On Monday, 18 May 2026, Acting General Secretary of the Montserrat Football Association, Ms. Thandie Williams, visited the Montserrat Secondary School, where she engaged students and teachers in an inspiring and interactive discussion about football and its wider purpose within the community.
During the visit, Ms. Williams spoke passionately about the different levels of football development and encouraged students to view the sport as more than just a recreational activity. She highlighted how football can help build discipline, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and respect, while also creating opportunities for personal growth and national representation. She reminded students that football is an inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by everyone — boys, girls, and even teachers.
A special focus of the discussion centered on encouraging greater participation among girls in football. Ms. Williams emphasized that young women have just as much potential to succeed in the sport and encouraged them to become actively involved, develop their talents, and proudly represent Montserrat both locally and internationally.
As part of the outreach initiative, the Montserrat Football Association presented a donation of football equipment to the school. Ms. Williams encouraged both students and teachers to make full use of the equipment, not only during physical education classes, but also within other subject areas to create more engaging, interactive, and enjoyable learning experiences for students.
Ms. Williams also shared that football can open doors to a variety of career and development opportunities beyond playing on the field. She explained that through involvement in football, students can become ambassadors for Montserrat and contribute to the growth of the sport in meaningful ways. She further noted that young persons as early as age 15 can begin working toward official roles and certifications within football, including refereeing, coaching, administration, and other important areas of the game.
The Principal of the school, Mrs. Cherlyn Hogan, expressed sincere appreciation to the Montserrat Football Association for both the generous donation and the meaningful engagement with the students. She assured Ms. Williams that the equipment would be properly utilized and greatly appreciated by the school community.
Students also took the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas during the session, including a request for the MFA to establish TikTok and Snapchat accounts to better connect with young people and promote football in a more relatable and engaging way among their peers.
The visit formed part of the MFA’s continued commitment to youth development, inclusivity, community engagement, and the overall growth and promotion of football across Montserrat.