TTFA Launches Academy of Leadership and Management
TTFA Launches Academy of Leadership and Management with Three Foundational Programmes
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has officially unveiled its Academy of Leadership and Management at the TTFA Technical Centre, signaling a major step forward in strengthening governance, safeguarding, and professional development across local football.
The launch introduced two core programmes under the Academy’s umbrella — the TTFA Learnership Programme and the Spanish for Football Course — with a Basic Life Saving Course also set to roll out in the coming weeks under the guidance of the TTFA Medical Department.
Investing in Human Capital
In delivering the opening address, TTFA General Secretary Kareem Paul underscored that the initiative goes far beyond traditional training.
“This is a deliberate investment in people,” Paul stated. “If football is to develop sustainably, it must be supported by strong governance, structured education, and competent administration. Today, we are laying that foundation.”
The Academy will serve as TTFA’s central platform for education, certification, and continuous professional development, ensuring standardized training for administrators and support personnel across the organization.
Learnership Programme: Creating Professional Pathways
TTFA Third Vice President Jameson Rigues described the Learnership Programme as a structured pathway for aspiring professionals within football administration.
“This is about building a pipeline of capable individuals who understand that football is not only played on the field, but managed strategically off it,” Rigues explained.
The programme blends formal instruction with practical, hands-on experience across TTFA departments. Participants will complete structured work hours while progressing through clearly defined development levels focused on leadership, accountability, and administrative excellence.
Spanish for Football: Strengthening Global Connections
Also present for the launch was His Excellency Gustavo Martínez Pandiani, Argentine Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, who participated in introducing the Spanish for Football Course.
“Football is global, and communication is power,” Ambassador Pandiani noted. “As relationships expand across the region and internationally, language becomes a strategic asset. This initiative enhances collaboration and opens broader opportunities for stakeholders.”
The course is tailored specifically to football operations, covering practical terminology, administrative language, and communication skills relevant to the sport’s technical and institutional environment.
Prioritizing Safety and Preparedness
Complementing the educational offerings, TTFA will soon implement a Basic Life Saving Course. The curriculum will be developed and monitored by the Association’s Medical Department to ensure clinical accuracy and compliance, while the Academy will oversee its structured delivery.
A Long-Term Strategic Pillar
The Academy of Leadership and Management forms a central pillar of TTFA’s long-term strategic framework. Its mandate is to institutionalize continuous professional development, establish measurable competency standards, and align training systems with international best practices.
As emphasized at the launch, infrastructure and equipment alone cannot drive progress.
“Facilities can be built and resources acquired, but without trained, ethical, and competent people, those investments cannot achieve their full impact. Investing in human capacity is investing in football capacity.”
With the formal launch of the Academy and its inaugural programmes, TTFA has taken a decisive step toward professionalizing football administration and strengthening its organizational future.
Further information on the Learnership Program can be found by contacting safeguarding.ttfa@gmail.com
