Local grassroots football gets assistance from FIFA

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation has received a boost from governing body FIFA, with the donation of football equipment for the local Grassroots Football Programme.{{more}}

On Saturday, June 8, at the Redemption Sharpes Playing field, executive members of the federation, along with the federation’s technical staff, handed over gear to the Redemption Sharpes Youth Programme, headed by young coach Lenroy Foster.

Federation president Venold Coombs told the youngsters that the donation of the equipment is to encourage them to take the sport seriously, and for them to be a positive part of the social development of the community.

“We want you youngsters to represent St Vincent to the furthest, and this is a start.

“I have gone and asked for significant help with regard to grassroots football. I got a lot of help.

“FIFA is also going to send an instructor in July,” Coombs informed the footballers.

“That instructor will work along with persons in grassroots football, and we will organize Foster to go to that. After that, we are going to have a festival, where you will meet with people from all over the island, and he will stay on for two or three more days and more than likely, one of the places he is going to come is Sharpes,” he said.

Foster thanked the Federation for the equipment, which includes footballs, bibs, jerseys, cones and nets, saying that he and the youngsters would make the most of the gifts and do their best to make their community and federation proud.

“On behalf of the community of Redemption Sharpes, I would like to express thanks to the Football Federation, for giving me this opportunity as a young person to help develop the skills of the youths in this community. We can enhance our skills with this equipment in a creative and professional manner,” Foster said.

Coombs informed SEARCHLIGHT that the federation has received enough equipment to donate to grassroots programmes nationwide.

He indicated that equipment had been handed over in Barrouallie, Stubbs and Owia, with more presentations to be made in the upcoming weeks.

The president said that the federation has also recently received assistance from CONCACAF and the United States Football Federation, in the form of footballs, shoes and other gear.(RT)