BASSETERRE St.Kitts, March 8th 2011 - The SKNFA Management formally congratulated Mr. Lenny Lake on his new appointment as FIFA Grassroots Instructor at the Executive meeting held on Saturday 26th February. The President of the SKNFA Mr. Anthony Johnson told Mr. Lake that he would like to congratulate him on his new appointment on behalf of the entire management.
Mr. Johnson also stated, “This is indeed a great time for football in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis. I am sincerely proud of the achievements of Lenny as he has dedicated his life to football and in particular the youths of this country. Mr. Lake’s appointment is not only a testament to his hard work but also the Executives commitment to the Grassroots programme and Youth Development.”
Mr. Lake was asked about his feelings about his appointment he stated, “I am honoured by the appointment and to have gotten such a significant and important role. It is not about me but it is about shaping the lives of children for the years to come. A Grassroots instructor is responsible for training children ages 6-12. However, it is more than teaching football skills it is preparing the leaders of tomorrow. It is the opportunity for children to come in contact with children outside of their homes and build life long relationship with children in their community. It is about character building and life skills. As our motto for our programme her in St Kitts & Nevis states “Champions of Change” I am now charged with the duty of instructing adults who will be responsible of changing the lives of the children for the better.”
Mr. Lake left the Federation from 6-10 December 2010 to attend a FIFA Grassroots Instructor Seminar where participants would be selected to become FIFA appointed instructors. Mr. Lake was among fifteen countries within the CONCACAF Federation to attend the seminar These countries included Anguilla, Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Island, Cayman Island, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Turks & Caicos Islands, and USA.
Mr. Lake is the first national of the Federation to be appointed as a Grassroots Instructor. His appointment gives him the opportunity to travel throughout the CONCACAF Region and conduct Grassroots Seminars similar to the one held in St Kitts in November 2010 organized by the SKNFA.
Lenny Lake is the Technical Director of the SKNFA and is also responsible for the Grassroots Academy which is held every Saturday Morning for children age 5-12 years. The plan for grassroots in the federation is to institute the programme in every community. Plans are in place to launch five new programmes in 2011 three in St Kitts and two in Nevis. There are also plans to assist the already established Grassroots programmes
