TTVF reappoints national coaches

THE TT Volleyball Federation (TTVF) has reappointed its national senior/Under-23 head coaches Professor Francisco Cruz and Inspector Gideon Dickson.

Cruz returns as the women’s coach while Dickson takes charge of the men.

The board approved the appointments based on the recommendations made by the organisation’s national technical commission to the previous board. Dr Trevor Theroulde was also reappointed as the chairman of the national technical commission.

Professor Cruz, a Peruvian national born in Cuba, has led the national programme since 2005. During his tenure, TT became the smallest nation to qualify for a World Championship in 2017, placed fourth in the Central American and Caribbean Games 2010, and won eight consecutive Caribbean Championships.

In a press release issued by TTVF president Daymian Stewart, he said that while TT has some very good senior players, it is critical for the local fraternity to look into the future and focus on the next generation of athletes.

“Cruz is the man for the job!” said Stewart.

Inspector Dickson has led the national programme at different points and was the first coach to capture the Caribbean Crown with the men in 2010.

In his previous tenure, TT established a dominance in the region similar to that of the female programme.

Stewart wants our male players to be prepared to grasp the opportunities in the sport (scholarships and professional contracts), these opportunities are more attainable by our women.

According to the president, the goal of this programme is to maintain Caribbean dominance while exposing young athletes.

Additionally, Stewart also appointed an executive team lead by former stand-out athlete and first vice-president Nolan Tash. The executive High Performance committee will be focused on resolving past issues while improving the daily training environment and welfare of athletes.

The board held back on the recommendations for Beach Volleyball and Under-Age national Teams. The volleyball technocrats are exploring new innovative approaches to Beach Volleyball and development. The groundwork in the both areas are taking place currently.

The TTVF, while recognising its future glory on the world stage is in Beach Volleyball, are reviewing the structure before implementation. They are also placing a high priority on its Grassroots Development programme and linking the development activities to the under-age representation teams.