jamarchThe Digicel Kick Start Clinics, which have been touring the Caribbean, have landed at their penultimate destination – the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Today, Head Coach of the Kick Start Clinics John Barnes joined T&T International stars, Jason Scotland and Denis Lawrence, on a visit to the Caledonia AIA youth teams at the Morvant Recreation ground.
Barnes took the opportunity to capture the children’s attention first with a motivational talk aimed at encouraging them always to aim for excellence followed by a fun game of “King of the Ring”.
He explained: “My objective was simple – to encourage the youngsters to never give up and to show how, through football, they can make a difference in their own lives, their community, country and the world.”
From as early 8 am on this Corpus Christie Holiday in Trinidad, the Morvant Recreation ground was buzzing with excitement as the children – both boys and girls ranging from ages 5 to 16 – began gathering for what was expected to be a day of enjoyable and unforgettable football fun. They were not disappointed.
Caledonia AIA Technical Director, Jamaal Shabazz, commended Digicel for its efforts in bringing football stars to meet and interact with the youth in their own neighborhood.
“It means a lot to this community that Digicel has brought these positive role models to meet their upcoming football stars. The Digicel Kick Start Clinic initiative is one that creates once in a lifetime opportunities for our talent – and I really feel that Digicel was thinking outside the box by bringing these stars to meet these eager young fans.”
He continued: “The presence of an international football legend like John Barnes; alongside our very own Soca Warriors, Jason Scotland and Denis Lawrence, will have a lasting positive impact on these children; it is a day that this community will talk about for years to come.”
The Trinidad leg of the Digicel Kick Start Clinics kicked off this afternoon at the St. Mary’s School ground, St. Clair, with the Trinidad and Tobago under-17 team being taken through their paces by Barnes with the assistance of four local coaches.
The young players will be showcasing their skills in the hope of catching the eye of their mentor and being one of the eight players selected to train at Sunderland AFC in England in August.
Barnes said of the tour so far: “The talent in the Caribbean has been really amazing and it is matched by the enthusiasm and genuine love for the game by the players in each and every country so far. I am expecting an impressive display from the youth here, especially as Trinidad & Tobago is known internationally for its football.”
Media Writer
