The ISSPF is an online coach education platform which offers coaches, students, youth coaches, semi-professional and elite-level soccer coaching individuals the opportunity to enhance both the scientific aspects of performance coaching as well as current knowledge.

A media release from the BVIFA said the online courses will be geared towards enhancing the abilities and knowledge levels of all participants.

The courses within the agreement will include topics such as, “Nutrition, Psychology and Mental Skills, Youth Soccer Player Development, Training Methodology, Fitness Training, Tactical Analysis, Talent Identification and the Principles of Coaching”.

Programme to enhance football in the BVI

BVIFA President Andy Bickerton highlighted the importance of having access to such a programme within the territory as it will help to advance the sport of football within the BVI.

“This is another step forward for the BVIFA as we create further learning opportunities for our coaches. We have seen significant improvement in the level of coaching particularly over the last year which has translated into an improved level of playing performance in our youth teams,” Bickerton stated.

He added: “We now have a significant number of talented youngsters transitioning from our youth programme into both national league teams and the national team. They have been well-coached and are improving the overall standard of play in the territory.”

Also sharing similar sentiments was BVIFA Technical Director Dan Neville, who has been lauded for playing a pivotal role in the development of coaches and players in the territory.

“Coach education and developing our suite of online coaching qualifications is at the forefront of our strategic plan and this partnership aligns both elements. We will be using the ISSPF platform to upskill our local coaches and will also be able to offer the courses to coaches across the region,” Neville stated.

Delighted to partner with BVIFA

Meanwhile, in an invited comment, the ISSPF said they were proud to partner with the BVIFA in becoming the territory’s official online education provider.

“Provision of bespoke soccer-related courses, across coaching & performance development is something we are proud to work together with for the progression of all individuals interested in improving their skill set. Our BVIFA accredited courses cover a range of coaching interests from grassroots, through to the elite professional coaching level,” ISSPF stated.

Coaches or other staff members can access the programme via the BVIFA’s social media pages, where links will be posted.