The first phase of the two-storey building, providing dorms, cafeteria and other facilities for competing local and visiting football teams, at the Ronald Webster Park Annex, is nearing completion. The building is actually located at the northern perimeter of the Anguilla Football Stadium, overlooking the well-kept playing field.
“The building makes provision for twelve dorms and twelve bathrooms and we just have the finishing touches to complete,” Mr Raymond Guishard, President of the Anguilla Football Association, explained. “Pace Construction of Island Harbour is doing the work. We are hoping to have the building fully completed, and probably opened, in the next two months.”
The construction started at the end of May last year. “We are thinking about having the first World Cup Match, but there is a challenge,” Mr Guishard told The Anguillian. “We have a number of things to do, still, to get the building and other areas up to scratch. We are going to work on the field and we have some equipment coming in over the next two weeks. The field needs levelling to get rid of some bumps, and we have a great job to get the field passed as a playing area.”
As it stands, the building costs some US$500,000 provided entirely by FIFA as part of its continued provision of development funds for the Anguilla Football Association. “What you see there…represents the [present] cost but, with all the finishing requirements, it will take us a next US$300,000 to complete everything,” Mr Guishard continued. “The lower floor is for the cafeteria and at the top are the dorms and bathroom facilities. This is just the first phase. The next phase is an additional 22 rooms, and then we will be able to take care of three international teams coming here. In the summer, we are looking to have visiting teams from maybe England or Canada and staying at the present facility.”
The Football Association President recalled that the dormitory facilities were part of plans to develop the fixed assets of the Association, and the football sport, since in 2002. “This is what we decided to do, and needed, but not only that. The aim was that our players will also get a chance to stay at the dormitory. That is the unique thing about it,” Guishard stressed.
Between now and Easter, there may be up to three outside coaches working with the Anguilla Football Association, according to Mr Guishard. The Association President, who has achieved a great deal for the development of the football sport in Anguilla, and the training of scores of young players, added: “While I am proud of what has been achieved, there is still much to accomplish.”
