TCIFA Welcomes New Technical Director and Coaches
The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is pleased to welcome our newly appointed Technical Director, Mr. Andrew Edwards. Edwards brings with him plethora Football expertise, gained on the field and off, as he takes on his new role of overseeing all of the TCIFA National Teams from the Grassroots to the Senior Teams.
Edwards has served with distinction, as the former Jamaican Under 17 and Under 20 Men’s National Team Coach, as well as a top ranked Coaching Educator for the Jamaican Football Federation and for our regional Football Governing Body, the Confederation of North Central and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf).
In joining us at the TCIFA, Edwards fortifies the TCIFA with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Having certifications from several Jamaican and international federations and holding licenses from Concacaf, UEFA, USSF, & JFF, as well as, a Jamaican Youth License, a Professional Development Certificate from NSCAA, coaching certificates from both Brazil and Italy, and a post-graduate diploma in Sports Science and an “A” License Equivalent from the University of Leipzig (Germany), Mr. Edwards aims to build a program that significantly impacts and strengthens the development of Football in the TCI. Joining him in this endeavor is Mr. Omar Edwards (former Head Coach of Jamaica’s Tivoli Gardens Football Club) and Mr. Aaron Lawrence (former Head coach of Jamaica’s Sandals South Coast Football Club).
Having qualifications through FIFA’s Advance Levels 1 & 2, a Hungarian Coaching License, a pending Concacaf “B” Coaching License, as well as playing a significant role as Assistant Head Coach for the Jamaican Boys Under 17 National Team, during the 2011 FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Mexico, Omar Edwards will be coming to the TCIFA in the capacity of Head Coach for the Academy Jaguars Football Club and will also work within the TCIFA’s Youth Programme with a particular focus on the development and progress of the Under 15 Boys. Additionally, Omar Edwards will act as Head Coach for the Men’s National Team for both the upcoming International Friendly Game against the Bahamas on March 16, 2019, and the final Nations League Qualifier against the British Virgin Islands on March 21, 2019.
As the new National Goalkeeper Coach, Aaron Lawrence brings with him certification through FIFA’s Advance Levels 1 & 2, a pending Concacaf “B” Coaching License, and coaching badges earned in Spain from world-renowned and multiple Champions League Club, Real Madrid. Mr. Lawrence’s playing days include: representing the Jamaican National Team at the FIFA 1998 World Cup in France, where he was the starting goalkeeper in the Reggae Boyz 2-1 victory over Japan.
Together, Mr. Andrew Edwards, Mr. Omar Edwards, and Mr. Aaron Lawrence, along with our Director of Women’s Football, Yunelsis Rodriguez-Baez, will be spearheading the TCIFA’s youth programs and senior teams, laying the groundwork to elevate the development of all the players within the various programs in the TCIFA. With the ever-present goal of growing the sport and increasing the quantity, technical and tactical ability of our players and with the long-term objective of being more competitive in the international arena, this formidable team along with the TCIFA Youth Coach, Olivia Graveley and our Development Officers and Volunteers, will collectively work to promote the TCIFA as a strong and technically effective Football Association. Ensuring that the TCIFA has a solid foundation for future successes and helping to develop a football philosophy and culture throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
