Ministry of Sports, Marshall hopes to fuse his love of Psychology and football eventually. “I think in the next five years I will look at the administrative side of football in the area of working on the Social and Development aspects of players but for now I enjoy being a player.”

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St. Patrick EastSt. Patrick WestSt. MarkSt. JohnSt. DavidSt. Andrew North/ West combined

St. Andrew East/ South combinedSt. George SouthSt. George NorthwestSt. George NortheastSt. George (Town)

You must be born on or a�er January 1st. 2000 The National Youth League will commence on March 21st 2015.

Trials will continue every Saturday until March 14th.

For more information contact the GFA 440-9903 or your Parish Directors and Coordinators.St. George: Patrick FrancisSt. Mark: Wayne FrancisSt. David: Lindon Charles

Join us each and every Saturday in your various parishes and earn your spot to represent any of the following teams.

St. Patrick: Jester Noel, Kiem Cato, Garvin CharlesSt. John: Eric Peters, Carlos LewisSt. Andrew: Peter Blair, Ricky Aberdeen

DO YOU WANT TO REPRESENT GRENADA AT THE UNDER-15 LEVEL?

Well here is your chance

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

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