Concacaf Launches Inaugural Grassroots Football Conference in Sint Maarten to Shape the Future of Regional Football
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Officially launches the Concacaf Grassroots Charter, a new regulatory framework
- 41 Concacaf Member Associations came together to unify the regional vision for grassroots development
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Concacaf officially commenced its first-ever Grassroots Football Conference in Sint Maarten, signaling a strategic shift in the development of football across North, Central America, and the Caribbean. The event serves as the launchpad for the Concacaf Grassroots Charter, a new regulatory framework designed to ensure football is inclusive, sustainable, and accessible to all 41 Member Associations.
Under the theme “Developing Players, Inspiring People, Transforming Communities,” the conference convened nearly 150 delegates, including Presidents, General Secretaries, Technical Directors, and Grassroots Leads. This strategic alignment of leadership ensures that the vision for grassroots football is matched by coordinated implementation and shared regional standards.
The centerpiece of the conference, the Concacaf Grassroots Charter, introduces a tiered Membership and Recognition Framework (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond). This system allows Member Associations to be recognized for their progress in building safe, player-centered environments—ranging from emerging programs to “Best in Class” models that lead regional innovation.
Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio, who opened the conference alongside Sint Maarten Football Federation (SXMFF) President Sudesh Singh emphasized that this initiative moves beyond traditional sport-for-development.
“We are making history here in Sint Maarten,” said Moggio. “There can only be one ‘first’ and this conference represents an important evolution in our development strategy. With the launch of the Concacaf Grassroots Charter, we are establishing a unified regulatory framework that demands accountability and excellence. By aligning our 41 Member Associations under these shared standards, we are building access to the sport to transform communities through the power of football.”
“We are honored to host this historic gathering in Sint Maarten,” said Singh. “Hosting the first-ever Concacaf Grassroots Football Conference is a proud moment for our nation. It highlights our commitment to growing the game locally and provides a unique opportunity for our regional brothers and sisters to collaborate on a foundation that will benefit every individual across our communities who dreams of playing football.”
“Grassroots football is the heartbeat of our region and the foundation upon which all professional success is built,” added Jason Roberts, Concacaf Chief Football Development Officer. “By implementing this Charter, we are ensuring that every Member Association, regardless of size, has the technical roadmap to create inclusive and safe environments. Our goal is to inspire people through the game and ensure that the pathway from non-professional, community-based play to the organized pitch is clear, structured, and achievable.”
Throughout the two-day summit, participants will engage in workshops focused on increasing participation for women and girls, implementing robust safeguarding protocols, and integrating grassroots football into national strategic plans. The conference marks a critical milestone in Concacaf’s mission to professionalize and support the game at every level.
About Concacaf: The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, servicing 41 Member Associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana in the south.
