President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) Marlon Glean successfully concluded another high-profile international engagement at Soccerex Miami 2025, where he participated in a powerful panel discussion titled “Prospect to Pro.”
The panel explored critical strategies for nurturing elite talent, building modern academies, and creating cross-border player pathways, topics directly aligned with President Glean’s strategic vision for football development in the Caribbean.
Joining a global roster of federation leaders, club executives, and football development experts, President Glean brought a unique perspective to the conversation, shaped by his work in developing sustainable football ecosystems for small nations. During the discussion, he addressed structural and cultural barriers in Caribbean player development, the importance of identity and community pride, and the urgent need for integrated regional systems that can move talent from local to global stages.
“Small nations like Grenada are not short on talent; we are short on pathways. It is our responsibility as leaders to build the bridges that turn potential into professional success,” Glean emphasised during the session.
Tying Soccerex to strategic football vision
President Glean’s presence at Soccerex Miami follows a string of major international speaking invitations in 2025, including the World Football Summit in Hong Kong and the Africa Football Business Summit in Kenya, where he delivered a keynote address and participated in a panel discussion on football as a tool for socio-economic development and cross-continental collaboration.
These platforms are further validation of the growing international recognition of Grenada’s progressive football agenda under Glean’s leadership, one that focuses on grassroots investment, elite talent retention, transparent governance, and long-term capacity building.
In addition to his role as GFA President, Glean also serves on both the Concacaf Football Development Committee and the newly announced FIFA Technical Development Committee (2025–2029), solidifying his position as a Caribbean thought leader at the intersection of policy, development, and global football reform.
Looking ahead
As Grenada continues to expand its international football footprint, GFA remains committed to implementing strategic policies that not only benefit Grenadian players but serve as a regional model for sustainable sports development.
“Every conversation we are part of on the global stage is a step forward for Grenada and Caribbean football,” Glean stated. “We must keep showing up, sharing ideas, and shaping the future of the game because we belong in that conversation,” he continued.
GFA
