This past November, the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) had the official opening of the beach soccer facility at the foot of the Sidney Poitier Bridge. It was such a grand occasion that even the disappointing one-goal defeat of our nationals at the hand of Jamaica's Reggae Boys (6-5) did not seriously dampen the enthusiasm of the moment.
It was historic and the presence of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) officials and also, leading administrators of the region classified the event as one of the signature happenings for the sport during the past year.
Present were three government ministers, namely Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis (there particularly to cheer on his son and the rest of the team), Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson. Indeed, the Government of The Bahamas was appropriately represented and Minister Wilchcombe clearly saw the sports/tourism potential that soccer provides. He indicated as much as well as an inclination for his ministry to have a definite role in the mix.
Well, this week, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) will stage its convention, beginning today with work sessions at the Indiana Convention Center. Sports Tourism Director Tyrone Sawyer will be present, along with Bahamas Football Association (BFA) Vice President Fred Lunn. No doubt, throughout the convention, the two will network closely with the objective being how tourism and the BFA can work together in the very near future for a mutual benefit.
I've always felt that the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism's sports department could be maximized once closer relationships were built with the various core organizations. I believe the Ministry of Tourism, through its sports department, has a meaningful part to play in the expansion of the Bahamian sports industry.
I know that Minister Wilchcombe feels likewise. It was he during the 2002-2007 administration of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), who sought to broaden the base of the ministry's sport department. It is looking like he still has the same mindset. This is good. The presence of Sports Director Sawyer demonstrates the positive outlook of the ministry for soccer, in this instance, and sports in general.
The local representatives will be in Indianapolis for the full duration of the convention sessions. The NSCAA convention is an excellent forum. The theme this year is, 'Innovate to Elevate', and according to the "promo", the main agenda items will be new techniques, training, youth programs, NSCAA market place and other educational aspects.
Of course, a priority for the Bahamian national program is how best to market youth soccer. I'm sure Sawyer and Lunn will be thus focused.

(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)

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