The landmark agreement was signed by CARICOM secretary general Irwin LaRocque and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a virtual ceremony attended by the Presidents of the national football bodies of CARICOM countries, politicians and  Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) President Victor Montagliani.

The MoU focuses on several key areas of collaboration, in particular the implementation of a football programme in the physical education curricula in primary schools in the CARICOM region.

FIFA, together with its members, will provide support for the development of football training, competitions and the training of football coaches, officials and administrators along with physical education teachers.

Other key focus areas of the agreement include measures for the protection of children and vulnerable adults involved in football activities, the fight against match manipulation and the promotion of sports integrity and social responsibility.

"We are delighted to enter into this agreement with the Caribbean Community, the aim of which is to leverage our sport as a catalyst for social development in the region," said Infantino.

"Football has an incredible following in the Caribbean and there is still great potential for additional growth.

"I am very happy to see that the countries understand the opportunities this brings in terms of social benefits for their communities and we are looking forward to working hand in hand with them around this common goal."

In response, LaRocque said: "I very much welcome this MoU and the partnership with FIFA.

"Many of our member states have established developmental programmes using sports as a transformative agent.

"The social, health and economic benefits of sport is well appreciated and supported in our region.

"The partnership with organisations such as FIFA assists in furthering our goals of encouraging our youth, in particular, to pursue healthy lifestyles while enjoying the benefits of a sport like football."

Montagliani added: "The integrity of sport, and football in particular, in our region is a top priority for FIFA and CONCACAF, and I can only welcome this partnership signed today.

"It will benefit the whole Caribbean region and support us in our extensive efforts to develop the game at all levels.

"Football is a unifying force that promotes social development, transcending all types of barriers, to the benefit of our societies."