Technical Director of CONCACAF, Marcos Falopa, has been unmatched in any of the Caribbean islands he has visited.

Forty-five coaches registered for the course, exceeding the original limit of 30 -- a response that the former coach of the popular Brazilian club Santos said "amazes'' him.

"I have held the same course at many other islands like this (and) for this to have so many (coaches) is great, and it proves that there is a keen interest in soccer in the country,'' said Falopa.

The courses are a move by CONCACAF to upgrade the standard of soccer within their region. Falopa has come here from St. Lucia and will head for Grenada when he leaves on the weekend.

The courses got underway at Stonington on Tuesday and will conclude on Saturday.

"It's good to be here, we are glad to see the Bermuda Football Association accept us with open arms,'' said Falopa.

"I saw Bermuda in the youth tournament in Trinidad and the players showed great technical skills, and it will be nice to see the coaches work hard so that the players can get even better technical skills.'' During his travels Falopa's input isn't limited to coaching as he gives advice to association about upgrading facilities and informs them about what steps should be taken to further develop technical, mental and physical training.

"But our main focus is on development, to prepare strong youth programmes in these countries in order to raise the standard of soccer,'' he said.

In addition to coaching several clubs in Brazil, Falopa has coached in Cameroon, Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa. "We are fortunate to have a top man here to conduct the courses, one who hails from a country where soccer is a passion, a country which is recognised for producing a high standard of play and great players,'' said BFA general secretary David Sabir.

MARCOS FALOPA