The Premier League is one of the most recognisable global brands; a world-renowned league that is much adored in Mauritius. The British High Commissioner to Mauritius, H.E. Charlotte Pierre, is delighted to announce that the visiting Premier League team has completed a groundbreaking coaching course that has benefited 50 Mauritian football coaches. This moment follows the success of the Mauritius Intercollege Football Tournament on 14 September – a partnership between the Ministry of Education, the British High Commission, and the Premier League (UK).
The British High Commission contacted the Premier League earlier this year to discuss how the UK could support football development in Mauritius. Talks with the British High Commission and the Premier League led to the agreement of a three-way partnership with the Ministry of Education this year. The tournament was attended by Hon. Prime Minister Jugnauth, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dookun-Luchoomun, and other eminent personalities. The coaching workshop has seen all 50 coaches receive coaching certificates endorse by the Premier League, British High Commissioner to Mauritius, and the Ministry of Education.
Over 4,000 school children were able to witness Finals Day itself, the first tournament of its kind in Mauritius. It was the product of months of planning between the British High Commission, Premier League, Ministry of Education, and Côte d’Or National Stadium teams.
Following the tournament, Premier League Head Coach Graham Robinson delivered a three day training workshop for Mauritian PE teachers and football coaches, in collaboration with the British High Commission and Liverpool International Academy. Head Coach Graham Robinson has coached tens of thousands of children and coaches around the world. The workshop opened on Friday 15 September, and focussed on what makes a good football coach, keeping children safe during training, and exploring different coaching style amongst other themes. The workshop culminated in a training festival with 80 children, with coaches delivering sessions themselves, prior to being awarded official Premier League certificates (pictured), signed by the Hon. Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Education Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, British High Commissioner Charlotte Pierre, and Premier League CEO Richard Masters.
Commenting on the success of the tournament and coaching sessions, British High Commissioner Charlotte Pierre stated: ‘ I am also happy that this partnership has delivered on its objectives for participation by women and girls. Hundreds of girls played superbly last week, and half the coaches trained by the Premier League were women. I wish all participants the very best, and look forward to future collaboration with Mauritius on this important initiative’.
Premier League Head Coach Graham Robinson said: ‘I was very grateful that the coaching workshop was so well attended throughout by talented Mauritian coaches, who all share a love for the game and the art of coaching. Now they have completed three days of training, I wish them all the best, to keep improving the standard of coaching delivery in Mauritius and ask them to continue inspiring their pupils to play the game.’
