Launch of the Bigger Game Academy in Turks and Caicos Islands: A New Era for Youth Football Development
The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) announced the official launch of the 2025 Bigger Game Academy, heralding another significant milestone in youth football development across the region. This initiative, realized through partnerships with Concacaf and the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Education, aims to foster social cohesion, teamwork, trust, resilience, effort, discipline, respect, and healthy living by broadening access to football and social responsibility programs. Each school/community institution will run a comprehensive 10-week program, built on three strategic pillars: “On the Pitch – Access to Play,” “Leveling the Playing Field – Diversity and Inclusion,” and “Sustainable Solutions – Growth and Health.”
With participation from over 21 schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bigger Game Academy commenced with a specialized training session for teachers and coaches in Providenciales on August 28. A total of 20 coaches attended the event. Each school received essential gear and equipment to effectively implement the program. This training was designed to empower local teachers to become coaches using state-of-the-art methodologies and resources, ensuring they can nurture young football enthusiasts effectively. By investing in the training and development of these coaches, the academy commits to sustainable growth and a promising future for football in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Local facilitators included Dane Ritchie (TCIFA Technical Director), Yunelsis Rodriguez Baez (TCIFA Director of Women’s Football), Damien Grant (TCIFA Head of Coaching Education), and Olivia Graveley (Director of the Grand Turk Football Program). Concacaf representatives present were Cristian Cubillas (Concacaf Development Senior Manager), and instructors, Andre Virtue, Tanesha Vincent, and Marco Santillan.
To celebrate the launch, a vibrant football festival was held on August 29, 2025 at the TCIFA National Academy in Providenciales. This event featured a variety of football activities, uniting young aspiring grassroots footballers from across the island. The festival involved a morning filled with fun, excitement, and inspiration, laying the groundwork for the next generation of football stars.
“We are thrilled to have once again partnered with Concacaf and the TCI Ministry of Education to bring the Bigger Game Academy to the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said TCIFA President Sonia Fulford. “Our mission is to provide young athletes with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed both on and off the field. Seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants during the festival was truly inspiring. We are confident that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the youth, equipping them with essential skills that extend beyond football,” she added.
The Bigger Game Academy represents a transformative step forward in the region's sporting landscape, promoting not only athletic prowess but also personal growth, teamwork, and leadership. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to nurturing talent and celebrating the beautiful game throughout the Caribbean.
Deputy Director of Education, Ms. Elsiann Delancy commented, “ The Department of Education within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture thrive on building partnerships that provide our students and teachers with opportunities to succeed through sports. The Bigger Game initiative, hosted by the TCI Football Association, offers opportunities to build teamwork, resilience, and leadership through sport. We are confident that this programme will strengthen Physical Education in our schools and promote personal growth, collaboration, and school spirit across our institutions. Training for our outer island schools will be scheduled soon, ensuring that every student in the Turks and Caicos Islands can benefit from this transformative initiative.”
Dane Ritchie, Technical Director of TCIFA, stated, "The Bigger Game Academy program provides a fantastic opportunity for schools and community institutions to be better equipped with the requisite coaching education as well as football equipment to be able to create lasting impact in the lives of the students/players they will deliver the program to. The Bigger Game Academy program uses football as the tool to create a positive social impact on students/players by focusing on many social skills such as decision making, communication, self confidence, collaboration, leadership, problem solving and team building skills.
The TCIFA is grateful for the support from Concacaf and the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services for the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of our youths across the Turks and Caicos Islands. This will change lives."
