On the Ground in Dominica: Growing the Game Through Partnership

Through international partnerships and shared purpose, the Challenger Foundation continues to support soccer development in communities around the world. One such opportunity took place in Dominica, where a team of experienced coaches was invited to the island by the Ministry of Sport to help support players, coaches, and local soccer infrastructure.

The coaching group—organized through Athletes in Action, a sports-based Christian ministry—spent 12 days working across multiple levels of the game. Their efforts reached more than 160 young players, ages 5–17, within Dominica’s local academy system, as well as members of the Dominica Men’s National Team and two Under-20 third-division teams.

In addition to player development, the visit placed a strong emphasis on coach education. Clinics were delivered in collaboration with the Dominica Football Association (DFA) and the Dominica Football Coaches Association, focusing on session design, effective practice structure, and long-term player development. By working directly alongside local coaches during player clinics, the group aimed to support sustainable growth that would continue well beyond the visit itself.

Throughout the trip, soccer balls donated by Challenger Sports were used during training sessions, reinforcing the Foundation’s belief that access to quality equipment is a fundamental part of meaningful development. At the conclusion of the tour, additional donated equipment was distributed to the local academies involved—ensuring that players and coaches would have the tools needed to continue their work.

This initiative reflects the Challenger Foundation’s broader mission: to support the global soccer community through collaboration, education, and access. Rather than focusing solely on short-term outcomes, the Foundation seeks to invest in relationships that help strengthen local systems and empower coaches and players to build for the future.

Through partnerships like this, the Challenger Foundation is proud to play a supporting role in growing the game—one community, one relationship, and one opportunity at a time.