ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – If you wanted to get an idea of where women’s football in CONCACAF is headed, there’s no need to look any further than Alajuela.
Last month, CONCACAF conducted its first-ever Women’s D-License coaching course – under the leadership of instructors Elieth Artavia and Etienne Siliee -- in the Costa Rican city.
The course was extremely well received and promises to form the basis for similar development efforts.
“Some of the participants in this course can provide significant support for the growth of women’s football in the region,” said Siliee, a former Curacao national team head coach, who possesses clear eagerness to share his expertise. “They are true leaders and can function as mentors for girls wishing to pursue a career in coaching.”
Topics over the three days (September 10-12) included: the role of coach/educators, defensive techniques, tactics, practical training sessions, small-sided games and technical training.
Exams were given to test the participants on the covered material.
The course served to reinforce CONCACAF’s support for each of its Member Associations, while emphasizing development. Elevating the level abilities of the region’s coaches and referees – in addition to providing opportunities for young girls in football – strengthen those principles.
For women’s football, the Confederation is targeting increased participation, improvement in the quality of play, as well as enhanced coaching/administrative education. These objectives are being capably accomplished through the thoughtful creation of local initiatives and the promotion of women’s football from an all-inclusive perspective.
CONCACAF is currently planning on holding another Women’s D-license course in the Caribbean early next year.
COURSE PARTICIPANTS
- Jeniffer Vanessa Fernandez Ortiz (Nicaragua)
- Aryeris Auxiliadora Jiron (Nicaragua)
- Mayra Enriqueta Quan Maltés (Guatemala)
- Keila Rosmery Rodas Pineda (Guatemala)
- Raíza Gutiérrez (Panama)
- Viola Yau (Panama)
- Maria del Rosario Tejeda (Honduras)
- Helen Flowers (Belice)
- Amelia Valverde Villalobos (Costa Rica)
- Patricia Aguilar Cordoba (Costa Rica)
- Xiomara Briceño Viales (Costa Rica)
- Jaqueline Alvarez Mendoza (Costa Rica)
- Mercedes Salas Rodriguez (Costa Rica)
- Jimena Rojas Cordero (Costa Rica)
- Ruth Saenz Calvo (Costa Rica)
- Christian Tapia Perez (Costa Rica)
- Ligia Montiel Sequeira (Costa Rica)
- Veronica Acuña Navarro (Costa Rica)
- Sandra Janette Ramos (El Salvador)
- Senis Edilia del Cid (El Salvador)
