ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have agreed to strengthen cooperation aimed at transforming the development of football in Antigua and Barbuda, with emphasis on infrastructure, coaching, technical expertise, youth development and international opportunities for the country’s footballers.
The agreements emerged from extensive discussions on Saturday involving Prime Minister Browne, President Infantino and members of his FIFA leadership team, together with Antigua and Barbuda Football Association President Ickford Roberts and members of the ABFA executive.
Among the most significant outcomes was FIFA’s commitment to assist with the development of a 5,000-seat football stadium, with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda committing to provide land for the facility.
However, both Prime Minister Browne and President Infantino agreed that physical infrastructure must be accompanied by sustained investment in the technical development of players, coaches and administrators.
Prime Minister Browne specifically identified access to high-quality coaching and technical expertise as critical to raising the standard of the game.
“The most important thing is having technical support to get the type of coaches who can help us to lift our game and help our players to hone their skills,” the Prime Minister told the FIFA President.
President Infantino agreed that Antigua and Barbuda possesses significant football talent and said FIFA is prepared to provide both infrastructure and technical support.
The FIFA President explained that his objective is to ensure that football opportunities are available to countries regardless of their size and resources. He identified infrastructure, organisational capacity, expertise and management as important ingredients in allowing Caribbean football talent to compete successfully on the international stage.
President Infantino also indicated that while construction of a new stadium will necessarily require time, improvements in technical expertise can begin much sooner.
“To improve the technical expertise, this can be done instantly,” President Infantino told the meeting, pointing to FIFA programmes supporting talent development, academies and Football for Schools.
Prime Minister Browne welcomed the commitment and said the Government wants to see a structured programme that provides young Antiguan and Barbudan players with pathways from grassroots football through to national, regional and international competition.
The discussions also recognised the progress already being made by Antigua and Barbuda’s young footballers. President Infantino highlighted the opportunities being created for the country’s youth teams through new FIFA competitions and development initiatives.
The Government has previously reaffirmed its commitment to football as an instrument for youth empowerment, national pride and social development, while supporting the ABFA’s efforts to improve infrastructure and expand opportunities for young players.
Prime Minister Browne said the Government sees football development as extending well beyond competition.
“We believe this is one of the ways in which we can encourage more of our children to play sport and become more productive and wholesome citizens,” the Prime Minister said during the discussions.
The Prime Minister also used the meeting to signal Antigua and Barbuda’s interest in hosting a future FIFA congress or major meeting.
He highlighted the country’s growing reputation and experience in hosting major international conferences and invited FIFA to consider Antigua and Barbuda for one of its future gatherings.
“We have the capacity to host you,” Prime Minister Browne told President Infantino, indicating that Antigua and Barbuda would welcome the opportunity to submit a bid for a future FIFA meeting or congress.
Saturday’s meeting builds upon an existing relationship between FIFA and Antigua and Barbuda. FIFA previously invested in the development of the ABFA Technical Centre and headquarters through its FIFA Forward development programme. FIFA has said its development approach seeks to invest in infrastructure and competitions in cooperation with national football associations and public authorities.
The latest discussions are expected to deepen that partnership significantly, particularly through the proposed national football stadium and expanded technical assistance.
Prime Minister Browne thanked President Infantino and his team for what he described as productive and concrete discussions and pledged the Government’s continued cooperation with the ABFA and FIFA.
The Prime Minister said the Government’s objective is to create an environment in which talented Antiguan and Barbudan footballers are provided with the facilities, coaching, competitions and development pathways necessary to realise their potential.
The parties agreed to maintain close engagement as the stadium project and other football-development initiatives move towards implementation. (Ends)
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: FIFA President Infantino and PM Browne Agree on Expanded Programme to Develop Football in Antigua and Barbuda.