Digicel Bermuda today announced the top 30 youth footballers selected to participate the Digicel Kick Start Clinic – a two-day training session with Chelsea FC Foundation coaches to be held Friday, May 9th – 11th 2014.
After receiving nominations from local high schools and football clubs, athletes under the age of 16 participated in a pre-session held at the Bermuda Athletic Association (BAA) last month. Coach Kevin Johnson led the BAA’s coaching team in selecting the top 30 from the group of aspiring footballers.
On Friday and Saturday, Chelsea FC coaches, David Monk, Andrew Ottley and Kobina Elliott will provide firsthand practical experience and technical guidance while assessing the 30 footballers to ultimately select 3 to attend the Digicel Football Academy in Barbados.
Those of our island’s youth coaches registered for the ‘Coach the Coach’ seminar on Saturday will first be briefed on the latest training techniques used by Chelsea FC youth coaches and then have the opportunity to apply the skills during an afternoon session alongside the top 30 boys. As a welcomed addition to this year’s event, Bermuda’s Under 16 Female footballers will participate in a training session with Chelsea FC coaches on Sunday afternoon. All events will take place at the BAA.
“This opportunity to learn from top Premier League trainers is huge for Bermuda’s aspiring footballers,” comments Wayne Caines, CEO of Digicel Bermuda. “The Digicel Kick Start Programme was designed to set young, talented athletes on the right path and expose grassroots footballers to an international pace of play. The boys who travelled as ambassadors for Bermuda last year had the opportunity to play with athletes from different cultural backgrounds – some of whom didn’t speak English.”
Alistair Beak, Commercial Director of Digicel Bermuda adds, “The kids are excited about this weekend’s event, their parents are grateful for the opportunity and we are pleased to be able to deliver this experience.”
BBA President, John Doran comments, “The group of kids selected to participate in the clinic expressed a high level of enthusiasm and dedication to football. Our coaches were pleased with their efforts during the pre-session and have prepared the boys for what is expected this weekend.”
The top 30 athletes selected to participate in the Digicel Kick Start Clinic with Chelsea coaches are listed below:
Name Age Ahria Simons 14 Ajai Daniels 15 Akim Johnston 15 Andrew Kempe 13 Chemarl Henry 13 Christian Albuoy 15 Cory Booth 13 Daizhari Tucker 15 Diondre Dowling 15 Edr'y Moore 14 Eusebio Blankendal 15 Jahkeylo Burgess 14 Jaquari Paynter 14 Jarye Bean 14 Jason Symonds 14 Jerome Bailey 15 Kamali Davis 15 Krishun Douglas-Henry 14 Llineiko Millett 16 Mateo Isaac 13 Mikale Williams 14 Ricaija Simmons 15 Rye Ahronson 13 Sinclair Boyles 15 Tahjae Welch 15 T'ahje' Smith 13 Travis Boyles 14 Za'Khari Parsons 15 Zari Simmons 16 Zion Smith-Tucker 15
Limited space remains for both the Coach and Under 16 Female sessions. If you’d like to register, simply email info.bermuda@digicelgroup.com.
