by Curlan Campbell
- GFA presidential elections to be on 9 May 2026
- Incumbent Marlon Glean faces challengers Roger Duncan and Leon Radix
- Radix underscored investing in young players and expanding opportunities for women
Leon Radix, who serves as the newly appointed Course Director of the Marine and Wildlife Conservation Department, School of Arts and Sciences at St George’s University (SGU), has outlined an ambitious plan for the Grenada Football Association (GFA). These plans, he said, are focused on governance reform, structured development, and national collaboration as he seeks to lead the organisation into a new era.
The Grenada Football Association (GFA) is set to hold presidential elections on 9 May 2026, with incumbent Marlon Glean facing challenges from banker Roger Duncan and academic Leon Radix.
Radix has publicised the names of those who will join his executive team once elected: Allan James, Lincoln Elcock, Amanda Scott, Clinton Hamilton, Geverson David, and Denroy Lewis.
Radix discussed his background, noting his extensive leadership and governance experience for the position. In addition to managing St David’s football and cricket teams, he has experience with the St David’s Football Club and St David’s Football League. “I’m an educator and administrator with over 20 years of experience in leadership and governance,” He said. “In football, I’ve worked at the club and national level advocating for better structure and accountability.” He added, “I bring systems thinking and proven leadership to football development.”
Turning to his vision for the sport, Radix stated that his goal is to establish a more organised and sustainable football system in Grenada. He said, “My vision is to build a structured, inclusive, and performance-driven football system. That means a clear pathway from grassroots to elite football, strong governance, competitive leagues, and sustainable financing.” He emphasised this point by noting that “Structure and sustainability must replace uncertainty and inconsistency.”
Radix also detailed what he would prioritise during his first 100 days in office if elected. He said that his administration would begin with a comprehensive review of the organisation, explaining, “First, a full audit — financial, technical, and administrative. Second, stakeholder engagement across the country. Third, a clear football calendar and technical plan aligned with international standards.” He added, “The priority is restoring order and building confidence in the system.”
On the issue of unity within the football community, Radix said he intends to create more inclusive decision-making structures. He explained, “We need structured collaboration. I will establish a Football Advisory Council so clubs, players, referees, and sponsors all have a voice in decision-making.” He stressed the importance of trust by stating, “Inclusion builds trust, and trust builds strong institutions.”
Addressing development at the grassroots level, Radix underscored the importance of investing in young players and expanding opportunities for women in the sport. He said, “Youth development is central — better academies, certified coaching, and school-to-club pathways.” He continued, “For women’s football, we must ensure consistent investment, organised leagues, and equal opportunity.” He concluded that, “Development must be inclusive or it will fail.”
Radix also spoke about the need to ensure that football development reaches all parts of the country, including rural communities. He said, “By decentralising development. We’ll create zonal hubs, expand scouting, and support community competitions.” He added, “Talent is everywhere — opportunity must be too.”
In outlining his approach to partnerships, Radix said collaboration would be essential to expanding resources and expertise. “We will strengthen ties with regional and international football bodies, while also engaging the private sector and government.” He added, “Partnerships are critical to scaling resources and expertise.”
On improving the performance of national teams, Radix emphasised the importance of systems and modern approaches. He said, “By implementing a structured talent identification system, engaging the diaspora, and integrating modern coaching, sports science, and analytics.” He noted that, “Performance is the outcome of good systems — not chance.”
Radix is also committed to improving transparency within the GFA. He said, “By publishing audited financials, enforcing governance policies, and maintaining open communication with stakeholders.” He stressed that, “Transparency is not optional; it is the foundation of trust.”
Discussing the challenges facing football in Grenada, Radix acknowledged existing limitations while expressing confidence in overcoming them. He said, “Limited resources, inconsistent systems, and infrastructure gaps.” He added, “But with proper leadership and planning, these are solvable problems.”
Radix highlighted the potential of football in Grenada and his readiness to lead its development. He said, “Football in Grenada has tremendous potential. With the right leadership, structure, and accountability, we can transform the game and create opportunities for our youth and our nation. I’m ready to lead that transformation.”
The upcoming election is expected to be closely watched as stakeholders across Grenada’s football community weigh competing visions for the future of the sport.
