TTFA announces Safeguarding Steering Committee
TTFA Strengthens Player Care and Safeguarding with UWI Partnership and New Steering Committee Appointments
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), through its Safeguarding Department, hosted a landmark session on Thursday at the Technical Department Office in Couva aimed at advancing player care, wellbeing, and cross-sector collaboration in sport protection and education.
The day’s proceedings began with Module 1 in Player Care and Wellbeing, led by Dr. Cheryl-Ann Boodram, Lecturer in the Department of Behavioural Sciences at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine. Her presentation, titled “Players/Athletes’ Behavior in the Social Environment – Why Mattering Matters,” explored the psychosocial factors influencing athletes’ behavior and the importance of creating environments where players feel valued and supported both on and off the field.
Following the morning session, the TTFA and UWI advanced discussions on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both institutions, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the areas of safeguarding, research, education, and player welfare.
Dr. Boodram and TTFA Vice President Mr. Jameson Rigues each addressed the gathering on the shared goals of the MOU. The session also saw the formal distribution of instruments of appointment to members of the UWI/TTFA Safeguarding Steering Committee, presented by Mr. Rigues. The committee will guide policy development and implementation in safeguarding and athlete wellbeing.
In his remarks, Mr. Rigues described the partnership as “a transformative moment in the evolution of football and social development in Trinidad and Tobago,” emphasizing that the MOU represents much more than a signed document.
“It is a shared commitment to the holistic development of our athletes, the strengthening of our communities, and the advancement of sport as a vehicle for social change,” Rigues said.
He further explained that the agreement between the TTFA and UWI seeks to integrate sport social work into the fabric of football development.
“Together, UWI and TTFA will co-create policies, frameworks, and programmes that prioritize the psychosocial well-being of players—from youth athletes to national representatives—and extend care to their families, coaches, and support networks,” he added.
The partnership will focus on six key areas, including:
Designing evidence-based player care programmes
Conducting joint research on the social, psychological, and cultural factors affecting athlete welfare
Providing practicum placements and internships for UWI students within TTFA settings
Delivering training workshops for coaches, parents, and administrators
Advocating for national guidelines on player care and well-being
Hosting conferences and public forums on mental health, resilience, and sport for development.
A Joint Steering Committee, co-chaired by Mr. Gary St. Rose of TTFA and Dr. Cheryl-Ann Boodram of UWI, will oversee the implementation of the MOU, ensuring that initiatives are strategic, inclusive, and impactful.
“This agreement respects the autonomy of both institutions while encouraging joint funding pursuits, ethical research practices, and shared intellectual contributions,” Rigues noted. “It is a framework built on trust, transparency, and the belief that sport can—and must—be a force for good.”
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to embrace the partnership with “boldness and purpose” and to “champion the well-being of athletes not just on the field, but in every aspect of their lives.”
Steering Committee Members and Appointments
Dr. Cheryl-Ann Boodram – Lecturer, Department of Behavioural Sciences, UWI, St. Augustine – Appointed as Co-Chair
Gary St. Rose – Safeguarding, Player Care and Wellbeing Manager, TTFA – Appointed as Co-Chair
Arlene Paul – Social Worker, TTFA – Appointed as Member
Dr. Akash Dhanai – Medical Doctor (Sports Medicine), TTFA – Appointed as Member
Dr. Anand Rampersad – Head and Lecturer, Academy of Sport, UWI, St. Augustine – Appointed as Member
Ms. Sherlan Cabralis – Lecturer and Coordinator, Sport Management, Department of Management Studies, UWI, St. Augustine – Appointed as Member
Mrs. Gemma Allsop-Calliste – Social Worker – Appointed as Member
Representatives from the Mediation Services Division, Ministry of Sport and Community Development were also in attendance and delivered brief remarks before presenting Conflict De-escalation Certificates to participants.
A message was shared on behalf of the Netball Association of Trinidad and Tobago,
TTFA President Kieron Edwards underscored the TTFA’s commitment to holistic athlete development and safeguarding.
The event culminated with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the TTFA and the Netball Association of Trinidad and Tobago, signaling a shared national commitment to protecting athletes and elevating standards of care across sporting disciplines.
“Safeguarding is not an isolated function; it is a collective responsibility that must be embedded in the culture of sport. Today’s collaborations reflect the TTFA’s dedication to building safer, more supportive spaces for our athletes,” said TTFA President Mr. Kieron Edwards.
The TTFA continues to advance its Safeguarding and Player Care initiatives through partnerships, education, and proactive engagement with academic, governmental, and sporting institutions, ensuring that the welfare of every athlete remains a top priority.
