ST. KITTS & NEVIS HOSTS CFU NEXT GENERATION REFEREE COURSE 2026

Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis — St. Kitts & Nevis was once again at the center of regional football development as the St. Kitts & Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) successfully hosted the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Next Generation Referee Course 2026.

The three-day intensive program concluded on Sunday, January 18, at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and brought together 24 referees from across the Caribbean. St. Kitts & Nevis was represented by Zoend Brown, Judy Walters and Jabari Trotman.

At the closing ceremony, Course Administrator Dave Meikle encouraged participants to remain committed to their development as the program transitions to an online phase. “Over the last three days, we looked at various topics that we felt would give you the ammunition to, you know, transition to the next level. All of you here from the very first day indicated that you would like to become FIFA match officials and the team of instructors here, the team of instructors here gave you knowledge that you can use and should use to further your refereeing careers,” he said.

Delivering the vote of thanks, trainee Robert Emmanuel praised the SKNFA for its strong support and effective hosting of the course. “I’d like to thank the St. Kitts & Nevis Football Association and of course liaison Graeme Browne for their support and their presence, especially his presence here throughout this course because without the St. Kitts & Nevis Football Association as well as their liaison…we wouldn’t have the turf, the support that we really needed to put this course together and have it as successful as it would have been. I will admit that they have been a great host country,” he said. Participants also shared positive feedback on the impact of the training.

“The course was eventful, fun and always educational,” said Jody Walters from St. Kitts and Nevis. He received the prestigious Instructors’ Award for excellence and professionalism throughout the course. “(The course) helped me sharpen up on the laws, helped me reposition in a movement and know what to give the game when it’s needed.”  Following the course, Shewin Alli from Guyana said:  “I’m hoping to improve and be a better referee.”

Top overall honors went to Sean Gonzalez of Trinidad and Tobago and Gladys Namrit of Martinique, who were named the outstanding male and female match officials respectively, after achieving the highest cumulative scores in fitness and technical assessments. Other winners are:

Second Place (Male): Robert Emmanuel (Antigua and Barbuda)

Second Place (Female): Monique Williams (Jamaica)

Leadership Awardees

Sherwin Alli (Guyana)

Robert Emmanuel (Antigua and Barbuda)

Gladys Namit (Martinique)

Through successful hosting and strong local representation, St. Kitts & Nevis continues to play a vital role in advancing football officiating standards and referee development across the Caribbean region.