“NOTHING IS more fulfilling than seeing my son one step closer to accomplishing his dream,” says parent Dixie-Ann Dickson as she watched her son’s performance during the 2015 Digicel Kick Start Clinic Pre-Screening Selection at the Nelson Mandela Park, St Clair on March 21.
Over 200 aspiring footballers came out in full competitive force to showcase their talent and sportsmanship. The footballers were exposed to rigorous drills as well as practice matches by the 22 coaches of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) who assisted in the screening process.
A total of 27 youngsters were selected to advance to the next phase of the program- the Digicel Kick Start Clinic. They will be joined by three footballers from the Tobago screening process as well as one ‘wildcard’ athlete. The 31 young men will then undergo an intense two-day training schedule on April 12 and 13 facilitated by coaches of the Chelsea FC.
Digicel’s senior sponsorship officer Christopher Edmond highlighted the success of the program.
“Digicel proudly continues to support the development of youth talent and sport through the Digicel Kick Start Clinic. We are committed to providing opportunities like Kick Start to empower youngsters to excel and be extraordinary. The response to the program this year has been phenomenal and we extend our best wishes to the footballers chosen to move forward.”
Muhammad Isa, who has been a coach for over 30 years, praised Digicel for the committed partnership.
“This program not only gives these local talents the opportunity to perform at an international level but also allows them to learn a level of professionalism that is much needed to fully mature in the sport,” he added.
“This program makes my son’s life goal that once seemed next to impossible, now appear to be in arms reach,” commented parent Hugh Britto as he cheered on his son. “Parents are always with their kids during their struggles, successes and pain, they go through the same, they sacrifice they know how badly their children want this, they feel it. I see this program as a great launching pad for our children.”
The Trinidad finalists are - John-Paul Rochford, Shem Clauzel, Luke Darwent, Trey Lamott, Andre Raymond, Jadah Garcia, Darian Parks, Mark Ramdeen, Tyrese Pierre, Jabari Graham, Ronald Charles, Kalif Phillip, Kareem Walker, Tshad Selvon, Rawle Felix, Roger Williams, Kyrese Eugene, Trevin Thomas, Ronaldo Edwards, Kevon Edwards, Stephon Marcano, Denzil Smith, Revaldo Prince, Jabari Brice, Elijah Shade, Tyrel Emmanuel, Jodel Brown.