Royal Belgian FA donates to CIFA, signaling start of promising partnership

The Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) has received a donation from the Royal Belgian Football Association, marking the beginning of a growing relationship between the two national governing bodies.

CIFA President Alfredo Whittaker and General Secretary Marcos Tinoco expressed gratitude for the contribution, which was facilitated by Belgian officials, including President Pascale Van Damme and the Belgian Embassy, in Jamaica. The donation was delivered through diplomatic channels and is seen as the first step in a broader collaboration between the two associations.

“This is the start,” Whittaker said. “We are very grateful because it’s not easy for a small association like the Cayman Islands to establish a relationship with bigger European associations.”

Discussions with Belgian football officials began during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and were finalized in Australia during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The developing partnership will explore opportunities beyond the donation, including referee development, coaching education and national team exchanges.

“Belgium has established itself as one of the top football countries in Europe, Tinoco said. “We look forward to working with them and learning ways to develop as players, coaches, referees and administrators.”

CIFA officials credited the Royal Belgian Football Association and its leadership for taking an active interest in the Caribbean and for helping open doors for future collaboration.

“This is a great relationship,” Whittaker said. “We thank President Pascale Van Damme for this gift and her interest in getting to know the Caribbean, particularly the Cayman Islands.”