History

In January 1978, an announcement was made that the Government of Cuba was making a grant to Jamaica in the form of three institutions. One of these institutions was the G.C. Foster College. It was to be constructed in Spanish Town.

In March of that year, a group of persons from Jamaica went to Cuba on an observation tour of institutions similar to the one which was to be set up in Jamaica. On their return, a report was made which indicated that some modifications would be necessary as the Cuban institutions were serving a society with a different socio-cultural structure.

Consequently, a seven-man curriculum commission was established under the chairmanship of Leslie Johnstone, who was director of vocational training in the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Opening
The G.C. Foster College was opened on September 11, 1980 with facilities for the major sports played in Jamaica. The main objective of the college is to train specialist teachers in physical education and sport. The training spans a period of three academic years or six semesters and the final award gives qualified teachers' status to all students who complete the three-year programme leading to a diploma. The programme is accredited by Joint Board of Teacher Education.

The college maintains liaisons with other tertiary institutions and the National Institute of Sports. It is closely allied to the Inter-Collegiate Sports Association and also attached to other individual sports associations. The G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport serves as a centre for the entire sporting communities. Its facilities are utilised for research and providing informational services in the area of sport.

Other objectives of the college include providing in-service education for teachers and sports administrators and administering courses and seminars in sport and physical education. The original buildings and equipment are gifts from the Cuban Government to the people of Jamaica.

Some important features include a gymnasium, indoor and outdoor volleyball, netball, badminton and tennis courts. There is also an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a diving pool, a 400-metre mundo track, two football fields and a cricket and hockey field.