The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is thrilled to announce its participation in FIFA’s prestigious global Talent Development Scheme (TDS), an initiative dedicated to nurturing young athletes with exceptional potential. This program is set to revolutionize youth football in Turks and Caicos by establishing sustainable systems focused on:

• Identifying Talent
• Training Talent
• Showcasing Talent
• Creating Developmental Environments

It has been established that the most successful nations are characterized by robust quality education programs. However, many countries currently lack adequate opportunities for young players to develop their skills. FIFA is poised to act as a catalyst for nurturing young talent in regions where such opportunities are limited, particularly through the Talent Development Scheme.

To address these challenges, nations are establishing national academies and recruiting skilled coaches to enhance their infrastructure and promote football development. The collaboration between FIFA and its member associations is vital in this endeavor. FIFA provides both technical and financial support, while member associations demonstrate their commitment to creating the necessary frameworks for success.

The overarching mission is to foster a robust culture of individual player development, ensuring every young talent is given the opportunity to excel. This initiative transcends traditional coaching; it is about unlocking potential, crafting long-term player pathways, and empowering youth to succeed both on and off the field.

In response to the recent developments, FIFA has appointed Eilidh Mackay, AFC/FA A Licensed Coach, to the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) for a two-year term. Eilidh will be stationed in Providenciales. Hailing from Scotland, she previously contributed to a FIFA Talent Development Scheme in Bhutan, South Asia.

Coach Mackay, in collaboration with the TCIFA Technical Team, will spearhead the development of the TCIFA Talent Development Pathway. Under the expert direction of both Coach Mackay and TCIFA Talent Development Leader Lenford Singh, the initial phase focuses on scouting boys born in 2013 and 2014 on the island of Providenciales. This phase will culminate in the formation of the first training cohort, which will consist of selected U12 boys and U14 girls. This comprehensive pathway will soon extend across all four islands- i.e. Providenciales, North/ Middle Caicos, South Caicos, and Grand Turk.

By leveraging the expertise of Coach Mackay, the TCIFA aims to build a resilient ecosystem that supports young athletes through its structured training sessions and competitive opportunities.

TCIFA Technical Director, Dane Ritchie, explained “The Talent Development Scheme (TDS) is indeed of great benefit to us here in Turks and Caicos Islands as it allows us to create opportunities for the best talents across the country to train and play together. The TDS environment will foster development of the best players as they will challenge each other to get better. Having Coach Eilidh Mackay here as our FIFA Talent Coach will help us tremendously to shape the future of our TDS program. She will focus on providing support for a structured and sustainable program that will identify, train and play talent players with focus on the players individual development.

We are excited to have Eilidh on board with us and looking forward to he support to further develop our TDS program over the next two years”

Coach Mackay commented, “I’m excited to work with TCIFA to help shape a player development environment that puts the individual at the heart of the journey. This program is built around the principle of player first, then team focusing on long term development. We will be striving to connect the islands through best with best opportunities.”

The program will incorporate FIFA training methodology that supports the individual development of players creating an environment that better prepares young footballers of Turks and Caicos for the demands of modern football.

The TCIFA Talent Development Pathway is designed for young individuals who not only exhibit exceptional talent but also possess the ambition and mindset essential for continuous growth and improvement. This pathway embraces a holistic approach, encompassing football skills, monitoring academic competencies and various other elements to ensure comprehensive consideration of all aspects of the child’s development. Participants in the program are expected to demonstrate commitment and discipline by actively engaging both on-pitch and off-pitch. In this dynamic setting, every participant is inspired to reach their full potential, both as an athlete and as an individual, paving the way for future successes.

The TCIFA Technical Team recognises that player development is inherently non-linear. To support and nurture each player’s unique journey, TCIFA remains committed to providing opportunities for growth. Consequently, players who are not initially selected during the early stages of the scouting process may still have the opportunity to be considered later on. The TCIFA Technical Team will continuously monitor player development across the grassroots program, Fortis League, school competitions, and various other developmental events throughout the year.

“Coach Mackay’s appointment marks a significant milestone in our journey to elevate youth football in our nation. We are confident that her expertise and dedication will greatly enhance our TDS Program, providing our young athletes with unparalleled opportunities to grow and excel. Together, we are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive environment that nurtures the potential of every player, ensuring a bright future for football in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said TCIFA General Secretary, Tamara Hall-Worme.

For more information about the FIFA TDS Talent Coach Programme visit Talent Development – FIFA Training Centre