FIFA recognizes Aruba as the number four Talent Academy in the world.
ORANJESTAD— Minister of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation, and Sports mr. Gerlien Croes, welcomed the team headed by FIFA's Steven Martens, on Sunday, April 13.
The delegation was attending a landmark event for Aruban football. FIFA recognizes Aruba as the number four Talent Academy in the world and the first country in the Caribbean to receive this honor. It is one of FIFA's extensive global initiatives to support youth development by funding football players worldwide.
In her speech, Minister Gerlien Croes stressed the importance of collective work for young people's development through the sport of football. "This is due to the determination and focus to give back to our community and communities worldwide. Determination and focus to give back are the reason for a significant celebration when we see results in the children of our community. Without everyone's combined efforts, this outcome would not have been achievable.
In 2022, FIFA launched the Talent Development Scheme (TDS) as a global initiative to enhance football development worldwide and ensure that every talented player has the opportunity to be identified and prepared. Guided by FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, TDS focuses on closing the competitive gap between nations by supporting FIFA members in creating sustainable development pathways.
In April 2024, the Aruban Football Association (Arubaanse Voetbal Bond) will launch the first TDS program, with financial support from local partners. In Aruba, FIFA's Talent Coach, Chris Beardsley, leads efforts to develop local football talent into international players.
TDS includes expert consultation, training, and access to FIFA's educational resources to create strategic talent development plans. In addition, FIFA makes a financial contribution each year for each member to cover operating expenses. FIFA members can apply for a FIFA talent coach, who will help teach local coaches and kids and foster a culture of structural development. By 2026, the primary goal is to establish at least one "high-performing academy" or center of excellence in every FIFA member, focusing on youth aged 12 to 16.
Minister Gerlien Croes congratulated and thanked Randolf Lacle, the president of the Arubaanse Voetbal Bond, and the entire AVB and FIFA team for their unwavering commitment to football in Aruba, which led to Aruba's ranking as the fourth-best Talent Academy in the world.