Trinidad and Tobago Football Association Technical Director Anton Corneal is one of a select group of Technical Leaders from across the globe to graduate from the first edition of FIFA’s Technical Leadership Diploma.
Corneal attended the final block of the 18 month-long course which concluded with a series of assessment presentations and a graduation ceremony at the FIFA museum in Zurich between 5-6 December.
Since commencing the programme in May 2023, Corneal has visited Brazil, Japan, the Netherlands and Switzerland as part of the Diploma, which aims to become the ‘globally recognised qualification’ for Technical Leaders working in the game.
“This transformative experience has not only enriched my knowledge and leadership skills, but also deepened my understanding of critical values that drive excellence in sport and life.” said Corneal.
TTFA President Kieron Edwards added, “Anton achievement in completing the first-ever FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma is a milestone for Trinidad and Tobago football. It is not solely a personal achievement reflecting his dedication but also our nation’s commitment to raising the bar in football education and development.”
“Many congratulations to Anton for graduating from the first ever edition of the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma,” said Steven Martens, FIFA Director of Global Football Development.
“The future of global football requires expert leaders across the world and we believe this qualification will help us achieve that aim,” added Martens. “We are excited to see how each graduate from the Diploma will help shape and influence the future of football in the years to come.”
A transformational experience’ for Technical Leaders
Edition one of the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma was attended by Technical Leaders from Member Associations, Confederations and FIFA and proved to be a ‘transformational experience,’ says Jamie Houchen, FIFA Head of Technical Leadership.
“The effort, energy, insight and camaraderie each participant has brought to the Diploma has ensured the past 18 months have been a transformational experience for everyone involved,” explains Houchen. “The FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma is the first qualification of its kind and we truly believe it will play a huge role in the leadership of football around the world in the future–the first cohort of graduates are now equipped with the skills and competencies to lead the way in this area.”
Graduates described as “trailblazers” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated the first cohort of graduates from the recently instituted FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma, a course designed to provide an industry benchmarked accredited qualification that supports member associations in recruiting proven talent, ready to nurture, grow and develop the game within an MA.
“You are trailblazers who will help FIFA Member Associations develop player and coach pathways, in line with a key pillar of our Strategic Objectives,” said Infantino.
“We are proud to be able to expand the global canvas of our game. Educational programmes such as these will ensure the most inclusive sport on the planet becomes even more accessible and competitive. Thank you for your investment in football and good luck for a bright future.”
“Corneal” extends his deepest gratitude to Fifa, the Fifa Technical Leadership department, Lecturers, and fellow participants who made this journey a memorable and rewarding opportunity. I am inspired to uphold the principles of Leadership and serve as an Ambassador of the said program.
2023/24 FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma graduates:
Ricardo Leao
Aabed Alansari
Ross Awa
Indra Sjafri
Carles Romagosa
Bheksissa Boy Mkhonta
Benjamin Kumwenda
Walter Steenbok
Ali Mwebe
Lyson Zulu
Ivan Novella
Anton Corneal
Luis Castro
Stipe Pletikosa
Janno Kivisild
Marians Pahars
Diana Bulgaru
Andrew Gould
Lili Bai
Jayne Ludlow
Patricia Gonzalez
Buman-Uchral Bold
Aldi Iqbal
SOURCE: thettfa.com