The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has officially unveiled its Referee Academy, marking a major step forward in its broader drive to professionalise football development across the country. The launch ceremony took place on Wednesday, 8 April at the VIP Conference Room of the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.
The new academy represents a strategic investment in the future of match officiating, designed to provide a structured development pathway for aspiring referees. It aims to improve officiating standards, strengthen professional growth opportunities, and expand the pool of qualified officials available for both domestic and international competition.
The launch brought together key stakeholders from the football community and featured remarks from GFA President Marlon Glean, who highlighted the essential role referees play in safeguarding the integrity and progress of the game. The Association also welcomed FIFA Referee Development Officer Javier Santos, whose presence reinforced international support for Grenada’s efforts to align its officiating standards with global best practice.
“The launch of this academy is a strategic investment in our football ecosystem,” said President Glean. “We are dedicated to equipping our referees with the tools, knowledge, and physical conditioning required to excel at the highest levels of the game.”
The Referee Academy will deliver a structured curriculum that combines classroom-based theoretical instruction with practical, on-field training. Through this initiative, the GFA continues to place capacity building at the centre of its long-term vision for football development in Grenada.