Sports
FIFA Appoints Talent Coach, Eilidh Mackay, to Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association
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
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands – A young man who learned to play hockey on Cayman Islands’ only roller hockey rink has achieved
what once seemed impossible—becoming the first Caymanian ever selected in the National Hockey League Draft.
Eighteen-year-old Jaxon Cover was chosen 32nd overall by the Ottawa Senators, making him the final first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft and the first player from the Cayman Islands to hear his name called by an NHL franchise.
The achievement is remarkable not only because of where Cover comes from, but because of how recently he began playing on ice.
Growing up in Grand Cayman, Cover developed his skills playing roller and ball hockey, as the islands have no permanent ice rink. He did not lace up ice skates until he was 13 years old, yet within just five years had developed into one of the world’s top junior prospects.
Last season, the talented right winger starred for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, recording 52 points on 20 goals
and 32 assists in 67 games, performances that caught the attention of NHL scouts.
His mother, Nanalie Cover, described the family’s emotions as “very thankful, grateful and humbled,” adding that she hopes her son’s journey becomes “a symbol of what we can do, and what is possible for all, irrespective of where they originate.”
The Cayman Islands Government also hailed the milestone, saying Cover had “redefined the boundaries” of Caymanian sport and demonstrated the limitless potential of the nation’s young people.
Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Isaac Rankine called the draft selection “a proud and historic moment for the Cayman Islands,” saying Cover’s success will inspire a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional the path.
For a country better known for beaches than ice rinks, Jaxon Cover’s remarkable rise proves that talent, determination and opportunity can overcome even the most unlikely beginnings.
From a roller rink in the Caribbean to the bright lights of the NHL, Cayman has produced its first hockey trailblazer—and perhaps not its last.
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