TCIFA Highlights Candia Ewing's Selection to Global Leadership Initiative - The Future Leaders In Football Program
L-R: Jacky Mueller - FLF Content Facilitator & Academic Programme Designer and Candia Ewing - TCIFA Acting General Secretary
Following a competitive application and interview process, Candia Ewing, TCIFA Acting General Secretary, was selected as one of just eighteen emerging female leaders from National Associations, Confederations, and Sport-for-Development organizations across Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Germany to take part in the seventh edition of the Future Leaders in Football (FLF) Program, held in Mexico City from June 10–15, 2026, during the opening week of the FIFA Men's World Cup 2026.
The prestigious leadership initiative, organized by the German Football Association (DFB) in partnership with Volkswagen and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), brought together emerging female leaders from National Associations, Confederations, and Sport-for-Development organizations to strengthen leadership capacity, advance gender equity, and foster collaboration across the global football community.
Since its inception in 2021, the FLF Program has empowered more than 100 women from around the world by providing leadership development opportunities, fostering international collaboration, and advancing gender equity within football. The 2026 edition focused on the Concacaf region and created a unique platform for participants to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks, and develop the skills necessary to influence the future of the game.
Ewing's participation marked a significant achievement for both her and the continued development of football leadership within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Throughout the week-long program, participants engaged in leadership workshops, discussions on overcoming structural barriers facing women in football, and practical Sport-for-Development sessions that demonstrated football's power as a tool for social change and gender equity.
The program featured an impressive lineup of speakers and football leaders, including FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, CONCACAF Chief Commercial Officer Heidi Pellerano, Liga BBVA MX Femenil President Mariana Gutiérrez, UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister, and Andrea Rodebaugh, Director of Women's National Teams at the Mexican Football Association. Participants benefited from their expertise, insights, and experiences while gaining practical knowledge and valuable tools to advance into leadership positions within the sport.
Dr. Holger Blask, DFB General Secretary, opened the program, underlining the importance of empowering women in football: “The FLF aligns with the DFB’s commitment to advancing gender equity in football and strengthening international cooperation through such initiatives. Through the program, its leadership lessons and practical application into the sporting context, we equip the participants with the right tools to advance into leadership positions within football. Each women brings the ambition and potential to the table to influence the game of tomorrow and we’re looking forward to seeing this unfold in the future. ”
DFB main partner, Volkswagen, has supported the program from the very beginning - and for good reason: “Programs like ‘Future Leaders in Football’ show how sport connects people around the world and creates valuable networks. For Volkswagen, it is a key priority to foster exactly this kind of exchange and to jointly drive positive and sustainable societal change. That is why we are supporting the program with full conviction for the seventh time,” said Gerd Voss, Head of Volkswagen Sports Communications.
The FLF project partner, the GIZ, added: “Future Leaders in Football impressively demonstrates the potential that the ‘Sport for Development’ approach can unlock. Through the strategic combination of sports education, and personal development, young people strengthen their leadership skills, take on responsibility, and drive positive change in their communities. Girls and young women, in particular, gain new opportunities for participation, self-determination, and social engagement”, Axel Caldas, Project lead GIZ.
In addition to the expert sessions, the FLF included a cultural program designed to complement the learning experience. Participants watched the opening match of the World Cup at a public viewing in the city, explored Mexico City on a guided walking tour, and experienced local traditions. A particular highlight was a session with Lucha Libre fighter Kathrin Zeiske, who encouraged participants to “fight like a girl,” followed by jointly watching a live Lucha Libre event at Arena México.
At the heart of the program were the participants themselves, who shaped the week through their openness, determination, and mutual support. By creating a safe and empowering space, they uplifted one another and built lasting connections that extend far beyond the program.
Reflecting on the experience, Ewing described the program as a transformative milestone in both her personal and professional development:
"Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Concacaf for nominating me and giving me the opportunity to go through the interview process. That initial step meant a great deal to me and made this entire journey possible. This was the first time I had ever experienced a leadership program of this nature, and it was truly a life-changing experience," said Ewing. "It has completely reshaped the way I understand leadership. Leadership doesn’t belong to certain positions or personalities. Over the course of the week, the realization that leadership is much more personal than that was cemented. It is about authenticity, self-awareness, and the ability to use your own voice in a meaningful way."
"What stayed with me most was the feeling of being in a space where I was genuinely seen, heard, and valued. It is not something I take for granted. Being surrounded by women from across the region who shared similar passions, struggles, and ambitions created a deep sense of belonging for me. I felt completely comfortable showing up as myself."
"One of the most defining moments of the entire program was the discussion with UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister. Beyond her achievements, there was a real connection. In that moment something shift in me. It was the moment I truly believed that people like me belong in these spaces too. That realization was powerful and emotional, and it changed the way I see my place in the game."
"The program also gave me a deeper understanding of my own leadership style. I left Mexico City feeling more grounded, more confident, and more certain about the value I bring. I also left with lifelong connections, new skills, and a renewed commitment to growing the game in the Turks and Caicos Islands."
The FLF Program aligned closely with TCIFA's ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, leadership development, and greater representation of women in football administration, coaching, officiating, and governance. Ewing's participation further reinforced the Association's commitment to supporting the next generation of football leaders and ensuring that women continue to play a central role in shaping the future of the sport.
As football continues to evolve globally, initiatives such as the Future Leaders in Football Program remain vital in breaking down barriers, fostering diversity, and empowering women to take on leadership and decision-making roles within the game.
