PANAMA CITY, Panama – The power and potential of football were clearly on display Wednesday as FIFA and CONCACAF launched a two-day club licensing seminar at the Sortis Hotel.
More than 100 attendees -- including representatives from each of CONCACAF’s 41 Member Associations -- were on hand to become more fully acquainted with the methods to institute club licensing domestically and hear from experts on best practices.
After a welcome and opening remarks, the participants gained valuable insights from multiple presentations and panels, ending the day with a practical exercise on how to conduct a stadium inspection at the Estadio Maracana.
Here are some impactful quotes from a noteworthy first day in Panama City:
Ted Howard
Acting General Secretary, CONCACAF
We want to raise the standards by implementing a tailor made club licensing system and establishing the right development tools for all leagues and clubs.
We’re here because we recognize that the Club Licensing System is a lynchpin to develop our game, as we believe that we can all grow our game, as long as we continue to work together.
James Johnson
Head of Professional Football, FIFA
CONCACAF has taken the right approach to create a system that is relevant, useful and specific to the region. The system will create a better competition.
Enrique Bonilla
President, Liga MX
It’s important for clubs to determine what their goal is and what resources are available.
The future of football is not only on the ball or the field, it is managed off the field.
Juan Carlos Rojas
President, Deportivo Saprissa
If you plan correctly and have a strategy and aspire to excellence, things can flourish.
Neil Matthews
President, Mavericks Sports Club (Barbados)
The leadership of the BFA (Barbados Football Association) has been key to implement the system successfully by ensuring the clubs understand why they need this and why they’re doing it.
Our main priorities are promoting fun and development for children through football. When you love the game, then you become passionate and then you win.
