CIFA and prisons launch partnership

A new partnership between the Cayman Islands Football Association and the Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service will see prisoners having the chance to be trained in officiating, coaching and playing the sport.

The relationship that was officially launched on 4 May 2017, will allow prisoners to acquire internationally accepted qualifications in refereeing and coaching, as well as improve their playing skills under the tutelage of CIFA volunteers.

In exchange, prisoners at HMP Northward have been producing much-needed benches and picnic tables to furnish the CIFA Centre for Excellence in Prospect.

Prison Director Neil Lavis presented CIFA President Lee Ramoon with the first examples of the prison-built furniture, as CIFA took the opportunity to deliver football equipment to the prison and tour the prison’s sporting facilities.

CIFA President Lee Ramoon and executive member Wendy Fisher sit on one of the benches.

Participating prisoners will be screened to ensure they satisfy local requirements for membership as CIFA referees or coaches, and then undergo a 16-week training programme delivered by CIFA-approved coaches and referees.

Following successful completion of the training program, prisoners will receive First Aid and child abuse prevention certifications before accessing CONCACAF and FIFA licensing opportunities.

According to the Prison Service, the programme is intended to provide eligible prisoners with transferable skills that will contribute to their re-integration into the community.

The first training period begins in June, with up to 15 current inmates.

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