Getting the Wildey Astroturf facility ready for competitive play and more matches for national teams are among the priorities of new president of the Barbados Football Association (BFA), Randy Harris.
In a wide-ranging interview with MIDWEEKSPORT shortly after he was elected to the BFA’s top post last Sunday at the Deighton Griffith Secondary School, Harris outlined his immediate plans for the 102-year-old association.
“Right now, the offices for the BFA are being constructed, but I would like to set up some stands first so that we can have our own area to play and bring some much needed revenue to the Football Association,” the first-time BFA boss said.
“It means football in Barbados would have its own ground that it can control and have at its disposal all the time.”
Following the completion of Phase 1 of FIFA’s Goal Project with the laying of the artificial field, the second round of the BFA’s Women’s League was contested at the venue even though it lacked basic amenities such as water and bathroom facilities.
Training was also held there for national squads, but the lack of floodlights severely restricted practice sessions.
“Basically, the administrative buildings and stuff will go up, but I think that as a matter of urgency, we need to be able to have our own grounds where we can attract gate receipts,” said Harris.
The long-standing football administrator said it was imperative to provide all national teams with high-quality international friendlies.
“We have to showcase our national team. That is the star of the Football Association, but I think what we have been concentrating on is really to play so-called lesser teams because we are more interested in the result than the further development of the football,” he contended.
Harris, who first served on the BFA’s executive council in 1977, said when Barbados’ football was strong, Air France and teams from the English First Division such as Chelsea and Queen’s Park Rangers were brought in to oppose the senior national side.
“Our players got a chance to play against players who were much better and they understood that they had another level to aim for, but if there is no example and people here are telling you that you are great, I think that will keep things back a bit,” he said.
“We really need to look at our national teams, not only the senior team, but we have an Under-17 team that has now qualified for a final and since they came back home, they have not played a game.
“I think that we need to look at these areas and try and push teams, especially in this age group, forward.”
Harris defeated his main challenger Charles Husbands 74-47 for the presidency. However, Husbands, who was re-elected to the position of senior assistant secretary, was gracious in defeat.
“I want to congratulate Randy for his victory and I look forward to working with the new executive council for the good of football,” he said.
