The Bermuda Football Association recently held a workshop to help the island’s coaches develop skills in line with the Concacaf Coaching Convention.

Shequita Parson, Jake Littlejohn, Aaron Denkins, Kimmisha Perinchief and Gary Adams all took part in the Train The Trainer course at the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence last week. The coaches engaged in a comprehensive series of sessions covering adult learning principles, learner-centred methodologies, assessment, and effective course delivery in both theoretical and practical environments.

The course was facilitated by Concacaf’s coach educator developers Lenny Lake, and Andre Virtue, Maurice Lowe and Andre Waugh, Concacaf coach education senior manager, with the programme emphasising the role of coach educators as learning facilitators, mentors, and evaluators.

The Concacaf Coaching Convention is a regulatory framework designed to standardise the quality of coach education across the 41 member associations of Concacaf, with the workshop representing a strategic investment in the technical development of participating member associations

Jason Roberts, a former professional footballer with Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion, is now chief football development officer at Concacaf and believes the course will empower Bermuda’s coaches.

“Developing a network of skilled coach educators is central to achieving our long-term vision for coaching excellence in the region,” Roberts said.

“The Train the Trainer initiative provides member associations with the capacity to deliver meaningful education that supports coach growth and ultimately benefits players at every level. We commend the Bermuda Football Association for their leadership and commitment to this important work.”

Parson, head of coach education at the BFA, highlighted the importance of the initiative.

“Being part of this coach educator course has opened my eyes to the delicate balance between teaching and facilitating,” she said.

“I’m discovering that the most powerful moments happen when we create space for coaches to connect their own experiences with new concepts. This journey is showing me that true educator leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions that inspire reflection and growth.”

Mark Wade, president of the BFA, expressed his appreciation and the importance of coaching on the island.

“We are delighted to have Andre Waugh and Lenny Lake return to Bermuda joined by Andre Virtue,” he said.

“Together with Bermuda technical development director Maurice Lowe they have led a dynamic workshop to empower our new coach educators. With this addition to our coach educator team, we take another step forward in coach education and improving the standard of coaching for our players.”