Fitness first in Caribbean

Fitness was on the agenda as The Football Association sent physiotherapist Tracy Lewis and exercise scientist Dawn Scott to Trinidad in September to deliver a four-day workshop on dealing with the demands of modern football.

CONCACAF, the confederation for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, hosted The FA Fitness Workshop which focused on the dangers of player burn-out and how to take preventative measures to prolong the careers of both male and female footballers.

Tracy and Dawn have extensive experience of their respective fields and both are responsible for providing support to all of The FA’s England women’s teams from senior level to the U15s.

“It was a great experience and a pleasure for both of us to be invited back following previous delivery of courses in 2007 and 2008," said Dawn.

“There was a range of physiotherapists, coaches and fitness trainers. Their enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge were incredible and led to a comfortable yet challenging learning environment.

“The course aims and beyond were met and it was a very memorable experience.”

CONCACAF Director of Technical Administration Jinelle James added: "At this time, with players having longer seasons with more international competition and younger players having to train at high intensity for large tournaments, we need to have the personnel that can keep players healthy and fit and ensure that they can perform at high levels for long periods.

“Hopefully, at the end of this workshop, these candidates have understood and gained more insight on how this can be accomplished."

This is the third seminar The FA has delivered in the Caribbean this year in partnership with CONCACAF.