Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Carlos Buzzetti, a FIFA international instructor, is now in the island toconduct a two-week football coaching clinic for local coaches courtesy of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), through the Olympic solidarity programme, in conjunction with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

Thirty coaches, including two females, were selected by the JFF from various parts of the island to take part in the clinic, which will run from June 11-22.

Buzzetti will be assisted by national technical director Velibor 'Bora' Milutinovic, coach Wendell Downswell and Dr. Winston Dawes.

Buzzetti, who has been a FIFA instructor for more than 20 years, said the programme is designed to help local coaches understand various aspects of football.

"The Olympic solidarity programme is very important because is looks at different aspects in different subjects and not only football, which is a more important aspect for us, but also the administration, health and different aspects, refereeing and so on," said Buzzetti.

"Looking at the quality of the participants and looking at the location that they are coming from, which is all-round Jamaica, I am sure that at the end of the course it will be a great benefit for them to come in here," said Uruguayan-born Buzzetti, who has been an adviser to the Australian national team for the past 17 years.

Buzzetti added that he is sure that when the participants return to their various areas they will be able to implement what they have learnt from the grassroots level to the senior level.

Development help

Crenston Boxhill, president of the JFF, said the course wil help the local coaches' development in many ways.

"The JFF is happy to be benefitting at the most appropriate time in our own football development programmes. The improvement of the all-round coaching skills of our local coaches is of fundamental importance to the development of the sport," said Boxhill.

"The fact is that the level of competition in the sport at the international level is forcing all involved to prepare teams and programmes according to established, proven and successful methods," said Boxhill.

"I am sure you will agree that when we dispassionately look at the most successful teams, there are common characteristics and common shapes to their success," he added.