MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

Some of Jamaica's football coaches will go down in history as the first Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) FIFA fitness coaching course started yesterday at the JFF's Centre at the University of the West Indies.

The course scheduled to end on Friday, will be under the guidance of FIFA instructor, Tobias Wawroschek of Germany.

"This is the first time a fitness course will be conducted here, so it is a historic event starting today," Vin Blaine, JFF's director of football said at the opening ceremony..

Wawroschek, who is a strength and condition expert, said he is here to "enhance coaching in Jamaica."

"I hope that I can bring some further information and have some fun. Thanks to FIFA, the JFF and others for bringing (me), so let's start the dance," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Professor Colin Gyles, acting president of the University of Technology (UTech) spoke of the importance of physical training in football.

"The course will focus on fitness. A good player should be able to run for 45 minutes in each half. Being fit is very important to play the sport," Gyles said.

"I want to acknowledge the support of the JFF and sponsor JMMB (Jamaica Money Market Brokers). It is not by chance that Jamaica has improved in football, we have set a vision under Captain Horace Burrell (JFF president)," he added.

Jerome Smalling, JMMB Merchant Bank CEO, said: "We have been involved with the coaching programme for six years. It is important to develop players, so the coaches have to be equipped.

"We all want academic excellence, but sporting talent is important, so I encourage the coaches to continue the good work," Smalling outlined.

The five-day course has attracted 28 coaches including one female, and was opened to Premier League clubs, parish associations and tertiary institutions.