Football Association Holds Administration Forum
The Bermuda Football Association recently held its Clubs Administration Forum at the Young Men’s Social Club when Member Clubs attended a day-long session from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The aim of the Forum was to share knowledge and exchange ideas on a variety of topics and issues impacting our clubs and football generally.
The Forum also addressed the need for improved standards for the administration of football under the auspices of the Association.
The Forum was moderated by General Secretary David Sabir with Executive members namely President Larry Mussenden, Treasurer Andrew Griffith, 1st Vice President Calvin Blankendal, Executive Members Mark Wade and Stephen Coddington making presentations relevant to their areas of involvement and responsibility within football.
Additionally, club executive members namely Ray Jones, President of Devonshire Colts and Allan Young, Treasurer of North Village Community Club made presentations during the Forum.
Photo: Mark Wade, Anthony Francis, David Sabir, Larry Mussenden, Calvin Blankendal, Troy Lewis, Crenstant Williams. Back Row [left to right]: Nadine Browne-Evans, Oneika Millet, Antoine Augustus, Beverly Pitt, Kim Armstrong, Romeo Rudduck, David Burt, Margo Burchall, Nadir Wade, Janell Smith, Antoine Minors, Joy Eve, DeAndrea Easton, Michelle Hassell, Ray Jones Missing: Allan Young, Derek Stapley, Gerri Saltus, Elizabeth Pedro, Gershon Gibbons, Saleem Talbot, Vance Campbell, Stanford Bean, Laura Miller-Ball, Michaela Bradshaw, Keith Dole, Joel Duffy
The topics and presenters were as follows:
- Who Is the Bermuda Football Association? – Larry Mussenden
- BFA Constitution and By-Laws – Larry Mussenden and David Sabir
- Clubs Organizational Structure – David Sabir & Ray Jones
- Strategic and Business Planning – Calvin Blankendal and Ray Jones
- Human and Technical Development – Mark Wade
- Financial Management – Andrew Griffith
- Facility Development and Management – Troy Lewis
- Communication Strategy – Stephen Coddington and Allan Young
BFA General Secretary David Sabir said, “It is important for the Executive Council and Clubs to connect more often to discuss relevant issues impacting our sport. This Forum provided the perfect opportunity to do just that and to allow for the exchange of information, clear up misconceptions and to generally inform the delegates of matters that they others may not be aware. It was a very positive day and we look forward to continuing a series of such gatherings to address matters arising out of the Forum.”
Somerset Cricket Club Football Committee Chairman Nadir Wade said, “I truly have to thank and commend the BFA for showing leadership in organizing this timely and informative forum. I’ve attended many forums and conferences in my professional capacity and found this to be one of the most useful and relevant to date.
“The relevance and delivery of topics really put things into perspective as to how we can improve the model within our community clubs. I feel those clubs in attendance have benefited from this experience and I encourage and support the collaborative efforts that the BFA is advocating.”
Calvin and his fellow executives have been asked regularly, since they were returned to BFA Exec, for the FA’s Business and Strateic plan or where one could find it. Thus far, no response. Therefore, how does one speak on the matter and simultaneously is unable to provide the football public with concrete evidence that they are working from a cohesive plan?
Ray Jones discussing Club Organizational structure ….Hmmmm!!