JFF to roll out coaching licence system on August 23, Roberts says

The Jamaica Football Federation will introduce its coaching licence system on August 23, 2026, according to head of coaching education Chase Roberts, who said the move is part of a wider plan to strengthen standards, professional development and long-term growth in the local game.

Roberts said formal coaching education in Jamaica started in 2009 through a JFF partnership with the University of Technology, Jamaica, with programmes including Advanced Level One and Level Two. He said the federation expanded that work in 2018 by adding the D, C, B and A diploma pathway, and later deepened support through partnerships with other institutions.

Among the developments he highlighted was a 2024 partnership between the JFF and the Ministry of Sports that certified 500 D-level coaches. He also said the federation had support from JMB and Jaren Neville. Roberts described 2025 as a major year for the federation, noting that Jamaica became a C-level member of the Concacaf Coaching Convention.

He said that status means coaches certified at the C level in Jamaica can work across the borders of Concacaf's 41 member associations. Roberts argued that this creates an opening for Jamaica to export coaches across the region and broadens the country's role in coaching development.

He also pointed to the launch of the JFF's 2025-2028 coaching education strategic plan, which he said is built on four pillars: curriculum and certification pathways, workforce development and inclusion, technology and innovation, and sustainability and evaluation. Roberts said the licensing system is one of the key measures under that framework.

Since taking office on April 1, 2026, Roberts said demand has been strong, with the federation receiving emails, phone calls and in-person enquiries about upcoming courses. He said interest has been high from the D level through to the A level, with programmes already in progress and more courses scheduled for the fall.

Looking ahead, Roberts said August will bring another B diploma course, an A diploma course and planned D diploma courses. He also said the JFF will host its coaching convention at the University of Technology on July 25 and 26, 2026, starting at 9 a.m. each day, with presentations from members of Jamaica's football fraternity and expected speakers from Concacaf and FIFA.

Roberts said the convention will help coaches network, collaborate and share ideas, while supporting continuous professional development for coaches who earned certifications before January 2025 so they can stay current with best practices and changes in the game. He said the licensing system should be seen as an investment in Jamaica's football future because stronger coach education can improve player development, teams, leagues and, eventually, the country's chances of qualifying for more tournaments.