|
Friday September 5, 2008 was a historic for Trinidad and Tobago following the creation of a chair for  football—via the establishment of a women’s football clinic and the introduction of a Masters of Arts (MA) in Physical Education.
Visiting FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter brought these good tidings when he made a historic visit and signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FIFA and UWI, at Campus Principal Prof Clement Sankat’s office, at UWI, St Augustine, yesterday.
Accompanied by Fifa Vice President and Concacaf President Jack Austin Warner, Blatter was hosted by Dr Iva Gloudon, the director of sports at UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre, and vice chancellor Prof Nigel Harris.
Dr David Rampersad, Director, Business Development Office, UWI and president of T&T Football Association Oliver Camps were also present for the signing. Also present was FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke.
Blatter said, “The future of football is feminine. There is not one country where women and girls do not play football. Girls play it more elegantly and fair than the men.
“They bring the natural aptitude of grace, example dancing.
“Not like men who are into tackling, stripping.”
Fifa, education links
Blatter reverted to his role as a development officer, citing the links between education and football. (Photo shows FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter, left, and Prof E Nigel Harris signs the Memorandum of Understanding between Fifa and UWI, at Campus Principal Prof Clement Sankat's office, at UWI, St Augustine, yesterday. It is expected to usher in a Master Degree in Sports Education programme and a football clinic for women.)
“Football moves across political, social and cultural aspects. It is about leadership or governance (as they say in the US).
“It is so important today we need academic support and help.
“We need to create a chair for football and sports. Don’t forget. The game is not only kicking.”
“Development speaks about education. It is about providing them with hope. Football is a school of hope.”
He said football twinned with education would “serve a society which is in distress with violence.”
Closer home, he said, “It is beneficial for the campus and the universities around...T&T has an international programme.”
|
