The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has officially broken ground on its long-anticipated FIFA-funded Technical Development Centre in Simon, St Andrew.
This landmark event marks a powerful turning point in the future of football in Grenada, with the promise to significantly impact youth development, community upliftment, and the advancement of the sport on both a national and regional scale.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by FIFA dignitaries, government officials, community leaders, and members of Grenada’s national teams, signals the start of a bold new chapter in the GFA’s long-term strategic plan to build capacity, empower talent, and deliver excellence in football.
A vision for sustainable football development
In his keynote address, Marlon Glean, President, GFA, emphasised the critical importance of building infrastructure that supports both present and future generations of athletes. “This centre is not just a building, it’s the heartbeat of a vision we hold for Grenadian football: one where access, opportunity, and professionalism are embedded at every level. From grassroots to elite performance, this facility will stand as a symbol of resilience, ambition, and progress,” Glean said.
The state-of-the-art facility, made possible through FIFA’s Forward Programme, will house training fields, coaching classrooms, fitness and recovery areas, and office space for technical and administrative staff. Once completed, it will serve as the nucleus of Grenada’s football ecosystem, enabling year-round development for male and female athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators.
Building beyond football: Community and national impact
Beyond its technical mandate, the development centre is expected to generate meaningful community impact. Located in Simon, St Andrew, a region rich with footballing passion and youthful potential, the facility will serve as a hub for community activities, mentorship programmes, and educational outreach.
“This development is not only an investment in football; it is an investment in our people, our youth, and our communities,” said Minister for Sports Hon. Delma Thomas, who delivered remarks during the ceremony.
Aligned with Strategic Goals
The construction of the Technical Development Centre aligns with the GFA’s broader Strategic Development Framework, which prioritises:
- Strengthening grassroots and youth football
- Advancing coach and referee education
- Increasing participation in women’s football
- Promoting good governance and professional administration
- Leveraging football as a tool for social development
It also complements President Glean’s regional and international advocacy for infrastructural equity and sustainable growth across underserved footballing nations, an agenda he has championed in global forums such as the World Football Summit, Africa Football Business Summit and Soccerex Miami.
A call to collaborate
FIFA Director of Member Associations (Americas) Jair Bertoni, who addressed the gathering, reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to empowering member associations to build meaningful, lasting infrastructure. “The goal is to ensure that every country, regardless of size or geography, has the tools and resources to grow the game in a sustainable way,” said Bertoni.
As phase one of the project begins, the GFA extends an invitation to corporate Grenada, community partners, and regional stakeholders to collaborate in maximising the centre’s potential and ensuring it becomes a blueprint for similar initiatives across the Caribbean.
GFA
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