Grassroots Football programme set for further growth

The Grassroots Football programme, undertaken by the executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, is positioned for further growth and will soon spread island wide.{{more}}

President of the SVGFF Venold Coombs, speaking at the closing ceremony of the FIFA Grassroots and Assessment Course last Sunday afternoon at the Arnos Vale Two Playing Field, spoke of his organisation’s intent.

“… We have already gone all over the country to set up the Grassroots programme in order for us to move positively in the future… We have other areas targetted… We have reached Barrouallie and we are going past Belle Isle,” Coombs said.

The local football boss said the programme forms part of the overall plan for the development of football in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We have a programme that is comprehensive…. We have a structure in place, we are serious about football development,” Coombs added.

Coombs noted that the Grassroots programme is planned for three years in the first instance.

He stated that the current catchment of players in the programme is being groomed for a national Under-15 team by 2016.

The five-day FIFA Grassroots and Assessment Course was conducted by Kittitian Lenny Lake.

In his brief address, the ceremony recommended “Support , Success and Sustainability”.

Lake said that these are three pillars on which the programme must function in order for its objectives to be realized.

He requested of the participants of the course, as well as other stakeholders, to remain steadfast in ensuring that the young minds are kept productive.

Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture Cecil Mc Kie agreed with Lake, and indicated that in order for the programme to be successful, there must be partnership.

Hence, Mc Kie pledged his government’s support in ensuring this.

Prior to last Sunday’s ceremony, a Grassroots Football Festival was staged as many of the players from the various communities were given an outlet to showcase their abilities.

The participants of the course were also presented with their certificates.(RT)