TTFA Hosts FIFA Amateur Football forum
TTFA Hosts FIFA Amateur Football Environment Forum at Home of Football
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), in collaboration with FIFA’s Global Football Development Division, successfully hosted a two-day Amateur Football Environment Forum on April 29–30, 2026 at the Technical Centre, Home of Football in Couva.
The forum, facilitated by FIFA Regional Technical Consultants Ian Greenwood and David Abdul, marked the presentation of the Amateur Football Environment Analysis (AFEA) Report for Trinidad and Tobago — the culmination of a comprehensive, multi-year assessment of the country’s amateur football landscape.
TTFA General Secretary Kareem Paul and Technical Director (Ag) Devin Elcock welcomed participants during the opening segment on Wednesday.
The sessions brought together a wide cross-section of national stakeholders, including representatives from the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT), the TTFA, the Mexican Embassy, corporate partners, regional football zones, University of the West Indies (UWI), the media, and the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s League Football (WoLF).
The AFEA Report provided a detailed overview of the structures, systems and activities shaping amateur football in T&T, transforming extensive data into clear insights and practical recommendations.
The forum also created a valuable platform for dialogue, collaboration and strategic alignment among stakeholders.
TTFA President Kieron Edwards underscored the importance of the initiative in shaping the future of the game locally.
“This forum represents a critical step forward for football in Trinidad and Tobago. The insights provided through FIFA’s Amateur Football Environment Analysis give us a clear, structured pathway to strengthen our grassroots and amateur systems.
“By bringing all key stakeholders together, we are ensuring that the future of our football is built on collaboration, accountability and a shared vision for growth at every level of the game,” Edwards stated.
FIFA Regional Technical Consultant David Abdul highlighted the global significance of the initiative and the need to prioritize the amateur game.
“This is one of the biggest analyses ever conducted on amateur football globally. When you look at the numbers, only about 0.2% of players reach the professional level — so the focus must be on the 99.8%. It’s about creating a strong foundation, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, and giving everyone the opportunity to play and grow within the game,” Abdul explained to TTFA Media.
He further noted that while football activity across T&T remains vibrant, the next step lies in structure and strategic planning.
“There is a lot of football being played across the country, but now is the time to create a clear structure and strategic plan for amateur football, looking at short, medium and long-term development. This is not something FIFA will drive alone; the Member Association must lead, working together with stakeholders to build and implement an action plan over the next four years,” he added.
Throughout the two-day forum, participants engaged in interactive sessions aimed at strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing coordination among stakeholders, and identifying priority actions across key areas such as competitions, coaching education, schools’ football, and alternative formats of the game including women’s football.
Abdul emphasized that the process must continue beyond the forum.
“This does not end here. The report provides clear findings and recommendations across multiple areas. It’s now about stakeholders coming together regularly, reviewing those recommendations and turning them into action points that will drive real development in the amateur game,” he said.
The initiative forms part of FIFA’s broader commitment to supporting its Member Associations in building sustainable football ecosystems, with amateur and grassroots football recognized as a critical pillar of long-term success.
The TTFA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with FIFA and all stakeholders to implement the recommendations outlined in the report and to advance the development of football across Trinidad and Tobago.
