{"id":13372,"date":"2025-09-04T17:46:46","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T21:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drealfmgrenada.com\/?p=13372"},"modified":"2025-09-04T17:46:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T21:46:46","slug":"gfa-president-champions-caribbean-football-development-on-global-stage-at-world-football-summit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drealfmgrenada.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/04\/gfa-president-champions-caribbean-football-development-on-global-stage-at-world-football-summit\/","title":{"rendered":"GFA President Champions Caribbean Football Development On Global Stage At World Football Summit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Marlon Glean<\/b>, President, Grenada Football\u00a0 Association (GFA) represented Grenada and the wider Caribbean region during a high-level panel\u00a0 discussion at the World Football Summit (WFS) in Hong Kong, discussing \u201cThe Future of Growth\u00a0 in Sports: Sharing Business Models and Sponsorship Learnings.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

President Glean used this global platform to advocate for increased investment in small football\u00a0 nations, highlighting the untapped potential of the Caribbean and the need for more equitable global\u00a0 partnerships.<\/span><\/p>\n

Driving the Caribbean Conversation Forward\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

In a panel dominated by discussions of expansion and monetization, President Glean reframed the\u00a0 conversation to reflect the Caribbean reality of underfunding, limited sponsorship opportunities, and\u00a0 structural inequalities despite the region\u2019s proven ability to produce world-class talent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Caribbean is not short on passion or players. What we need is sustainable investment and\u00a0 greater visibility,\u201d stated President Glean.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrenada and our neighbouring nations have shown we can achieve greatness with limited\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

resources. But this model is not sustainable. It is time we are seen, supported, and strategically\u00a0 funded,\u201d he remarked during the discussion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He shared insights into how modest investments can create massive impact in small island states.\u00a0 For instance, a sum that barely covers a matchday activation in a major market can fund an entire\u00a0 youth league in Grenada, extending the reach and power of football across communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GFA President Marlon Glean (left) engages in a thoughtful exchange with Yohei Kasuga, Board\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Member & Chief Global Strategy Officer of Japan\u2019s Kashima Antlers, during the panel\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

discussion at the World Football Summit in Hong Kong. The conversation reflected a cross\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

continental dialogue on inclusive growth, sustainable business models, and elevating emerging\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

football markets like the Caribbean within the global sports economy.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Regional Implications: A Voice for Small Federations\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

President Glean\u2019s presence at WFS and his deliberate messaging have opened new conversations\u00a0 about the Caribbean as a growth market for global football. By highlighting examples such as\u00a0 Jamaica\u2019s partnership with Adidas and referencing Grenada\u2019s own strategic objectives, he made the\u00a0 case that Caribbean nations deserve a seat at the sponsorship table, not just as exporters of talent but\u00a0 as fertile ground for football development.<\/span><\/p>\n

He also proposed innovative models that tie sport to social development, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n