KENDALL WALKES, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) Director of Football, who is currently overseeing the FA’s Grassroots clinics at different locations nationwide, has stated his delight with the showing of the youngsters so far.
“We are going into the communities continuing a program which the FA already started using the indestructible footballs,” he continued. “We have had a fair amount of success with scouting so far I am urging the club coaches to send their players in club neutral environment.
I am challenging the zone to match my passion and energy together with my assistant Muhammad Isa.” Walkes, who took over the role which was vacated by Anton Corneal last year, continued, “it’s club neutral so everyone can play. We have Under 8s, Under 11s and Under 13s training for one hour for each age group with intense technical training.
The kids will be learning more about the game and no one is here to take players away which is what is meant by a club neutral environment.
It’s all about development at this stage. “For the kids who have come out so far I see a lot of natural talent. The game slows down tremendously when you challenge them mentally but if you were to just put the ball out and have them play they do some fantastic things.
I want to see the zones take a more hands on approach and really put the kids together and help with their development,” Walkes ended.
Lifestyle Motors has been a consistent supporter of the program and the TTFA is hopeful that other corporate bodies will get involved in the effort to spread and develop the game at the grassroots level.
The program will run for another five weeks at the following locations....
CENTRAL: Hugo Francis Recreational ground, Woodford Park (Mondays).
EASTERN COUNTIES: Ojoe Road Recreation Ground (Sangre Grande) (Tuesdays).
SOUTH: Lumsden Ground Park (Gasparillo) (Wednesdays).
EASTERN: Constantine Park (Thursdays).
NORTH: NELSON MANDELA PARK (Fridays).
For more information, call 685- 7968 or 687-7652.