Digicel hosts coaching clinic for young footballers

Over 100 young footballers took part in a Digicel sponsored one day coaching clinic at the Arnos Vale One Playing Field on Saturday

Apart from receiving some basic practical instructions in the rudiments of the game, the enthusiastic bunch was also fêted by the telecommunications company.{{more}}

On offer were bags, balls, water bottles, caps, snacks and drinks.

The Digicel Clinic got the blessing of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation.

President of the Football Federation, Joseph Delves, gave brief remarks at a short ceremony to kick start the day’s proceedings, which was chaired by Digicel’s Public Relations Manager for the Eastern Caribbean, Jerry George.

Digicel’s Group Sponsorship Executive, Jodi-Ann Wright, told SEARCHLIGHT the purpose of the day’s clinic was to go out into the communities and have the children meet their national players.

“We just wanted them (the young footballers) to come out and have a good time and interact with their national players,” said the Jamaican born Wright.

“It is every little boy’s dream to play for his national team and having them here today, should give that that sense of pride to do so,” she stated.

The participants were drawn from several of the local Football clinics and area youth teams. Members of Digicel’s Je Belle Football Club served as coaches/facilitators.

Of her company’s efforts, Wright said: “I am pleased with the turn out, in fact I was not looking for so many kids to be here.”

Interrupted by rain, the young footballers at times sought cover in the Frankie Thomas Pavilion, where an interactive session involved a quiz, as well as an impromptu talent search. This was initiated by coach, Theon Gordon.

An up beat Wright said: “I was also pleased by this, and it shows that there is a lot of creativity here.”

Wright disclosed that similar clinics will be staged in other territories which are hosting the Group matches of the 2010 Digicel Caribbean Cup (DCC), except Puerto Rico, which does not have a Digicel presence.

The Puerto Rico group, Group A, kicked off last Saturday, October 2.

From the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ leg, 27 players were chosen as ball boys for the Group B matches of the DCC, which starts here tomorrow, Wednesday, October 6, at the Victoria Park.

The group involves Barbados, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis and host St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

There will be double headers each of the three nights, October, 6, 8 and 10. (RT)