Thirty under 16 aspiring football players will on May 3 receive the opportunity of a lifetime to attend a clinic with world-renowned football club coaches – Chelsea, through the Digicel KickStart programme. Regional telecommunications giant Digicel continues to provide its support to the development of local sports through the amazing KickStart programme. Leading to the climax of the Digicel KickStart series 2013, a number of pre-clinics have been scheduled to select the best of under 16 local footballers.
On Saturday April 6, sixty footballers got the opportunity to showcase their talent as they participated in the first pre-clinic for final selection to the Digicel KickStart Clinic with Chelsea coaches. This first of three pre-clinics was held at the SAB Sporting Facility, Vigie from 10am, catering for the northern and central districts. This week, the pre-clinics will move to the south of the island, giving kids from various southern districts the same opportunity. From these two clinics thirty boys will be selected by a panel consisting of trained local football coaches from the St Lucia Football Association.
Last year, culminating from the Digicel Soccerama, thirty St Lucian boys were afforded the opportunity to attend a two day clinic with legendary former football player John Barnes. Of these clinics, Luc Miller, Ridel Stanislaus and Shadrack Henry attended the Digicel Academy in Barbados where Luc Miller was recognized as a regional MVP from the tournament by Chelsea football coaches.
“It is such great recognition to young local aspiring footballers that allows Digicel to cement its commitment to the development of youth local football. Digicel takes pride in providing such great opportunities which allow these talented individuals to showcase their skills and
be part of a sport that is
loved both locally and regionally” says Kentonia Censey-Smith, Digicel marketing executive.
This year, three boys will again be chosen to attend the Academy in Barbados for an eight day intense coaching clinic, which will again be fully funded by Digicel.
Meanwhile, local coaches will on Sunday, May 5 be schooled by the Chelsea coaches on effective training methods.
