Emerging national youth coach Travis Bess has declared that his aim for 2021 is to become a Concacaf C-License holder as well as to commence the process of becoming the premier Youth, Futsal and Beach goalkeeper coach for the respective national programmes.
This was stated during an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport.
According to Bess, 36, personal certification by acquiring the prestigious Concacaf C License as well as becoming the foremost national goalkeeping expert in Youth, Beach and Futsal are his priorities for 2021. Bess posited that the evolution from former national player into the coaching realm is a natural transition for individuals who gravitate and aspire to give back to the beautiful game.
He declared, “My goal is to become a C Licensed Certified Coach and also the National Youth Goalkeeper Coach. My plan is to acquire more knowledge as I am in the process of developing myself both physically and mentally in the Goalkeeper Coaching Department. As an experienced and former National Beach and Futsal Goalkeeper, it is of great interest in securing the National Goalkeeper Jobs for both formats. Reason being is to give back to my country as well as the young goalkeepers a part of the National Beach and Futsal Football. I plan to achieve this objective by attaining knowledge through activity and experience as a Goalkeeper Coach in both formats.”
According to Bess, who has been capped nine times apiece for the Futsal and Beach Football programmes, Futsal and Beach Football have not been afforded equal developmental opportunities and overall exposure in comparison to the traditional format.
He disclosed that the issues which have plagued the two formats are due to a lack of vision by their respective associations executive committees.
Bess, who also had stints in his playing career with Pouderoyen, GFC, Youth Achievers and Western Tigers, added, “From my perspective, the reason Futsal and Beach Football are not given the same level of Publicity and Developmental push as Association Football is due to the effortless practice of the Executive members in both the Futsal and Beach Football Association. As an association, developments can be made if stronger communication with the public is established and maintained.”
From a coaching standpoint and as the current tactician of Pouderoyen FC, Bess disclosed that his individual ambition is also mirrored and matched by his expectation and motivation to secure championship titles with his club, after the current health crisis is remedied.
He added, “Despite the Covid 19 crisis which led to the inactivity of the football sector, it is still my aim to win the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Senior League and also a Major Tournament or two in Georgetown.
