ALPHA United head coach Wayne `Wiggy’ Dover returned from the USA on Wednesday more equipped to serve his club and Guyana’s football. Fresh from participating at the famous National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Annual Convention in Philadelphia, Dover revealed that his sojourn was an enlightening experience where he was provided the opportunity to meet with prominent persons in world football.

“It was informative and dealt with all aspects of the game. I am pleased that I was afforded the opportunity to attend such a convention and hope that other local coaches have a chance,” Dover said yesterday.
The Convention ran from January 14 to 18 and is considered as the world’s largest gathering of football coaches. On an annual basis, the NSCAA Convention draws approximately 4 000 coaches from our 30 000-plus members, and more than 10 000 attendees over five days for live field demonstrations and lecture sessions, networking socials and coaching diplomas.
According to Dover, the main focus of the forum was to expose young coaches to the fundamentals of football/soccer in an effort for them to enrich the sport when they return to their respective territories. The coach piloted Alpha United from being the whipping boys of local football to one of the top clubs in Caribbean football.
He explained that while in Philadelphia, there were practical demonstrations by the Barcelona Under-20, and German Under-17 coaches and lectures sessions with Landon Donovan, considered the best American soccer player ever, and DaMarcus Beasley.
“I have gained experience and plan to impart my knowledge while I am back in Guyana,” Alpha coach said. Dover would soon get a chance to show off his recently acquired knowledge as Alpha United will commence training for the Mayor’s Cup football competition to start shortly.