Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Former international cricket umpire Steve Bucknor and former national footballer Fabian Davis heaped praise on the JFF/JMMB/University of Technology (UTech) Coaching School, which graduated its third and fourth batches of Advanced Level One coaches on Thursday at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at UTech.

The two, who were among 64 successful graduates, said the course was not only thought provoking, but revealing, and given the lessons learnt will benefit football in the country in the long run.

"It was very, very good. There was a mixture of science and football development during the course and it was a good environment to learn in," said Bucknor, who is no stranger to football, having served as a FIFA referee and being a coach before turning to umpiring.

"As it relates to the scientific element of the course not being taught before about the mechanics of the body and how it operates, it was good to learn these things and to be able to put the human body in context. I am sure that all those who participated would have benefited," he added.

Technical football

The course was administered by local football coaches Bradley Stewart, Vin Blaine and Wendell Downswell, along with UTech academics Dr Neville Graham, psychologist Kadija Richards and communication specialist Denise Wisdom. Guest lecturers included Dave Meikle, Clive Wedderburn and Heather Little-White. It also entailed modules in basic coaching sciences and technical football preparation and the laws of the game.

"What the JFF has started is wise and a step forward. It has helped me more (in terms of) how to deal with the development of a player both on and off the field. The anatomy session for me was the most exceptional.

"One got the opportunity to know in great detail how the body operates and how performance can be maximised as a result of its functions," said Davis, who is a former national captain and is now player/coach of Digicel Premier League (DPL) outfit Arnett Gardens.

Davis also said the course has done a lot for morale.

"It's good to see coaches, young and old, inexperienced and experienced, showing gratitude and giving the course their full support. Coaches that have graduated feels a bit more appreciated and comfortable within themselves, having been certified and qualified."

Other notable coaches who graduated included Herbert 'Dago' Gordon, Onandi Lowe, Linval Wilson, former national assistant Under-17 coach Alrick Clarke, as well as former national Under-17 player Keveral Stewart.